Dakar 2020
Stage Two
Toby Price may have won Stage 1 even after a two-minute penalty, but it was Ross Branch who put in the fastest time on Stage 2, becoming the first rider from Botswana to take top honours with a Dakar stage win.
Stage two at the 2020 Dakar Rally also presented riders with several new challenges. The pre-coloured road books used for the first time this year were only given to competitors 25 minutes before the start of the 367-kilometre timed special. Also, with the day marking the first half of the event’s Super Marathon stage, riders were only allowed 10 minutes to work on their bikes at the end of the day, with no outside assistance permitted.
Starting the day from fourteenth, Branch took advantage of the tracks opened by other riders, to ride his own race, with navigation also proving a strong point.
Ross Branch
“Today was really good and I had a lot of fun on the bike. Starting fourteenth this morning helped a lot because there were some tracks that opened the road. I had a lot of fun and tried to ride my own race. I navigated well today which was really good for me and I think it helped a lot. Then I just took it easy…”
Stage 2 runner-up was Sam Sunderland, proving consistency is key and sitting 1min-24s off Branch’s winning time of 3:39’10”. That was enough to claim the overall lead, by 1min-32s from Pablo Quintanilla.
![sam sunderland Dakar stage sam sunderland Dakar stage](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/sam-sunderland_Dakar_2020_stage-2_0402-1024x640.jpg)
Quintanilla improved on his Stage 1 result of sixth to claim the final place in the top three on day two, which also earnt him runner-up position in the combined standings.
Rounding out the top five for the day were Kevin Benavides and Luciano Benavides, just 3min-40s and 3min-44s off stage-winning pace respectively.
![luciano benavides Dakar stage luciano benavides Dakar stage](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/luciano-benavides_Dakar_2020_stage-2_0410-1024x640.jpg)
Toby Price had to settle for 17th for the day on board his Red Bull KTM Factory Team machine after tackling the challenge of starting first, but held onto a top-ten position in the overall standings in ninth – 7min-34s off Sunderland’s leading pace.
Toby Price
“A very challenging day with our first Super Marathon stage complete, it is all new for everyone and doesn’t really allow us much time to work on the bikes which made things interesting. Navigation today was really difficult and the conditions were tricky with so many lines to choose from! With such heavy navigation, it leaves you feeling like you’re gambling with your decisions all day, but it makes it interesting for all competitors. Starting first is always going to be a disadvantage and today was a day I knew the rest of the field would make time on me, I don’t plan on starting first too many more times after my efforts today but I’m feeling good, the bike is in good shape for tomorrow and I’m looking forward to Stage 3!”
![toby price Dakar stage toby price Dakar stage](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/toby-price_Dakar_2020_stage-2_0429-1024x640.jpg)
Fellow Australian Rodney Faggotter proved consistent, following up his Stage 1 19th placing, with a strong 18th in Stage 2, claiming 17th overall.
Rodney Faggotter
“17th quickest today. Saw a couple crashed riders today and some other riders that had started in front of me were with them – so I will possibly slip down from 17th position depending on what time they are given nack for stopping – but all good! Solid day. Had dust for about 200klms then led out in front of my group which means a lot of navigation but no dust! The riding here is so diverse and so far.. fun!”
