Atacama Rally: Sam Sunderland claims overall 2nd in halfway stage

Michelle Liew

September 6, 2019

Sam Sunderland marks a triumphant halfway run at the Atacama Rally in Chile.

Day three of the 2019 Atacama Rally has just completed and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Sam Sunderland and Toby Price managed to cap their run thus far in third and fourth place respectively. Sam Sunderland is currently placed second in the provisional overall standings. Riders Matthias Walkner and Luciano Benavides, on the other hand, came in sixth and seventh respectively.

Friday marks stage four of the rally, which is the longest of the entire event. It covers a total distance of 426.68km and comes with a tough 353.92km-timed special.

Jordi Viladoms (KTM Rally Team Manager)- As It Happened

Photo credits: KTM Factory Racing

“The marathon stage here in Chile is really hard because it is made up of two long days and both cover some very rocky terrain. It’s only when the riders get to the final 45 kilometres tomorrow that they will reach the sand dunes and make it easier on their bikes and tyres. Luckily everyone reached the bivouac today with very few problems. Although they will still have to be extra careful tomorrow,” says Viladoms as quoted from KTM Factory Racing.

Photo credits: KTM Factory Racing

“I’m very happy with the team. Sam is doing a great race, he is in a good position and all went well. He did bend his rear disc a little on a rock but was able to fix it at the bivouac. Toby is taking things step-by-step. His hand is not perfect, but he is slowly building his speed and looks good for the rest of the race.”

“Matthias had a few issues today, so lost a little time. But overall he’s riding well and already found a good rhythm on these fast stages. Luciano is riding well, it’s his first time racing here in Chile and like anyone, it takes a few stages to get used to the different terrain and high average speeds. We still have two days left to go, but at the moment I am really happy with the team. I hope we can keep up this performance to the finish.”

Photo credits: KTM Factory Racing