Sainz wins 10th stage in Dakar Rally

SANTIAGO, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Spain's two-time rally world champion Carlos Sainz further extended his overall lead in the Dakar Rally on Tuesday as he won the 476 km 10th stage around Copiapo of Chile.

Sainz, who was winning his sixth stage of this year's edition and fourth in a row, beat U.S. driver Robby Gordon, and was 7 min 39 sec ahead of his American Volkswagen team-mate Mark Miller.


Spain's Carlos Sainz and co-driver Michel Perin drive their Volkswagen during the tenth stage of the South American edition of the Dakar 2009 rally, from Copiapo to Copiapo, January 13, 2009.

Spanish rider Jordi Viladoms, on a KTM, won the motorbike section, finishing 1min 06sec ahead of Franco-Malian rider Alain Duclos (KTM) and 8:29 ahead of Portuguese biker Helder Rodriguez, also on a KTM.

Viladoms' compatriot Marc Coma retained the overall lead and increased his lead over second placed rider David Fretigne of France despite finishing 12 min 17 sec behind the stage winner.

The start of the stage was delayed two-and-a-half hours with the Chilean race venue of Copiapo enshrouded in thick morning fog.


Spain Marc Coma rides his KTM during the tenth stage of the South American edition of the Dakar 2009 from Copiapo to Copiapo January 13, 2009.


France's Alain Duclos rides his KTM during the tenth stage of the South American edition of the Dakar 2009 rally, from Copiapo to Copiapo, January 13, 2009.


France's Cyril Despres rides his KTM during the tenth stage of the South American edition of the Dakar 2009 rally, from Copiapo to Copiapo, January 13, 2009.


Robby Gordon of the U.S. and co-driver Andy Grider drive their Hummer during the tenth stage of the South American edition of the Dakar 2009 rally, from Copiapo to Copiapo, January 13, 2009.


Chile's Francisco Lopez rides his KTM during the tenth stage of the South American edition of the Dakar 2009 rally, from Copiapo to Copiapo, January 13, 2009.


Netherlands' Herwin De Roo (front) rides his Yamaha during the tenth stage of the South American edition of the Dakar 2009 rally, from Copiapo to Copiapo, January 13, 2009