“Never give up”, says Zanol about the title for the motorbikes

Third in the overall Dário Julio is only thinking about the Production category (foto: Marcelo Maragni)

For the majority of the riders in the Sertões, there are ‘only’ two stages left to finish the rally, but for the Brazilian, Felipe Zanol, there could be more. Once again he came in just a few seconds behind the French rider, Cyril Desperes, first placed in the overall standing, without managing to reduce the time difference to the lead, which is now 1min43.

Even so, Zanol continues with hopes and says that he is focused on maintaining the rhythm. “There are still two days and I think anything can happen. The rhythm is tough and in the last stages I tried to give my very Best. I am going to try to keep up what I have done up to now, and see what I manage. Give up never”, the rider explains.

Leader in the overall, Cyril Despres was impressed with the terrain and the scenery in Maranhão. “It was one of the best stages in the rally, I had a lot of fun. I never had the opportunity to ride in a forest region like today’s. Furthermore with sand trails and various curves, a good track to ride on”, the Frenchman says.

Dário thinks about the category

Third place in the overall standing, Dário Júlio is the leader in the Production category, with over two hours advantage to the second place. On the other hand, he is almost an hour behind the other two leaders in the accumulated, and the title of the Sertões doesn’t even cross his mind. “I am not going to attack to try to recover any time, I’d only manage if one of them has any problem, which is very difficult to happen. On the other hand, I’ve got a good advantage in the category”. He evaluates.

The Brazilian’s only worry up to the moment is the proximity to the Spaniard, Juan Pedr Garcia, fourth place in the accumulated, now 11min42 behind. “The Spaniard is really going for it, but today I managed to put in some distance. I’ll need to be focused and careful in order to keep the third place in the overall up to the end”, Dário stated.

Considered as the last complicated stage of the rally, according to the organization, tomorrow’s stretch goes from Teresina (PI) to Sobral (CE), 505 kilometers, of which the timed section is 253.

Andrei Spinassé collaborated , straight from Teresina (PI)

Este texto foi escrito por: Daniel Costa*

Last modified: agosto 17, 2011