Today's long stage from Chilecito to San Juan originally comprised 326km of liaison and a further 455km of special, but it was shorted to a 231km special because of extremely cold temperatures at the start early this morning. The stage was won by Francisco Lopez, who now holds the slender one second overall lead.
Rodrigues rode a controlled stage over very fast terrain to maintain his challenge for this year's rally, while his Team HRC team-mate Javier Pizzolito had to ride today with no GPS, eventually finishing in ninth place.
Tomorrow's short, circular stage, starting and ending in San Juan, will be critical to the overall results, with Rodrigues scheduled to start in third place for the 146km special.
Helder Rodrigues #3 - 3rd
Today's was a very fast stage and our bike didn't have the same advantage as on other stages, but I pushed hard the whole time and I'm happy with the result. Tomorrow could be a photo finish at the end because the guys at the front are so close together. I will give everything I can.
Javier Pizzolito #7 - 9th
It was difficult again today but for a different reason - this time I had no GPS! I managed OK though and didn't lose too much time. Tomorrow will be a challenge and, for sure, a close finish.
Martino Bianchi - general manager, Team HRC
Helder rode very well today and controlled the stage. The first three riders are now very close and, with the last stage tomorrow, it will be an extremely tight finish.
Overall standings:
1 Lopez (KTM)
2 Rodrigues (Team HRC) +1s
3 Caselli (KTM) +35s
4 Coma (KTM) +3m58s
5 Casteu (Yamaha) +5.30s
6 Pizzolito (Team HRC) +6m19s
