Dakar – Stéphane Peterhansel: “Things can still happen”

The hardest part is behind him. In recent days, and in particular the abandonment of Nasser Al-Attiyah, Stéphane Peterhansel only has to ensure if he wants to win the final victory on this Dakar 2013. Despite a large lead over his closest pursuer, Giniel De Villiers, the Frenchman admits that there was tension yesterday during the 13th and last real stage, aboard his X-Raid team Mini. “We had to get through this stage without any problem, so there was a lot of stress in the car, firstly to get over the first dunes”, explains the pilot. “Then we start listening to the engine, and all the little noises. We really didn't take any risks, we only lost a few minutes, but we managed that way. There were some dunes which were impressive, but rather than risk crashing into them, we preferred to find passages to the right and left to then find the track. »

For this final stage of the 2013 Dakar, which is, like the Tour de France, more of a sort of "parade" than a special stage, Stéphane Peterhansel will once again continue to deliver. If the pressure is off, you will still have to stay focused until the end. “We must have 45 minutes left, so we will continue just as quietly. Relief is not yet here. We know the story: as long as we haven't crossed the finish line, things can still happen. Even if it's a small special, we'll have to do it. »