Because of forecasts of morning fog rolling in from the Pacific, organizers delayed the start to 11:00 a.m. and shortened the route so that back markers would not be too late arriving at the bivouac. Riders faced 354 km with a timed section of 170 km, entirely of sand. The ninth stage also featured a new start modus, where riders started side by side in groups of 20.
Intense and a matter of honor, Despres says
Despres said it had been a nice if short stage that he described as intense. "Everyone played their part, but I hung back a bit right at the start," he said. "We kept swapping the lead over the first 70 kilometers. First it was Marc Coma. Then it was me. We must have overtaken each other around fifteen times. There were two possible routes at the finish line. We each took a different one and finished at almost the same time. Neither of us wanted to give anything away and its proof that as riders we are very closely matched. In rally raids, there are very few final sprints, but today, it was a matter of honor…"
Closely fought race
Coma said it had been an unusual day with the side by side start. "But it was a super start," he said. "Everyone was in front. We rode together with Ullevalseter at a good pace with two other bikes. The special was interesting at the start, with dunes and navigation. In the end, it was a good result for me. That’s one more day of the rally gone and one day nearer to the finish. I’m happy. And the tires are as good as new".
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM
2. Cyril Despres, Andorra, KTM (at 0:04)
3. Francisco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia
4. Pal Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM
5. Alain Duclos, France, KTM
2010 Dakar Overall standings after Stage Nine (9)
1. Cyril Despres, Andorra, KTM
2. Pal Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM (at 1 h 21’50")
3. Francisco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia
4. Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, Yamaha
5. Alain Duclos, France KTM
18. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM