Sonik advances in infernal Fiambala

The name „Fiambala” gives every single driver shivers. It is an infamous and grim cross-country racing hell. A place with no signs of life whatsoever, tormented by blistering heat, where careless drivers quickly get stuck in the soft sand. Therefore, the organizers’ decision to shorten the SS was met with a sigh of relief. Moving up to the third position in the general classification was another reason to smile for Rafał Sonik.

The organizers of the Desafio Ruta 40 had planned another, exhausting, 251-kilometer stage in the sands of Fiambala for Wednesday. However, a sandstorm „Donda”, which makes the air grow even hotter and drier, interfered with their plans. The temperature was increasing rapidly and significantly as for this time of the year.

„When we left the bivouac in the morning, the thermometer showed 6 degrees centigrade. When, after 141 km,  we get to the fuel station, the mercury rose to 40 degrees… So we were all relieved to find out that the second part of the SS had been canceled. Even the toughest of us are feeling bone-weary. We have the weather to thank for a chance to recuperate”, smiled Sonik.

In the third stage, the weariness got into Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli, the runner up who had claimed the Dakar Rally podium twice before. He crashed his quad 20 km before the finish line and had to drop off the competition. Although the leading position of Nicolas Cavigliasso was now more secure, the FIC World Cup leader Aleksander Maksimow proved to be faster. Rafał Sonik checked in third which moved him up to the leading trio the Desafio Ruta 40.

„I’ve been trying to keep a steady tempo. Obviously, it’s not Sonik’s pre-accident tempo but I’m staying within rational limits. My previous injury can come back and that’s a risk I’m not willing to take. Determination and mental strength are key factors here, which means I have two more days of racing that can actually change a lot”, concluded the Polish champion.

Just like the other day, the mechanized cavalcade stopped in Tinogasta. Every racer got a chance to take more sleep and more regenerative time. On Thursday, the competitors head south towards Villa Union. A technically very challenging mountainous area will make up for the easier navigation. Some participants might also feel the effects of high-elevation racing.

Stage III results
1. Aleksander Maksimow (RUS) 2:41.21
2. Nicolas Cavigliasso (ARG) +0.14
3. Rafał Sonik (POL) +13.33
4. Pablo Copetti (ARG) +43.03
5. Nicolas Robledo (COL) +1:13.54

FIM General Ranking:
1. Nicolas Cavigliasso (ARG) 13:26.27
2. Aleksander Maksimow (RUS) +1:02.17
3. Rafał Sonik (POL) +1:12.49
4. Pablo Copetti (ARG) +2:11.48
5. Nicolas Robledo (COL) +6:53.33

Visit us at: www.facebook.com/rafalsonikofficial/ and www.instagram.com/rafalsonik/