Dakar 2016
Stage 6: Uyuni – Uyuni
Special Stage: 542 km – Road connection: 181 km – Total: 723 km
Yesterday, the four Xtremeplus Polaris Factory Team arrived to Bolivia, overcoming the marathon stage, rain and altitude! Today’s stage was a challenging loop of 542 km around the Salar Uyuni, the longest timed section of the race.
The weather conditions previously announced added difficulties to the stage that took place between 3,500 and 4,200 meters above sea level, it was rather cold and rainy… The selective section presented lots of change of rhythm along the stage, sand and gravel. Luckily, competitors didn’t have to go through the Salar, where several competitors were forced to leave the race last year. There were also navigation tricks where everyone had to avoid falling for.
At the time of this press release, Michelle Chinotto/Maurizio Dominella N. 389 are at WP11 in the 53th position and Leandro Torres/Roldan Lourival N.367 mark the 69th place.
During this difficult journey, Mao Rujin/Ka Chun Yu N.394 faced some issues at the beginning of the special stage and were helped by the fast service car driven by Marco Piana and Steven Griener.
Meanwhile Eugenio Amos/Rafael Tornabell N.371 had electrical problems at km 202, but everyone is moving and the three cars are at about WP6.
Tomorrow, the Dakar returns to Argentina and competitors will have a late arrival to the bivouac in Salta, where they will be able to enjoy a well-deserved rest day.