Morocco Rally: KTM’s Despres Wins Stage 2

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2012 Morocco Rally Stage 2 Results

The longest stage of the 2012 Morocco Rally wrapped up Tuesday. And after stage 2 and its 315-kilometer special stage was complete, Red Bull KTM’s Cyril Despres took the win.

With his win, the 2012 Dakar Rally winner also took the overall lead with four stages remaining.

Joining Despres on the stage two podium was Red Bull MRW KTM’s Marc Coma and Team HRC’s Helder Rodrigues, the Honda CRF 450 Rally rider who won the opening stage Monday.

In the overall rankings, Coma trails Despres by a mere 37 seconds, with Rodrigues a further 51 seconds back. The next closest competitor is Team Speedbrain Husqvarna’s Joan Barreda, who trails by 11 minutes and 47 seconds.

Team MRW says after Monday’s results, the man opening the route today was Rodrigues, followed by Coma and Despres. After about 100km the three formed a group and completed the stage together, tackling a mix of a fast first section, dunes and clear track. No man was able to escape, and the man from Avià, Coma, continues second in the standings —37 seconds off new leader Despres.

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Marc Coma (MRW Red Bull KTM) says: “It was a very complete stage, the longest of the rally. There were dunes, a lot of navigation and also very fast sections. I rode out in front with Cyril Despres and Helder Rodrigues almost to the end. On days like today, in which you join up with other riders, it is difficult to make a difference, so overall it was a good day.

“Right now am not paying much attention to the standings, since there are still many stages to contest I try to ride my own race without making mistakes and to keep up a good pace. Tomorrow we go to Zagora, which in theory should be a quick stage with little difficulty. We must be careful though, because you can always encounter issues.”

Wednesday’s third stage of the Morocco Rally takes place heading to Zagora and consists of 357km —291 of which are timed.

2012 Morocco Rally Stage 2 Results:
1. Despres (KTM)
2. Coma (KTM) at 1:45
3. Rodrigues (Honda) a 3:11
4. Barreda (Husqvarna) at  3:26
5. Casteu ( Yamaha) at 6:02
6. Lopez (KTM) at 7:12
7. Goncalves (Husqvarna) at 7:13
8. Fish (Husqvarna) at 10:42

2012 Morocco Rally Overall standings after stage 2:
1. Despres (KTM)
2. Coma (KTM) at 37 seconds
3. Rodrigues (Honda), at 51 seconds
4.Barreda (Husqvarna Rally Team by Speedbrain) at 11:47
5. Goncalves (Husqvarna Rally Team by Speedbrain) at  18:29

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