Photo Sourced From: Dakar

The 9th stage of the 2016 Dakar may have seemed like an easy one, but the terrain once again proved what this race is all about. This stage tested man and machine as a precursor for what is still to come this week.

Due to extreme heat race officials decided to shorten the race after the 4th checkpoint. Peugeot driver Carlos Sainz took full advantage of the even short stage, taking the stage win and moving to the top of the overall leader board.

Photo Sourced From: Dakar

“The stage was really difficult. There was a lot of off-piste and off-road. It was very soft as well. There was a lot of vegetation so we had to go over the vegetation. It was difficult to follow all the tracks and everything. We had to stop two times because we were stuck in the sand, but it’s all good. I don’t exactly know the reasons for cancellation so I cannot comment about it.. It was very hot and a very demanding stage,” Sainz explained.

“It was very broken and bumpy. We had a very slow puncture, but we didn’t stop to change it and we got stuck two times in the sand. Those were our problems today. I think Fiambala is one of the most difficult stages. The fact that the motorbikes are not going to open the road for us means that probably we will have absolutely no marks. It’s going to be a difficult day, but somebody has to open the way,” he continued.

Robby Gordon finished 24th in the short stage. Team Speed Energy continues to struggle in this years Dakar. Sheldon Creed had even more issues during today’s stage.

Stephane Peterhansel may have said it best at the end of today’s stage, “Tomorrow it will be a really complicated stage again.” Dakar 2016 for many racers has been one for the ages. The conditions have been unreal and have no sign of holding up.

Photo Sourced From: Dakar