Dakar 2020 Results
Pos. | Rider | Team | Time/Gap |
1 | Â Ross Branch | Bas Dakar KTM Racing Team | 03h 39′ 10” |
2 | Â Sam Sunderland | Red Bull KTM Factory Team | + 00h 01′ 24” |
3 | Â Pablo Quintanilla | Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing | + 00h 02′ 21” |
4 | Â Kevin Benavides | Monster Energy Honda Team 2020 | + 00h 03′ 40” |
5 | Â Luciano Benavides | Red Bull KTM Factory Team | + 00h 03′ 44” |
6 | Â Joan Barreda Bort | Monster Energy Honda Team 2020 | + 00h 04′ 57” |
7 | Â Jose Ignacio Florimo | Monster Energy Honda Team 2020 | + 00h 05′ 58” |
8 | Â Matthias Walkner | Red Bull KTM Factory Team | + 00h 05′ 59” |
9 | Â Xavier De Soultrait | Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team | + 00h 06′ 08” |
10 | Â Andrew Short | Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing | + 00h 07′ 00” |
11 | Â Skyler Howes | Klymciw Racing | + 00h 07′ 42” |
12 | Â Ricky Brabec | Monster Energy Honda Team 2020 | + 00h 08′ 45” |
13 |  Paulo Gonçalves | Hero Motosports Team Rally | + 00h 09′ 32” |
14 | Â Adrien Van Beveren | Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team | + 00h 09′ 48” |
15 | Â Franco Caimi | Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team | + 00h 09′ 50” |
16 | Â Stefan Svitko | Slovnaft Rally Team | + 00h 11′ 15” |
17 | Â Toby Price | Red Bull KTM Factory Team | + 00h 12′ 13” |
18 | Â Rodney Faggotter | Yamaha Motor Australia | + 00h 17′ 17” |
19 | Â Lorenzo Santolino | Sherco TVS Rally Factory | + 00h 18′ 25” |
20 | Â Adrien Metge | Sherco TVS Rally Factory | + 00h 18′ 32” |
21 | Â Antonio Maio | Yamaha Fino Motor Racing | + 00h 19′ 30” |
22 | Â Juan Pedrero Garcia | LS2 Aventura Touareg | + 00h 19′ 49” |
23 |  Sebastian Bühler | Hero Motosports Team Rally | + 00h 20′ 03” |
24 | Â Johnny Aubert | Sherco TVS Rally Factory | + 00h 20′ 04” |
25 | Â Milan Engel | Moto Racing Group (MRG) | + 00h 22′ 28” |
26 | Â Adam Tomiczek | Orlen Team | + 00h 27′ 21” |
27 | Â Maurizio Gerini | Solarys Racing | + 00h 29′ 33” |
28 | Â Maciej Giemza | Orlen Team | + 00h 31′ 12” |
29 | Â Ivan Jakes | Jakes Dakar Team | + 00h 32′ 18” |
30 | Â Paul Spierings | HT Rally Raid Husqvarna Racing | + 00h 34′ 21” |
31 | Â Jaume Betriu | FN Speed Team | + 00h 37′ 44” |
32 | Â Jan Brabec | Big Shock Racing | + 00h 38′ 18” |
33 | Â Martin Michek | Moto Racing Group (MRG) | + 00h 39′ 00” |
34 | Â Jamie Mccanney | Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team | + 00h 39′ 37” |
35 | Â Sebastien Lagut | Nomade Racing | + 00h 42′ 38” |
36 | Â Garrett Poucher | Klymciw Racing | + 00h 42′ 58” |
37 | Â Laia Sanz | Gas Gas Factory Team | + 00h 43′ 52” |
38 | Â Loic Minaudier | Team All Tracks | + 00h 46′ 02” |
39 | Â Mohammed Balooshi | Duust Rally Team | + 00h 47′ 45” |
40 | Â Mario Patrao | Ktm Factory Team | + 00h 47′ 52” |
41 | Â Arunas Gelazninkas | Arunas Gelazninkas | + 00h 48′ 35” |
42 | Â Cesar Pardo | Ktm Peru Rally Team | + 00h 48′ 53” |
43 | Â Olivier Pain | Team Jog – Nomade Racing | + 00h 49′ 17” |
44 | Â Carl Johan Bjerkert | Ht Rally Raid Husqvarna Racing | + 00h 49′ 36” |
45 | Â Abdullah Al Shatti | Duust Rally Team | + 00h 51′ 41” |
46 | Â Patricio Cabrera | Kawasaki Chile Cidef | + 00h 53′ 22” |
47 | Â Fausto Mota | Xraids Team | + 01h 07′ 33” |
48 | Â Jacopo Cerutti | Solarys Racing | + 01h 08′ 41” |
49 | Â Emanuel Gyenes | Autonet Motorcycle Team | + 01h 09′ 15” |
