COPIAPO, Chile — Carlos Sainz of Spain won his fourth straight stage in Dakar Rally on Tuesday to keep his overall lead after a day of racing in the world’s driest desert.
Spain’s Cristobal Guerrero seriously injured his head when he fell off his motorbike. He was taken by helicopter to the Regional Hospital in Copiapo. Hospital director Dr. Anita Quiroga said Guerrero was in serious but stable condition after doctors drilled a hole to reduce swelling around his brain. Quiroga called the next 24 hours crucial.
Sainz completed the loop around Copiapo in the Atacama Desert in 5 hours, 32 minutes, 55 seconds. The 10th stage was shortened by 125 miles because of hard terrain. The 296-mile stage started nearly three hours late because of fog. The rally is being held in South America for the first time.
Robby Gordon of the United States placed second in his Hummer, 21 seconds slower than the Spaniard. Mark Miller, Sainz’ Volkswagen teammate, was third, 7 minutes, 39 seconds behind the winner.
In the overall standings, Sainz is followed by Miller, Giniel De Villiers of South Africa, Nani Roma of Spain and Gordon.
In the motorbike competition, Jordi Viladons of Spain took the stage at 6:35:26, followed by France’s Alain Duclos and Pals Ullevalseter.
Marc Coma of Spain made a navigation error and was relegated to sixth place but kept the overall lead ahead of Cyril Despres and David Fretigne, both from France.
On Wednesday, the 277-mile 11th stage rally leaves the Pacific Ocean and heads back to Argentina through the San Francisco Pass at 15,400 feet.
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