Geniel up to 2nd in Dakar

Warning:

This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.

dakar

France's defending champion Stephane Peterhansel took a huge step towards his 11th Dakar Rally win yesterday as his main rival Nasser Al-Attiyah struggled during the ninth stage, the longest of the race.

Spaniard Nani Roma won the stage -  leading in a Mini 1-2 with 47-year-old Peterhansel second.

Al-Attiyah had to stop several times during the stage in his Red Bull Buggy and Peterhansel now has a comfortable lead of almost 50 minutes over his nearest rival South African Giniel de Villiers in his Toyota Hilux.