Sam Sunderland maintains provisional 2022 Dakar Rally lead
By Press Release on 4th Jan 22
GASGAS Factory Racings British ace Sam Sunderland delivered another strong ride at the 2022 Dakar Rally, while teammate Daniel sanders secured the fifth-fastest time on a shortened stage three.
Ticking off another solid day of racing at the 2022 Dakar Rally, Sunderland and Sanders have both safely completed the relatively simple, but super-fast, third stage.
For Sunderland, the Brit expertly assisted with opening the special after setting off in second place before a minor issue finding a waypoint caused him to lose a little bit of time.
With all riders setting a similar pace, he ultimately placed 17th, just seven-and-a-half minutes behind the stage winner to retain the overall rally lead.
Sanders meanwhile secured the fifth-fastest time and now lies fifth in the overall provisional classification.
"Today was very sandy and very fast," said Sunderland. "I had a little bit of difficulty finding a waypoint, which allowed a few riders to catch up with me, so I knew Id lost a bit of time there. But overall, it wasnt too bad.
"Were in for a really long stage tomorrow so starting further back is a good thing and Im excited for a long day on the bike."
As the 23rd rider to enter stage three after his little detour yesterday, Daniel Sanders was on the gas from the moment he entered the special until he roared across the finish line in Al Qaisumah. Despite being slightly frustrated that the stage was cut short due to heavy rain, the Aussie remains upbeat and near the front of the provisional standings. Sanders is now just under nine minutes behind the race leader, Sam Sunderland.
"It was a good day today. Its a shame that the stage was cut short as I had a solid pace going and feel like Id have made up some more time on the guys in front," said Sanders.
"The navigation was a little bit easier than previous days, so I was able to put my head down and charge all day pretty much. I enjoyed it and Im looking forward to tomorrow."
Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2022, stage 3
1. Joaquim Rodrigues (Hero) 2:34:41
2. Toby Price (KTM) 2:35:44
3. Mason Klein (KTM) 2:35:55
5. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 2:37:36
17. Sam Sunderland (GASGAS) 2:42:11
Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 3)
1. Sam Sunderland (GASGAS) 11:13:40
2. Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha) 11:13:44
3. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 11:15:10
5. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 11:22:34
More like this…
GASGAS Factory Racing's Sam Sunderland extends 2022 Dakar lead
Former Dakar Rally champion Sam Sunderland continues to impress as GASGAS Factory Racing teammate Daniel Sanders moves to fourth in the provisional standings.
Sam Sunderland signs with GASGAS Factory Racing; joins Daniel Sanders
Well, this is a biggie! Adding even more talent to the GASGAS global racing efforts... Sam Sunderland will join Daniel Sanders under the GASGAS Factory Racing awning in 2022.
Matthias Walkner wins the 2021 Silk Way Rally
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Matthias Walkner has won the Silk Way Rally. Placing second on the fifth and final stage, Walkner extended his lead at the top of the timesheets to claim the race victory and finish over six minutes ahead of his nearest rival.