304 vehicles made it through the special stageAt 17.30 GMT, 136 bikes, 109 cars and 59 trucks had made it through the thirteenth special stage and were heading for or had already arrived at the bivouac in Tambacounda, the finishing point of this 13th stage. Only four trucks were still in the day’s timed section.

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Truck

Stage 13 summaryPending validation, Czech Ales Loprais (Tatra) recorded his first special stage victory on the Dakar with a time of 3.17’43, 3’25 ahead of Dutchman Hans Stacey (Man), who strengthened even further his position of general rankings leader with a lead of 3.02’50 over Russian Ilgizar Mardeeva, who was 3rd today.

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Car

Stage 13 summaryPending validation, Spaniard Carlos Sainz (VW) recorded his 8th scratch time stage victory on the Dakar, his 4th this year with a time of 2.30’22, 26" ahead of Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel (Mitsubishi), who remained on top of the general rankings with an 11’15 lead over team-mate Luc Alphand (Mitsubishi). 3rd place of the day went to American Mark Miller (VW). In the two-wheel drive category, Frenchman Jean-Louis Schlesser (Buggy Schlesser) triumphed with the 5th-placed scratch time. In the Open category, the American Robby Gordon (Hummer) was victorious with the 11th-placed scratch time. Finally, in the production category, Spaniard Xavier Foj (Toyota) tasted victory.

---Bike

Stage 13 summaryPending validation, Frenchman Cyril Despres (KTM) recorded his 16th scratch time stage victory on the Dakar, his 2nd this year, with a time of 3.00’56, 6’07 ahead of American Chris Blais (KTM), and 11’43 in front of Frenchman Thierry Bethys (HONDA), who also won in the 450 cc category. However, the day was dominated by the withdrawal of Spaniard Marc Coma, who left his position as rally leader to Cyril Despres, 35’28 in front of his countryman David Casteu. In the Marathon category, South African Tom Classen (KTM) tasted victory, with an excellent 4th-placed scratch time. Finally, in the quad category, Spaniard Jose Maria Pena (KTM) was victorious.