50 | Â Myunggul Ryu | Klymciw Racing | + 01h 14′ 41” |
51 | Â Harith Noah Koitha Veettil | Sherco Tvs Rally Factory | + 01h 15′ 36” |
52 | Â Florent Vayssade | Team Vayssade Florent | + 01h 19′ 40” |
53 | Â Santosh Shivashankar | Hero Motosports Team Rally | + 01h 20′ 34” |
54 | Â Arnold Brucy | Brucy Racing Team | + 01h 21′ 06” |
Pos. | Rider | Time/Gap |
1 | Â Sam Sunderland | 07h 05′ 22” |
2 | Â Pablo Quintanilla | + 00h 01′ 18” |
3 | Â Kevin Benavides | + 00h 01′ 32” |
4 | Â Matthias Walkner | + 00h 02′ 00” |
5 | Â Ricky Brabec | + 00h 04′ 11” |
6 | Â Ross Branch | + 00h 04′ 19” |
7 | Â Luciano Benavides | + 00h 06′ 01” |
8 | Â Joan Barreda Bort | + 00h 06′ 09” |
9 | Â Toby Price | + 00h 07′ 34” |
10 | Â Andrew Short | + 00h 09′ 24” |
11 | Â Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florimo | + 00h 09′ 34” |
12 | Â Xavier De Soultrait | + 00h 10′ 11” |
13 | Â Adrien Van Beveren | + 00h 13′ 01” |
14 |  Paulo Gonçalves | + 00h 13′ 10” |
15 | Â Franco Caimi | + 00h 19′ 14” |
16 | Â Skyler Howes | + 00h 20′ 52” |
17 | Â Adrien Metge | + 00h 24′ 55” |
18 | Â Stefan Svitko | + 00h 26′ 43” |
19 | Â Rodney Faggotter | + 00h 36′ 32” |
20 | Â Johnny Aubert | + 00h 37′ 17” |
21 | Â Antonio Maio | + 00h 37′ 39” |
22 | Â Juan Pedrero Garcia | + 00h 38′ 52” |
23 | Â Lorenzo Santolino | + 00h 41′ 38” |
24 | Â Milan Engel | + 00h 47′ 44” |
25 |  Sebastian Bühler | + 00h 48′ 37” |
26 | Â Maurizio Gerini | + 00h 56′ 35” |
27 | Â Adam Tomiczek | + 00h 57′ 16” |
28 | Â Maciej Giemza | + 00h 57′ 59” |
29 | Â Laia Sanz | + 01h 00′ 58” |
30 | Â Martin Michek | + 01h 06′ 08” |
31 | Â Jan Brabec | + 01h 09′ 01” |
32 | Â Jamie Mccanney | + 01h 11′ 38” |
33 | Â Sebastien Lagut | + 01h 11′ 45” |
34 | Â Jaume Betriu | + 01h 13′ 44” |
35 | Â Carl Johan Bjerkert | + 01h 23′ 42” |
36 | Â Paul Spierings | + 01h 26′ 26” |
37 | Â Garrett Poucher | + 01h 27′ 29” |
38 | Â Jacopo Cerutti | + 01h 27′ 42” |
39 | Â Arunas Gelazninkas | + 01h 28′ 42” |
40 | Â Mario Patrao | + 01h 29′ 00” |
41 | Â Loic Minaudier | + 01h 29′ 05” |
42 | Â Mohammed Balooshi | + 01h 29′ 52” |
43 | Â Olivier Pain | + 01h 35′ 31” |
44 | Â Cesar Pardo | + 01h 38′ 01” |
45 | Â Patricio Cabrera | + 01h 42′ 25” |
46 | Â Abdullah Al Shatti | + 01h 42′ 56” |
47 | Â Santosh Chunchunguppe Shivashankar | + 01h 57′ 52” |
48 | Â Ivan Jakes | + 01h 58′ 43” |
49 | Â Emanuel Gyenes | + 01h 59′ 45” |
50 | Â Fausto Mota | + 02h 09′ 22” |
51 | Â Guillaume Chollet | + 02h 37′ 43” |
52 | Â Giordano Pacheco | + 02h 39′ 03” |
53 | Â Arnold Brucy | + 02h 40′ 35” |
54 | Â Roman Krejci | + 02h 41′ 34” |
Pos | Rider | Team | Time/Gap |
1 | Â TOBY PRICE | RED BULL KTM FACTORY TEAM | 03H 21′ 33 |
2 | Â RICKY BRABEC | MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020 | + 00H 00′ 05 |
3 | Â MATTHIAS WALKNER | RED BULL KTM FACTORY TEAM | + 00H 00′ 40 |
4 | Â KEVIN BENAVIDES | MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020 | + 00H 02′ 31 |
5 | Â SAM SUNDERLAND | RED BULL KTM FACTORY TEAM | + 00H 03′ 15 |
6 | Â PABLO QUINTANILLA | ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING | + 00H 03′ 36 |
7 | Â JOAN BARREDA BORT | MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020 | + 00H 05′ 51 |
8 | Â LUCIANO BENAVIDES | RED BULL KTM FACTORY TEAM | + 00H 06′ 56 |
9 | Â ANDREW SHORT | ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING | + 00H 07′ 03 |
