Chilean motorcyclist Francisco Lopez won his second stage of the Dakar Rally here Sunday when he took the eighth leg of the race, a 472km special from Antofagasta. Frenchman Cyril Despres was fifth in the stage but retained the overall lead. Another Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel put aside the disappointment at being out of contention for the overall victory in the car section to take the eighth stage. Spain's two-time world rally champion Carlos Sainz was second on the stage and retained the overall lead. Lopez was delighted with his performance as it elevated him into the top three overall. “I rode fast as the seventh stage had finished on a sour note,” said Lopez, who also won the fifth stage. “I wanted to put in a good finish for all those people waiting for me. Today (Sunday) there was a bit of everything: stones, navigation and dunes. I am pleased because it all went well and the bike responded well.” Despres for his part said he had had a tough day and had been saved by one of his teammates. “I was battling against myself more than anything else!” exclaimed Despres. “I hit two stones, one at the front and one at the rear. It was only when I got to the 245 kilometers mark that I noticed what a state my wheels were in. “They were split in two! Luckily my Red Bull teammate Ruben Faris turned up at that moment. We swapped our front rims since I didn't think the back one needed to be changed. “Once I set off again I made sure I was careful in the stones to look after the back wheel. I am really lucky to have finished. Anything can happen in the Dakar.”
