2010 Dakar -Good News!

[NordieBoy]

That looks pretty damn fresh. Doubt it did the 400kmish stage. I didn't realise they were both using the Pirelli's Scops instead of the Mitchy Deserts. Are the Deserts "old tech" now?

Cheers R

Only 160km old at that point.

[cooneyr]

Only 160km old at that point.

Hmmm - they are very sharp but like Topo says it could be possible. I'd have though pretty unlikely the little bits of rubber between the outer knobs would have been there though - even if it was only 160km. Sand would have removed the little rubber flaps between the knobs and rocks would have "de sharped" the knobs. I'm inclined to think there was a tyre change.

Cheers R

[Waihou Thumper]

Hmmm - they are very sharp but like Topo says it could be possible. I'd have though pretty unlikely the little bits of rubber between the outer knobs would have been there though - even if it was only 160km. Sand would have removed the little rubber flaps between the knobs and rocks would have "de sharped" the knobs. I'm inclined to think there was a tyre change.

Cheers R

It was funny in Stage 8, Cyril had the rim issue on both the front and back rim. As he was changing the front, Marc was having a good look at the change, making sure things were Kosher...

After watching the developments and seeing the footage, I am of the opinion he cheated...Thing is, he is appealing the decision. I think it is a lost cause. Even if they took it away and he won, it would always be a suspicious victory...

It is going to be a thrilling next couple of days, watch out for the Kermit coloured Norwegian..

No spoilers for stage 9 please...

[NordieBoy]

Now this is a nice shot...

[cooneyr]

Now this is a nice shot...

Thats awesome picture. Even the sand comming off the front tyre looks cool. It would be interesting to know how strung out the RVX is i.e. how much HP and how much maintenance its being getting during the race.

[Waihou Thumper]

I have added some shots from the early Stages for you all to look at....

Picture 1 - Annie Seel KTM 525 Super Rocket
Picture 2 - Cyril Despres KTM 690 Rally Replica
Picture 3 - Marc Coma KTM 690 Rally
Picture 4 - Kemal Markit (Turkey) KTM 690 ( I am guessing full powered, different category)

It would be interesting to know how strung out, how much maintenance its being getting during the race.

One thing I do know is that at the end of one stage as the cameras were panning the Bivouac, both Aprilias were on their sides with the welding equipment out. It seems that one of the frames had cracked or shown signs of cracking. The guys were very open about it too and let the cameras film as the bikes were stripped down. The RXV...

[.chris]

Great pictures from the Big Picture here

[Waihou Thumper]

Geez, they are all stunning! I am gonna have them all.....

[Toureg]

The best pics for clarity I have seen, they are fantastic! Awesome thread too by the way, You guys are doing great work and it must be just so lazy sods like me can see it all here without having to surf the net all day.

[NordieBoy]

Control.....

[pampa]

ok links to stages

Its amazing on stage 9 when Depres gets stuck, how he manage to get the bike out!

Stage 1 - 10
# 1

# 2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9


#10


Cheers,
Pampa

[Woodman]

Control.....

great pic, now on my desktop.

They had a bit on stage 10 today where coma was going through some wiggly bits and they cut to someone else. Pissed me off a bit cos it was brilliant.
is there anywhere else but sbs that has a bit more coverage?

Loving it.

[cooneyr]

NZKTM - are you thinking you might put the eurosport footage on a couple of DVD's I'd be keen on a copy.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

Now that was a he'll of a stage!
Jonah 2nd by 3 seconds

[NordieBoy]

ASO changed the rules to say >450cc you have to use a restrictor right?

KTM 690's are usually 655 or so cc and the factory ones are 690cc.

They're currently running 730cc engines with the restrictors