Marc Coma, who finished second at the end of stage one, set off on a mission during the second day of the Dakar. Coma was able to put 2'52" between himself and his rival, Cyril Despres, as the Dakar riders made their way from Santa Rosa de la Pampa to San Rafael.
Coma, who is the defending Dakar Champion, took his 17th stage victory of his career.
"The start of the special was very fast today," Coma said. "Chaleco and me were riding at top speed and let me tell you, the Aprilia is very, very quick. After that, we arrived at the second part of the special with sand and dunes. It was a lot more technical, with some navigation to do as well. I took the lead and kept riding at a good pace. I'm happy because I didn't get lost. So, it's been a good day for me!"
Despres, who started from 13th today after riding a relaxed first stage, had to play catch up during stage 2. Despres was able to bring his motorcycle past Olivier Pain, Pal Anders Ullevalseter, and Quinn Cody as he climbed up to third place. Depsres will try to overtake Chaleco Lopez tomorrow as he closes in on Coma.
"The first special was a good warm-up and this second special has done my confidence good," Despres said. "It was a good day overall. There was a bit of dust this morning overtaking, but most of the riders gave me enough room to pass, so I'd like to thank them. As for the second part of the special, it wasn't as easy on sand that was quite soft. All in all though, it was a pretty good day."
Current 2012 Dakar Rally leaders
- Coma
- Lopez + 2'30"
- Despres + 2'52"
- Przygonski + 3'45"
- Bort + 8'16"
- Casteu + 8'26"
- Pizzolito + 9'38"
- Ullevalseter + 10'38"
- Pedrero Garcia - 11'45"
- Viladoms +12'10"
Here's a summary of stage two.
You can see a video summary of the first stage of the Dakar here.
