Dakar 2018, Stage 8: Mena Leads Indian Contingent; Santosh Shows Progress

Stage 8 of the 2018 Dakar rally saw the riders complete the longest stretch yet in the marathon leg completing a total distance of 585 km from Uyuni to Tupiza with a timed section of 498 km. Indian teams Sherco TVS and Hero MotoSports progressed through the stage, even as riders received no support during the overnight halt in Uyuni, as per regulations. The eighth stage of the rally saw unprecedented rains on the Bolivian Plateau along while traversing through sections at an altitude of 4800 metres. Sherco TVS rider dropped down to 20th in overall classifications, while Hero's CS Santosh dropped to 42nd while teammate Oriol Mena leads at 18th overall.

(Joan Pedrero lost time in Stage 8 after getting stuck in the mud)

Leading the Indian pack for the longest time now, Joan Pedrero finished the stage at 30th position, dropping to 20th overall from 16th in stage 7. Pedrero got stuck in the mud 10 km from the finish line and needed assistance from the mechanics. The incident cost the rider time during the last leg.

Hero, on the other hand, covered solid ground in Stage 8 with Oriol Mena finishing under top-20. The rookie rider has been consistently doing well and finished at 12th position by the end of the day, while grabbing the 18th spot overall. Santosh too has been gaining ground and continued a steady run finishing in 38th place. Santosh now qualifies in 42nd place overall, down from 40th in Stage 7.

(Oriol Mena grabbed the 18th position overall, retaining his post under top-20)
 
While the riders were to move towards Stage 9 today, Dakar organisers had to cancel the same due to excessive rains in the region. Overflowing rivers are expected to pose grave dangers to the participants, and hence it was a safety call. The participants will now move into Argentina on to their next bivouac at Salta for Stage 10. The next stage will commence on January 16 and will riders continue from Salta to Belen for the longest liaison section of the Dakar.