The 44th edition of the Dakar prepares for its resolution, for the decisive days in which the division between winners and losers will take place, between drivers who achieve their goal and those who remain at the gates. Before that, a more ‘quiet’ ninth stage, although that’s saying a lot in a race like this. In fact, the ninth special, the penultimate one that takes place in a loop format, is one of the shortest of the edition, since the pilots face only 287 kilometers against the clock. All the action takes place around Wadi Ad Dawasir, the scene where the Dakar caravan arrived yesterday.
Even if there may be a sense of relaxation Being a short and comfortable stage, David Castera warns that the race can hide a surprise at any time, perhaps at the point where it is least expected. For this reason, Riders, pilots and co-drivers must exercise extreme caution and not to trust in a journey that should be fast and favorable, but that can turn into a nightmare at the slightest mistake. At the end, 287 kilometers of sandy tracks and dunes still give a lot of room to gain or lose time, more if possible in the two or three complicated navigation areas that the route presents.
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The sandy tracks and the dunes are the main element of a stage that not only presents some complicated navigation areas with valleys and gorges as protagonists, but also fast tracks in which the ‘motards’ and faster riders can leave their mark. They will not be lacking, in the usual Macedonian of surfaces, more technical and arid areas, with stones that can give more than a scare. Sections typical of the trial that represent a real contrast with the previous scenarios. Sand, earth, dunes and stone to draw a compact stage, but full of nuances, seen as seen.
Being a slightly shorter stage than the previous ones, the start has been delayed a bit. In fact, the first ‘motard’ will start at 6:00 am, while the first quad will do it at 7:12 am. In theory, the first riders in the motorcycle category should reach the finish line around 9:15 in the morning. For its part, the first car will start the special at 8:05 am, while T3 and T4 have set the stage start time at 9:04 and 9:13 respectively. Finally, the trucks will begin their particular battle at 9:34 am.
Profile ninth stage Dakar 2022 (Wadi Ad Dawasir – Wadi Ad Dawasir)