Jaroslav Katrinak winner of the day in enduro-style!

Cyril Despres was back on the pace again with a second place in the stage behind Slovakian rider Jaroslav Katrinak, who was on the attack with his KTM EXC 530.

It was raining hard when the bikes left at 06.00 this morning and visibility was poor in the mountains. The stage consisting of 2 specials was the same as yesterday, but in reversed direction. Although the track was very muddy with many water puddles this didn’t necessarily mean riding conditions were more difficult compared to yesterday. Again the organization had to shorten the second special.
 

Teammanager Hanz Trunkenpolz

“Today it was important to finish without crashes. Normally the next days should suit us and the rally 690 better. Distances will get longer, which should give us the opportunity to make the difference."
 

Cyril Despres (2nd, in the stage)

“My time was acceptable. The first special I had to start far back in the field, I think I overtook about 20 bikes. With all the rain I decided not to take any risk. This afternoon we were riding the same track for the 4th time, so you know how the bike responds to the mud, and what the bike is doing. Days like these are not really like rally-raid, but we knew that before we came. “
 

David Casteu (4th in the first special, 3rd in the second special)

“For me it was easier to drive today. There was a lot of water on the track, but it was less slippery. When I arrived at a cp, there was nobody there. I had to wait about 15 seconds before I could go on. In the second stage I attacked a little harder than this morning. Thanks to the race trucks the track was getting easier and easier. The suspension was handling perfect. I have no scratches on the bike, and that says it all. “
Casteu remains overall leader almost 4 minutes ahead of Katrinak
 

Jordi Viladoms

"This kind of terrain is difficult for me. We never train in these circumstances. The track looked completely different riding it the other way, but I felt better than yesterday. “
 
The Central Europe Rally received a warm welcome in Romania, with many enthusiastic spectators along the specials and in the villages.