Great victory for Joan Barreda in the first stage of the Merzouga Rally

Monster Energy Honda Team rider Joan Barreda today rode to a sensational win in the first full stage of the Merzouga Rally with the team’s other riders also placing in top positions.

 Joan Barreda clinched the triumph in the second special stage for Monster Energy Honda Team after fellow team rider Kevin Benavides had taken the victory in the prologue yesterday. Barreda put in a high speed performance over the course of 200 kilometres on an error-free, yet highly demanding stage. The Merzouga Rally produced a few navigational traps which left some competitors in a quandary.

Barreda is the new leader of the race. Barreda completed the special in 3 h 15’58”, some eight minutes ahead of the nearest second place rival. Ricky Brabec, Kevin Benavides and José Ignacio Cornejo likewise wrapped up the first stage with excellent results. Brabec posted third place and yesterday’s winner Benavides came home in fifth position. Paulo Gonçalves saw his ride hampered by navigational mishaps that caused him to finish further back. Tomorrow, Tuesday, the Portuguese rider, will be looking to claw back part of the time dropped today.

The second stage, once again made up of two loops, will be held tomorrow with one part in the northern area of Merzouga and the other in the southern area of the Tombouctou Hotel. Navigation will again be one of the key factors of the day with a total of 175.30 kilometres to travel before the day is through.