Guatemala - The list of entrance for motorcycles for the Dakar rally was 235. Guatemala's Francisco Arredondo is currently occupying an impressive 26th position in the overall ranking after stage 5 of the race. There are still many stages to go. Francisco suffered a shoulder injury earlier but is keeping up very well with the world's best competitors.
The race has already claimed a tragic death of motorcyclist Pascal Terry from France. This rally is a very challenging and difficult race. The dangers are real and even the most experienced competitors face many unexpected events. This is Francisco's 5ht consecutive Dakar. He is the only competitor form Central America. He participates in Team EASYDENTIC.
Yesterday's stage was from Neuquen to San Rafael. The Guatemalan finished the stage with a time of 8:13:38, only a hour and a half behind Jonah Street from the US, who came in first. Arredondo has accumulated a time of 26:07.16, 5 hours difference form the rally's current leader Marc Coma.
Francisco's father, also named Francisco Arredondo, is at his side. They are currently in Mendoza and are on their way to Chile.
The Dakar 2009 is off to discover a new continent, South America that offers unlimited possibilities to amateurs of wide open spaces. The round trip to Buenos Aires, via Valparaiso is a challenge in which the most enduring competitors will find their way and have the opportunity to distinguish themselves. With close to 6,000 kilometers of specials and difficulties scattered on the whole course, the battle for the title will remain wide open until the finish.
Photo La Hora
