Arica (Chile) – Loprais lost the lead in the truck category, about 10 km before the finish had to stop and solve electrical problems with his battery. Passing Martin Kolomy gave him a brand new battery, but the loprais team could not get the truck going. He only could continue afterc fellow country man Marek Spáčil towed him to the finish, Loprais making it just in time.
Ales loprais commented: ”Well, it was a close one. We almost not even believed that we could make it. For a long time we were looking for a problem, because we went on a car battery, alternator, as well as 4×4. Unfortunately, it can be crucial to Dakar. In addition, the car stopped and it was not cool to boot. Even though we are stuck in a relatively easy terrain. The car became immobile just 20 km before the finish. Our only salvation was to become another Czech Marek Spáčil that deserves praise and gratitude. He was able to tighten our goals at the expense of their own time. Thanks to him we can still continue in the competition. “
Again, we recognize words of Karl Loprais. About how he can be sneaky Dakar that the leadership in that part of the competition does not mean anything. “There are problems that we can do something, but unfortunately, electronics and electrical wiring, the car is one of the worst defects that could ever happen to us. We lost almost two hours and thus lead in the competition. Nothing is lost! The mechanics immediately begin looking for the cause and no one wants to accept the fact that it should be in the contest ending. Holt’s is Dakar. We heard that the original information was, defect, but it is not. Only the resinous electricity. ” Conforms sad Ales before leaving the bivouac.
Fortunately, the whole team is full of fighters and work through the night until the morning, managed to repair the defect and it is possible to continue in the race. The following is the sixth stage and long 438 km special was and, moreover, 291 km long crossing. It will be very difficult after yesterday, especially the beginning and the end of the sixth stage. First, a tough terrain, which will rise and fall, a real roller coaster. Then pick up speed again and at the end the crew must grapple with the proper pitch to almost two and a half kilometers altitude above sea level.
We wish Alex all the best for today’s birthday, Princess 69 and Mark umoudření SPÁČIL thanks for all the wishes (and a lot too much).
They changed the average speed of the competitors who had to weave in relief from valley to valley. The heavy phase is reflected in the navigation. This was not a problem of our crew. What really bothered her was the Princess 69, which pretty stubbornly stood head 20 km before the finish. Failure means electrics overall eighth place in the stage of decline at the 62 place and loss of 1:57:53.
More news as soon as it becomes available