Sports
17:23, 02-Apr-2019
2019 Afriquia Merzouga Rally: Al Attiyah, Baumel shine in Stage 1
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The 10th edition of the Afriquia Merzouga Rally crisscrossing Africa's landmark Sahara Desert got underway on Sunday. The competition began with a 208 km opening stage, featuring 127 competitors in three categories: motorbikes, side-by-side and quads vying for the top honors.
It was an early victory for Qatari veteran Nasser Al- Attiyah who managed to hold on to his lead during the grueling Stage 1.
Yamaha Racing's Adrien Van Beveren won the first bike stage with a time of three hours, 29 minutes and 10 seconds.
Stefan Svitko finished five minutes and 12 seconds shy in second, with Michael Metge ending the stage in third.
Meanwhile, the side-by-side event saw the 2019 Dakar Rally winner Al-Attiyah grabbing first place with his partner Matthieu Baumel in a time of three hours, 52 minutes and 33 seconds, which was 13 minutes and 39 seconds ahead of Dani Sola and Sergio Lafuente. Federic Pitout and Eric Bersey came third behind them.
This year's rally is the fourth as part of the Dakar Series and is scheduled to take place until April 5 in the desert of Morocco, near Erfoud.