KTM factory-supported rider Cyril Despres held on to second overall in day three of the 2010 Dakar as riders negotiated their way from Cordoba to La Rioja in Argentina for the second timed stage of this year’s rally. KTM’s Marc Coma, third in today’s stage, incurred a disappointing penalty.

"Coma was penalized 22 minutes for exceeding the speed limit going though a town in the first stage after a control of the riders’ GPS systems last night," said KTM’s Stefan Huber who is traveling with the KTM supported riders.

KTM factory-supported riders and former Dakar Rally winners Cyril Despres and Marc Coma rode a confident first stage in the grueling Dakar Rally which took contestants from Colon to Cordoba in Argentina, the first timed section in the 9000 km rally.

Finishing second and third in a tightly grouped trio behind David Casteu, Despres and Coma were just three and 12 seconds behind the leader and now have the advantage that Casteu must now navigate out in the lead in tomorrow’s stage.

The technical and administrative scrutineering will be completed by the end of the afternoon for the drivers, riders and teams in the Dakar. Before hitting the trail, the contenders now have some time to enjoy their New Year’s Eve in Buenos Aires before mingling with the crowds on the occasion of the start podium ceremony that will be held tomorrow afternoon. Overall 362 vehicles including 151 motorcycles and 25 quads will start the rally.