Dakar: Walkner takes the stage but champion Price out

Red Bull KTM racer Matthias Walkner has taken today’s fourth stage victory of the 2017 Dakar Rally – but the real news came from teammate and defending champion Toby price, whose race is over after falling and breaking his leg while in the lead.

The Australian crashed out near the end of the stage, and in a typically Dakar display of camaraderie, Walkner was able to take the stage victory despite stopping to offer aid to his fallen teammate.

“I stopped with him until the medical team told me that he was not going to be able to continue. Health is the most important thing and I hope that he’s OK. I started 11th so I had it easier because I could see more tracks. I felt pretty good on the bike, but I didn’t think it was enough for victory.”

However, while his recovery might have been enough for the stage win, Honda rider Joan Barreda still controls the main battle for the lead, finishing the stage second overall to maintain his lead of twelve minutes.

“I’m happy because I had a great stage today. The first part was very picturesque. I felt good and comfortable without making any navigational errors and kept up a good pace. I got off to a flying start over the first few kilometres and was very focused in the dunes, being very careful not to make any mistakes with the road book.

“I only slowed the pace down in the final part of the day with the arrival in Bolivia, where there were river-crossings and a lot of rocks. I happy because I was ahead all day and I’ve increased the advantage at the top of the general standings. It is a shame what has happened to Toby Price. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious and he will get over it soon and be back at full speed on the track soon.”

Fellow Monster Energy Honda rider Michael Metge rounded out the day’s podium in third, while Brit Sam Sunderland came home in twelfth to sit fifth overall. Lyndon Poskitt came home 48^th, with Max Hunt 76^th, Dave Watson 110^th and Kurt Burroughs 113^th.