Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian standings stage 13

While watching today´s stage the old Sweet song popped up in my mind "Everybody wants some piece of the action", and third stage in Peru certainly served the crowd just that, as it was the last stage of greater importance in the 2012 Dakar rally. And the duel was on for most of the stage, over shadowing other great performances like most of the days in this year´s race... And somewhat a reminder of the 2001 duel in cars between Masuoka and Schlesser. Though fair play has been the topic of this race.

All in all, as always, great riding, racing and a drama watching the top riders giving it all in the competition. Marc Coma, in the lead when the stage started out, was unable to keep his rival Cyril Despres from gaining precious seconds and minutes, at check point one the Frenchman was back in the lead again by 5.11, then loosing time to Coma again. At the 189 km mark his advantage shortened down to 2.14. And the out come still uncertain. But then things went very wrong and the Spaniard lost it all due to gearbox problems from 25km mark and onwards. Time difference by the end of the day: 11.03. Cyril Despres will be the new title holder of the 2012 Dakar rally motorcycle category, unless something unpredictable happens on the short show-off stage of tomorrow, 29 km, between Pisca and Lima. Coma changing his engine received an extra 45-minute penalty, still in 2nd position and 56.03 behind Cypres. The Dakar showing it´s true colors once again, nothing is for certain.

The Scandinavian participants has done it again! All of them reaching the finish of today´s stage. And also being very close to the finish in Lima, sure looks like all of our competitors will reach the finish of the Dakar tomorrow. Quite impressive to say the least!

Pål Anders Ullevålseter finished the 13th stage in a 6th position, Jes Munk 57th, Captain Berglund 69th and Ronnie Bodinger 81st.

The overall most likely to stay unchanged as the riders will do the short special before the prize giving ceremony on the podium in Lima and a great party to celebrate their achievements. And finally a well worth night to spend in a real bed at the hotel as bivouac nights are over.Champs, well done!

Provisional standings stage 13: Nasca-Pisco
Special Stage 275km
Connection: 100km
Total: 375km

OVERALL
1 (2) Cyril Despres (FRA) 19.01.54
7 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +02.15.47
38 (29) Thomas Berglund (SWE) +12.11.05
53 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +15.12.37
80 (107) Ronnie Bodinger (SWE) +25.18.50