Dakar: Stage 15 Tambacounda to Dakar notes

Stage 15: Tambacounda to Dakar
January 15, 2005
Liaison 108 km - Special 225 km - Liaison 236 km
Total 569 km

Competitors will be back on a tarmac road for a liaison of approximately 100 km to the start of the - Special.

Stage 15: 2005-01-15, Tambacounda to Dakar.

Photo by A.S.O.

We leave the tropical forest for the savannah, the landscape lightens along with the kilometres but landmarks are so difficult to find.

After the - Special, there is a final 200 km stretch of route through Senegal, to be savoured slowly, for your personal safety and enjoyment! No bivouac at night. The Assistance Parc is situated within the perimeter of the hotel Meridien.

12:42 Bikes -- Despres fastest at CP1
At the first and only CP (km 151) of the bike race between Tambacounda and Dakar (225km), overall leader Cyril Despres has clocked the fastest time of the day. Taking off in 7th position this morning, the Frenchman caught and overtook his closest rival Marc Coma. Second is Alain Duclos at 1'59, followed by Isidre Esteve is at 2'18, Andy Caldecott at 2'47 and David Fretigne at 3'53. Marc Coma is 6th at 4'51 which means that Despres now virtually has a 8'20 overall lead on the Spaniard.

12:44 Bikes -- Despres wins special
On the penultimate stage of this 2005 Telefonica Dakar, Cyril Despres conquered his second special of the race. The Frenchman beat surprising compatriot Alain Duclos by 1'24. Third on the day was Andy Caldecott at 1'54, followed by Esteve at 2'20 and De Azevedo at 3'37. Thanks to his win on this Dakar-Tambacounda stage, Despres comforts his lead on Marc Coma and now has a 9'45 advantage with one stage to go. Coma indeed finished 7th today, 5'29 adrift.

13:54 Cars -- De Villiers wins special
On the 225 km of the day's special between Tambacounda and Dakar, Giniel De Villiers (NIS) clinched his second success on the rally (after Stage 12 to Bamako). The South African beat Bruno Saby (VW) by only 57" while Carlos Sousa grabbed third spot at 1'. Thierry Magnaldi (HON) carried on his excellent run of fine performances with a fourth position at 1'27, followed by Peterhansel (MIT) at 1'52. 'Peter' increases his overall lead on Alphand (MIT) and now has a 27'13 advantage.

16:23 Trucks -- Tchaguine wins special
Definitely out of the title fight after the stage to Tichit, Vladimir Tchaguine added a fourth special win to his 2005 record on the stage between Tambacounda and Dakar. The Russian Kamaz driver beat Belgian Hugo Duisters (DAF) by 6'37 and Gerard De Rooy (DAF) by 13'19.Overall leader Firdaus Kabirov (KAM) finished over 20' adrift but is just 31kms away from a first triumph at the Lac Rose. He still has a 3h03 lead on Hans Bekx (DAF).

-dakar.com