Paulo Gonçalves clinches victory in the Sertoes’ longest special

Paulo Goncalves on the Honda CRF450 RALLY, battled to a notable victory in the fourth stage of the Rally dos Sertoes. The Portuguese rider imposed a formidable pace from the outset, clawing back precious minutes from the overall race leader. Helder Rodrigues, too, put in a convincing performance to conclude the Sertoes Rally’s longest special in third place.

The Rally dos Sertoes arrives at its mid-point with the race’s longest timed special, in a stage run over a variety of different types of track, amidst the distinctive reddish hue of the Brazilian terrain. Today’s stage, with a total of 363.85 kilometres, set off from Paracatu, and once the 125 kilometre link had been passed, it was pedal to the metal in the timed section – a very well-rounded special that included a narrow, hard and damaged track, that had been at the mercy of the rain and elements. The route also took in a fair amount of sand, as well as creeks and fords of varying water levels. The riders arrived in the town of San Francisco after a ferry-crossing, on the river bearing the same name; thus completing a total stage distance of 585.30 kilometres.

It was first and third place for the two CRF450 RALLY riders, and the third time that Paulo Goncalves has marked the best time in the special so far in this Rally dos Sertoes. The Portuguese rider’s aim was clear – nothing less than victory – and not even a slight time-consuming error was able to dent the Honda rider’s continual will to win. In doing so, Goncalves cuts down the deficit with the leader by 1 minute 15 seconds leaving the Honda rider just two minutes adrift of Marc Coma.

Helder Rodrigues performed well, taking third place and moving in on third place  Brazilian Jean Azevedo, from the Honda Brazil team, who crossed the line in fourth on the day.

Tomorrow sees the riders face the race’s marathon stage, the rules of which outlaw any kind of mechanical assistance at the end of the day, and where the bikes will be closed off in the parc fermé. As a consequence, preparation is of utmost importance, and likewise, it will be crucial to not run the machine too hard tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s Stage:

Stage 5 – Sao Francisco-Diamantina

Liaison: 223.57km   Special Stage: 335.98km   Liaison: 85.89