Dakar Rally 2016 Stage 1 | Canceled Due to Storms

Dakar Rally 2016 Stage 1 | Canceled Due to Storms Joan Barreda
Honda's Joan Barreda

Dakar Rally 2016 Stage 1 Results

Dakar Rally 2016 Stage 1 | Canceled Due to Storms Joan Barreda
Honda’s Joan Barreda

With temps hovering over 100 degrees (F) for Saturday’s prologue, which was won by Team HRC Honda’s Joan Barreda, many riders thought the sweltering conditions would be the biggest challenge during Dakar Rally 2016 Stage 1 on Sunday.

The hot conditions were just right to brew up a tumultuous storm, and this is just what happened Sunday in Rosario, Argentina. Due to heavy thunder, lighting and downpours, Dakar Rally organizers were forced to cancel the opening stage due to safety concerns.

The ASO – the organizers of Dakar 2016 – said the conditions meant that helicopters that monitor and deal with emergencies were forced to remain grounded. Dakar director Etienne Lavigne was given no choice but to annul the first special stage of the rally, officials say.

Riders were forced to ride directly towards the bivouac in Villa Carlos Paz, where stage two is set for on Monday.

Due to the cancellation of Dakar Rally 2016 Stage 1, Barreda still leads over Husqvarna’s Ruben Faria. Rounding out the top five are Yamaha’s Helder Rodrigues, Yamahalube Yamaha Junior Rally Team’s Adrien Van Beveran, and Barreda’s teammate Michael Metge.

Tuesday’s stage will take the 143 riders from Villa Carlos Paz to Termas de Rio Hondo. Riders will travel 488 miles, with a 280-mile timed stage.

Dakar Rally 2016 Stage 2 Terrain

The statistics speak for themselves: with around 488 miles to cover depending on the category, the day will be very long. There is a significant distance to cover in both the special and the liaison sections: although the terrain presents no real difficulties, the relatively fast tracks may already benefit those who love hills and crossing rivers and who can keep up high speeds over the whole distance. Cars and trucks are entitled to an extension on this day (courtesy of Honda).

Stay clicked to Ultimate MotorCycling for stage 2 results.

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