Team Dessoude: From the dunes to the Pacific Ocean 19.01.2013: DAKAR 2013 Leg 13 - 18th of January 2013 Copiapo / La Serena : 735 km - Links : 294 km - SS : 441 km

DAKAR 2013  Leg 13 - 18th of January 2013
Copiapo / La Serena : 735 km - Links : 294 km - SS : 441 km



A sandy track, a few dunes, rocks and fast tracks, that was the program of the thirteenth stage between Copiapo and La Serena, at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. On 441 km of special stage separated by 61 km of neutralization, some of the competitors of the 35th Dakar decided to "secure" and for others, tried their last gamble.


This penultimate stage before joining Santiago tomorrow, did not change the hierarchy. In the Dessoude team, Christian Lavieille on Buggy Juke achieves a good stage, finishing 19th (18th overall). Keeping in his sights the finish line of the rally, Yves Tartarin did not take any risk and consolidates its 33rd position overall.


Still in great shape at the end of the rally, Frédéric Chavigny and its Proto Atacama are now heading to Santiago and finished today in the top 40 after a start from the 61st position.


After a hundred kilometers link, the 13th special stage, split into two sections separated by a neutralization, could have reversed the hierarchy between dunes or fast tracks. Christian Lavieille and Jean-Michel Polato have not released the pace throughout the 441 km route oscillating between 17th and 20th place. Finally, passing the finish line, the Juke ranks 19th.


" Another good day! We started quite late this morning and we finished late this evening. We had a good start and were lucky to overtake the trucks, which saved us a bit of dust. On the first section of the stage there was a lot of sand and a few areas more complicated than expected. Jean-Michel has done a good job and the car was perfect. Our little "fight" with Benat Errandonea and "Nono" Debron is quite nice because the gap in overall classification is minimal. We will try to resist!"


Despite a big fear on this 13th stage, Yves Tartarin and Christian Poirault reached the finish line. Ranked 33rd in overall standings, the crew remains very cautious on the eve of the final stage.


"Everything went well, no puncture and the car was very efficient. But we had a big fear ... We came close to disaster by hitting a rock. The impact destroyed the skid plate at the front but luckily the car did not suffer. Tomorrow we'll go "cool". Car and men are on perfect shape.”
     
  The crew of the Proto Atacama, Frédéric Chavigny and Guy Leneveu, made a point of having a "clear" stage. Forgotten yesterday’s problems and finally some fun. Signing the 36th time after leaving from the 61st position, the fighting spirit of this duo is well known.


"We fought hard today and it paid off. Everything went well and finally, we had no problem. Guy did a good job ... Tomorrow, last straight before reaching the goal!”


Tomorrow, before reaching the finish line in Santiago, competitors must first compete on a final stage of 128 km. A special stage where many Chileans will celebrate the 2013 heroes.
 



Géraldine DESHAYES, photos DPPI