For Despres the dispute withZ anol is motivating in the rally (foto: Marcelo Maragni)
At the end of the seventh stage of the 2011 Sertões International Raly, it was confirmed that the fight for this editions title is between the French rider Cyril Despres and the Brazilian, Felipe Zanol. After 306 kilometers of the Special between Balsas (MA) and Barra do Corda (MA), the time difference between the two is only seven seconds.
In the accumulated results, 1min37 separates the two motorbike riders, both having over half an hour difference to the third place, Dário Julio. In spite of the proximity in the results, the leaders experience is very different. Despres has participated in over 90 rallies, he was already world champion, he holds three Dakar titles and one in the Sertões International Rally (2006). Felipe Zanol is competing in his second Sertões, and is migrating from another off-road modality, the enduro, in which he holds six national titles.
For Zanol, the difference in the scenery, together with his good performance up to here give him the strength for the final stretch of the contest. Its the experience of 90 rallies against two, I think that already sums up the situation. Even so, the time difference between us has had little significance. I think that it is within my possibilities to try to get results [over Despres], the Brazilian rider evaluates.
Despres, himself, recognizes that the performance of both is close in this edition of the Sertões. Zanol is a good rider and has given his best, as I have. Thats why there is little difference in the results, evaluates the French rider, who prefers not to talk about a direct competition with the Brazilian. Everyday when I get on the bike, we compete against ourselves, in order to make the best time. It makes no difference if it is Juan Pablo [Garcia, Spanish rider], Felie Zanol or Zé Helio [who won in 2008 and this year is behind the scenes], might fight is not with them, but Yes with the test, the stones, dust, sand, jumps and everything I find in my way, he adds.
Zanol in pain
Felipe Zanol had a fall on the fourth stage of the Sertões and hurt his right hand. It wasnt bad enough to take the Brazilian out of the race, but he states the pain is bothering him. I had a problem in the thumb ligament in right hand. Theres not much I can do about it, except for ice packs and anti-inflammatory medicine, aside from trying to take the pain during the day. It is difficult to ride at high speed in pain, it is very demanding physically, he says.
Despres recognizes the Brazilians strength. We are not in the Olympic Games, nor in a dispute for the world title, but the Sertões is a good race, and what I like about races is the fight. It is not possible to have a good race without good fighters, and Felipe Zanol is a good fighter. This motivated me, says the leader up to here of the rally.
There are three stages left for the 2011 Sertões International Rally to end. Tomorrow the race enters Piauí, on a day with 540 kilometers to Teresina, with a Special of 210.
*Colaborou Andrei Spinassé, direto de Barra do Corda (MA)
Este texto foi escrito por: Marilin Novak*
Last modified: agosto 16, 2011
