MarathonRally.com
The 4th stage of the “Merzouga Rally” in Morocco saw the competitors heading south for 270 kilometers of selective sectors. The stage was characterized by mixed terrain (fast tracks, off piste, erg and dunes), organized in 4 rings, one of comletely inedited that took the riders in the long rounded dunes south of Merouga. After the heat of the first 3 stages, riders and machines could profit of a cloudy sky and lower temperatures to tackle the longest stage of the rally.
Nicolas Cardona of the Team Venezuela won the stage in front of Portuguese Pedro Bianchi Prata and Polish Jacek Czachor, who is leading the overall standing in front of Bianchi Prata, 2nd overall and Micheluz, 3rd overall.
“The navigation was really technical and after having made some mistakes in the previous stages, I started determined to do my race focused on the road book” said Nicolas Cardona. “I have to say that compared to other races, that are faster and don’t require too much experience with the road book, here the navigation is the key point and I’m happy because I have gained confidence in myself as far as the navigation is concerned.”
Among the Rally Lite category, Cesare Zacchetti arrived first today in front of Matteo Micheluz and Matteo Rizzi. “The cooperation among riders and teams is maybe the most beautiful thing of the Rally discipline and after two days of bad luck where I suffered mechanical problems, I could start thanks to the Team of Mirco Miotto that gave me one his bikes” reported Rizzi.
It was a good day also for Mario Patrao, 11 times Portuguese TT Champion and for the Italian Tarricone and Fesani. South African Brett Cummings finished 6th in the rally category, slowed down by a mechanical problem while Australian Ben Grabham didn’t take the start today because he was sick. Tomorrow the Aussie will take the start of the 5th and last stage.
I started well and was leading when I arrived at CP1″ said Patrao. “I continued well, but then I missed the CP2 so I had to come back, loosing a lot of time. It’s a pity, because afterwards it was difficult for me to maintain the concentration, but all in all I’m satisfied with this experience. This is my first time that i compete in the Merozuga rally but it’s a very good race to start with, especially as a preparation for the Dakar, where I will make my debut this year.”
Unofficial results SS4 Stage 270 kms Bikes
01) Nicolas Cardona
02) Pedro Bianchi Prata
03) Jaceck Czachor
04) Mario Patrao
05) Francesco Tarricone
Unofficial results SS4 Overall 270 kms Bikes
01) Jaceck Czachor
02) Pedro Bianchi Prata
03) Maurizio Micheluz
04) Nicolas Cardona
05) Brett Cumming
Unofficial results SS4 Stage 270 kms SSV
01) Connell / Whytlly
02) Roustan / Rustan
03) Rinaldi / Caron
Unofficial results SS4 Overall 270 kms SSV
01) Culus / Adam
02) Abel / Carillero
03) Henrichy / Costa
2012/11/12 | 11:55 CET | ARTICLE: MR/HS/MOSSI
.
