Double for Team HRC as the 2014 OiLibya Rally of Morocco gets underway

"It went really well. I’m pleased with the way that the stage went. We started from behind and there was a lot of tricky navigating to do. Near the end I dropped a couple of minutes due to a slight navigational error, but it didn’t amount to much. Now we will be looking to see how we can improve even more over the next few days, and keep ahead of the rest. The strategy will have a crucial role in the race."

"Today was a hard day for the start of a rally. We came across dunes, very stony areas, and difficult navigation. I started from behind in fourteenth place, and I came up against some slower riders who it was very difficult to overtake. Here we are. I’ve finished in second. It was very hard to stay in front because all the riders were pushing so hard."

"I didn’t want to take any risks on the first day of the rally. I rode a consistent race. I had a minor problem with the roadbook and that’s why I tried to get through the stage without taking any chances. It’s a good position to begin tomorrow’s stage from, and I’ll be trying to make up a bit of time."

"Today was a complicated stage, with a bit of navigation at the beginning that I got through without problems. It was a very varied stage with fast ground and some dunes, and I’m very pleased to have made it to the end without any setbacks. Physically, I felt great on the bike, I’m getting a feel for how it reacts, and I’m thrilled to be riding for Team HRC. I am gaining confidence as I go and should be at my full potential soon."

"Today was a good stage – it’s important to make it through to the end of the stage without any problems. Today I had to open the race which was something that I hadn’t ever done. The first few kilometers were tough, but some of the top riders started to overtake me, so I kept calm because there was a lot of dust and a lot of danger. The important thing is to pick up a good rhythm and learn."

"So, we had a very nice first stage in Morocco. Joan was able to win the stage. A very satisfying reward for all the work of testing and setting up the new bike. Also, Paulo has a nice stage finishing in second, and Helder fourth. Also Laia and Jeremias had decent stages and rode well, so everybody is confident so far and we are looking forward to preparing the next stage."