In Stage 11, from Shubaytah to Haradh, riders had to cover a total of 744 km. It was a long stage and fuel efficiency was one of the main concerns of most of the participants. So an optimal balance between performance and mileage had to be maintained.
The route was through The Empty Quarter, a vast expanse almost as big as France, boasts long, unbroken successions of dunes stretching for 80 kilometres. In contrast with stage 10 where the prevailing winds messed things up, the weather during stage 11 made the terrain far more hospitable. The increased humidity meant fewer competitors got stuck. The return trip to Haradh was raced at a much higher pace.
As the stage began, Pablo Quintanilla got on to the throttle. He was desperate to close the gap with the leader in the general rankings. He claimed his win by clocking a time of 04H 09′ 22”. Only a few seconds behind him was Matthias Walkner whose time was 04H 09′ 31”. However, Ricky Brabec continues to lead in the general rankings.
Stage 11 also marked the completion of 80 stage wins for Stéphane Peterhansel. The Frenchman, a six-time champion on a bike and seven-time champion in a car, has won 33 and 47 specials in these classes, respectively. He is the most prolific competitor in Dakar history by far. Trucker Vladimir Chagin, with 63 stage wins, is a distant second.
Now, with 11 stages off the charts, we have reached the 12th and the final stage of Dakar 2020 that will take place tomorrow, January 17.
For full results, click HERE.
Source – Dakar.
