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 | Merzouga Rally: Australian rider Ben Grabham wins the second SS in Morocco.
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The second stage of the "Merzouga Rally" in Morocco, 184 kilometers of selective sector, was technical and varied with a good combination of dry rivers beds, fast tracks and dunes. The heat, with the temperatures hitting the 45 degrees, continues to be very demanding both for the riders and the machines.
Ben Grabham, one of the most famous Australian off road riders and 3 times winner of the "Australasian Safari", won the second stage at his debut on an African Rally.
"Day by day I’m becoming more familiar with the navigation with the road book and GPS. I’m happy because I’m learning a lot and I'm sure this training will be useful for Dakar 2013 where I will race with KTM Australia" he said after the stage.
Just 1:56 minutes behind the Aussie, the Italian Glauco Ciarpaglini, second, followed by the Polish Jaceck Czachor of the Team Orlen, third at 02:56 mins. "It has been a beautiful stage with a variety of different terrain, crossing of dry river beds, fast tracks and dunes. Yesterday I struggled for the heat while today I was more comfortable" said the Italian Ciarpaglini.
Jacek Czachor said: "We’re here finalising the preparation for the Dakar 2013, where I will compete with Kuba (Jakob Przygonsky), my team mate of the Orlen Team. I’m satisfied with this technical and navigated stage and I’m enjoying the rally."
A very good day for Maurizio Micheluz, Enduro European Champion and leader of the Italian Team at the 6 Days at his debut in an African Rally, who finished 4th.
"This is my first African rally and I’m enjoying it a lot. Day by day I’m becoming more familiar with the navigation with the road book and GPS, I’m struggling a bit in the stretches where there are a lot of traces, whereas I’m at ease on the dunes. It’s a new experience and I’m enjoying it" said Micheluz.
Unofficial results SS2 “Andromeda” 184 kms Bikes
01) Ben Grabham
02) Glauco Ciarpaglini
03) Jacek Czachor
04) Maurizio Micheluz
05) Mario Patrao
06) Pedro Bianchi Prata
07) Arturo Casanova
08) Giovanni Sala
09) Nicola Alberto Cardona
10) Antonio Colombo
Unofficial results SS2 “Andromeda” 184 kms SSV
01) Roustan / Roustan
02) Garrouste / Damota
03) Abel / Manez
2012/11/08 | 15:15 CET | ARTICLE: MR/HS/MOSSI
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