10 | Â ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN | MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA RALLY TEAM | + 00H 07′ 52 |
11 | Â JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO FLORIMO | MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020 | + 00H 08′ 15 |
12 |  PAULO GONÇALVES | HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY | + 00H 08′ 17 |
13 | Â Xavier De Soultrait | MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA RALLY TEAM | + 00H 08′ 42 |
14 | Â Ross Branch | BAS DAKAR KTM RACING TEAM | + 00H 08′ 58 |
15 | Â Adrien Metge | SHERCO TVS RALLY FACTORY | + 00H 11′ 02 |
16 | Â Daniel Nosiglia Jager | TEAM HONDA NOSIGLIA | + 00H 12′ 12 |
17 | Â Franco Caimi | MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA RALLY TEAM | + 00H 14′ 03 |
18 | Â Skyler Howes | KLYMCIW RACING | + 00H 17′ 49 |
19 | Â Rodney Faggotter | YAMAHA MOTOR AUSTRALIA | + 00H 18′ 54 |
20 | Â Stefan Svitko | SLOVNAFT RALLY TEAM | + 00H 20′ 07 |
21 | Â Laia Sanz | GAS GAS FACTORY TEAM | + 00H 21′ 45 |
22 | Â Johnny Aubert | SHERCO TVS RALLY FACTORY | + 00H 21′ 52 |
23 | Â Antonio Maio | YAMAHA FINO MOTOR RACING | + 00H 22′ 48 |
24 | Â Jacopo Cerutti | SOLARYS RACING | + 00H 23′ 40 |
25 | Â Juan Pedrero Garcia | LS2 AVENTURA TOUAREG | + 00H 23′ 42 |
26 | Â Lorenzo Santolino | SHERCO TVS RALLY FACTORY | + 00H 27′ 52 |
27 | Â Sebastien Lagut | NOMADE RACING | + 00H 31′ 46 |
28 | Â Milan Engel | MOTO RACING GROUP (MRG) | + 00H 31′ 55 |
29 | Â Maciej Giemza | ORLEN TEAM | + 00H 33′ 26 |
30 | Â Maurizio Gerini | SOLARYS RACING | + 00H 33′ 41 |
31 | Â Martin Michek | MOTO RACING GROUP (MRG) | + 00H 33′ 47 |
32 |  Sebastian Bühler | HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY | + 00H 35′ 13 |
33 | Â Adam Tomiczek | ORLEN TEAM | + 00H 36′ 34 |
34 | Â Jamie Mccanney | MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA RALLY TEAM | + 00H 36′ 40 |
35 | Â Aaron Mare | MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020 | + 00H 36′ 45 |
36 | Â Jan Brabec | BIG SHOCK RACING | + 00H 37′ 22 |
37 | Â Carl Johan Bjerkert | HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING | + 00H 40′ 45 |
38 | Â Jaume Betriu | FN SPEED TEAM | + 00H 42′ 39 |
39 |  Santosh Chunchunguppe | HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY | + 00H 43′ 57 |
40 | Â Arunas Gelazninkas | ARUNAS GELAZNINKAS | + 00H 46′ 46 |
41 | Â Mario Patrao | KTM FACTORY TEAM | + 00H 47′ 47 |
42 | Â Garrett Poucher | KLYMCIW RACING | + 00H 48′ 40 |
43 | Â Mohammed Balooshi | DUUST RALLY TEAM | + 00H 48′ 46 |
44 | Â Loic Minaudier | TEAM ALL TRACKS | + 00H 49′ 42 |
45 | Â Cesar Pardo | KTM PERU RALLY TEAM | + 00H 50′ 47 |
46 | Â Olivier Pain | TEAM JOG – NOMADE RACING | + 00H 52′ 53 |
47 | Â Ivan Jakes | JAKES DAKAR TEAM | + 00H 53′ 04 |
48 | Â Patricio Cabrera | KAWASAKI CHILE CIDEF | + 00H 55′ 42 |
49 | Â Emanuel Gyenes | AUTONET MOTORCYCLE TEAM | + 00H 57′ 09 |
50 | Â Abdullah Al Shatti | DUUST RALLY TEAM | + 00H 57′ 54 |
51 | Â Paul Spierings | HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING | + 00H 58′ 44 |
52 | Â Anthony Boursaud | ANTHO MOTO SPORT – DRAG’ON RALLY TEAM | + 00H 59′ 45 |
53 | Â Fausto Mota | XRAIDS TEAM | + 01H 03′ 28 |
54 | Â Benjamin Melot | BENJAMIN MELOT | + 01H 07′ 34 |
2020 Dakar Calendar
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