Desafio Ruta 40 Rally 2013
Stage 2, San Miguel de Tucumán – San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, 668 km,  including 346 km Special Stage

Goncalves makes podium again

After the cancelation of the first stage due to bad weather conditions today's the second stage features some heavy conditions again. After the massive rain the days before the track was slippery and some tight and hilly sections.

The intention for the Bavarian Speedbrain Rally Team rider Paulo Goncalves at the first counting stage of the 4th Cross Country Rally World Championship Event has been to get a good basic position for the next days. The following stages  are discribed to be very challenging for the riders.

The goal has been reached in a perfect manner. Goncalves, currently second in the world championship series rode a smart and tactical race to finish third in the end. The main competitors, stage winner Helder Rodrigues and the world championship leader Marco Coma still in striking distance. Goncalves entered the stage early in the morning when it was still dark, rainy and cold riding carefuly to avoid any risks. When reaching the second half of the stage the Portuguese decided to attack the field. When reaching the paddock at the end of the day the riders have been more than 11 hours on their bikes including 5 hours of special tests.

Paulo Goncalves: "It has been a good day. Without taking any risks I reached the podium. Navigstion wise it has not been too difficut. Everything workes well."

Tomorrow the riders will go out for a long stage of 713km including 466km special test. The direction is Anden mountains to the city of Belén. The will be some challenging part navigation wise and again some rocky and hilly sections. In the end some dunes are awaiting the riders.

Results Stage 2:
1. Rodrigues (PRT, Honda) 4:54:49 hrs
2. Coma (ESP, KTM) +00:02:40
3. Paulo Goncalves (PRT, Speedbrain) +00:03:04
4. Lopez (CHL, KTM) +00:04:38
5. Caselli (USA, KTM) +00:04:46

Overall standings after Stage 2:
1. Rodrigues (PRT, Honda) 4:54:49 hrs
2. Coma (ESP, KTM) +00:02:40
3. Paulo Goncalves (PRT, Speedbrain) +00:03:04
4. Lopez (CHL, KTM) +00:04:38
5. Caselli (USA, KTM) +00:04:46