2015 Dakar Rally - Stage 1: And They're Off!

The first stage of the 2015 Dakar Rally started from Buenos Aires this weekend; and as usual, the day was a relatively easy affair that allowed riders to check their machines and get into the groove of what will be a grueling competition.

As such, a 144km liaison ride was made through the Argentinean countryside before the competitors reached the 175km timed “special” stage. Another long (519km) liaison section ended the day, and everyone bivouacked in Villa Carlos Paz.

Because of the short special stage, the riders are packed close on the standing, with less than six minutes separating the Top 20 riders. KTM’s Sam Sunderland drew first blood with the stage win, with teammate Marc Coma 1’12 behind in third.

“It’s difficult to judge your strategy based on the first day because you still don’t know who’s pulled out all the stops. It’s also important not to go all in, you’ve got to leave something for the other stages…However, I think I had a good special and that’s always a reason to be happy,” said Sunderland

“The bike didn’t miss a beat, it was very fast and I probably posted a good time. I’m a contender… for the first day. I hope I’m also a contender at the end, but we’ve only covered 175 kilometers and there’s still a long road before us,” he added.

HRC’s for a Dakar win is looking strong so far, with Paolo Goncalves a respectable second, and only five seconds behind stage-winner Sunderland.

For the Yamaha Racing, the pace was a little slower, with Olivier Pain finishing 13th on the day, 3’34 back from Sunderland.

Top 10 from Stage 1 (Buenos Aires to Villa Carlos Paz) of the 2015 Dakar Rally:

Pos.	Rider	Country	Brand	Time
1	SUNDERLAND	GBR	KTM	01:18:57
2	GONCALVES	PRT	HONDA	+00:05
3	COMA	ESP	KTM	+01:12
4	BARREDA BORT	ESP	HONDA	+01:41
5	DUCLOS	FRA	SHERCO TVS	+02:08
6	ISRAEL ESQUERRE	CHL	HONDA	+02:16
7	CASTEU	FRA	KTM	+02:36
8	WALKNER	AUT	KTM	+02:42
9	QUINTANILLA	CHL	KTM	+02:58
10	FARIA	PRT	KTM	+03:02