The second part of the two-day long marathon stage, Friday's stage five of this year's Dakar brought competitors back to the Arequipa bivouac. The stage featured a mass start, with Yamalube Yamaha Rally team rider Xavier de Soultrait setting off among the second wave of riders at the beginning of the timed special.
Taking his time to get to grips with the stony terrain, the WR450F Rally powered rider launched a fierce attack for the stage victory in the final part of the timed special. Eventually earning the runner-up position, de Soultrait was just three minutes behind the eventual stage winner. Continuing his strong performance in Peru, Xavier has moved up to eighth in the provisional overall standings.
Following a well-considered plan, Adrien Van Beveren was fast and consistent during Friday's stage five. Getting more and more comfortable on his Yamaha, Adrien was able to control his pace during the final part of the stage to cross the finish line in fourth position. Currently fifth in the overall standings, Adrien sits in a great position ahead of the remainder of the Dakar adventure in Peru.
Achieving one of their primary goals for this Dakar, both Xavier and Adrien today reached the Arequipa bivouac and will now enjoy half a day to rest. During tomorrow's rest day, the Yamalube Yamaha Rally duo will have the chance to catch up on some well-needed sleep and prepare themselves physically and mentally for the challenging week of racing that lies ahead.
