Fifth stage of the 2013 Dakar: Arequipa - Arica

Today the fifth stage of the 2013 Dakar will take place. We reach the Arequipa-Arica area and draw closer to Chile, leaving Peru behind, undoubtedly a day that will be tough for the participants of the toughest rally in the world. On this fifth day we will have a 275-kilometre liaison and a 136-kilometre special stage.

Luckily, for the riders taking part, the start of this stage will be fairly late compared with the previous days, so they will be able to rest a little longer before getting going again, and they will also be able to adapt to the time changes they will experience with the arrival in Chile.

With this stage we are already beginning to see what the routes on Chilean soil will be like, where the first differences in terrain will be seen, especially for the motorcycle riders, who will need to strengthen their arms and stay very focused. It is a stage for going fast and recovering time, but also very complicated in terms of the terrain, very stony, which could cause more than one scare.

They will also have to cross riverbeds, which is a fairly clear change compared with the dune terrain they have experienced in the last two stages. But undoubtedly none of the participants can let their guard down, since any mistake can leave you on the ground and complicate the whole adventure considerably.

At this stage Pain arrives as the overall leader, with two compatriots behind him, Casteu in 2nd and Despres, while the first of ours is Barreda, who yesterday signed a stage worth remembering, as did Farrés and Viladoms. For their part, the rest of the Spanish riders continue step by step and with determination.

We head into Chile, goodbye Peru.

Photo | Dakar official