Due to hazardous conditions on the race route, including narrow stretches and poor ground, the second stage of the Rally Sertoes was shortened quite radically from the originally-planned 155.65 kilometre stage.
This put a damper on Team HRC’s chances of narrowing the deficit with the race leader. Paulo Goncalves, who started out from third place on the day, had hoped to whittle down the gap with the front runner, who set off ahead. In spite of the changes to the original schedule, Paulo managed a fast, yet comfortable ride, reducing the gap with the overall leader to just 39 seconds.
A very focused Helder Rodrigues tried to avoid any navigational errors, due to flaws in the road-book, which eventually left him conceding several seconds to his adversaries. Tomorrow Helder will start from behind and it will be full gas for the Honda CRF450 RALLY in an attempt to recuperate time and get back up among the top positions.
Another noteworthy performance was displayed by Honda Brazil’s Jean Azevedo, taking second final place in the stage and third overall.
Paulo Gonçalves: Today I set a really good rhythm on the bike. I was able to keep up a really quick and constant pace. However, the organization shortened the route and we competed over a 70 kilometre course, which meant that I was unable to make up much time. I would have been able to win the stage and pull back. I’m very close at just one minute 47 seconds behind the leader overall. I’m closing in, and tomorrow I’ll try and do it again.
