© J. van Oers. The longest timed section of the rally had plenty of surprises in store today, with in particular a deluge of penalties in the bike category. Casteau scored another stage victory, boasting a lead of 4'39" over the Chilean Francisco Lopez in the general standings.

As he already did two days ago, Spaniard Marc Coma made use of the chance to be starting from the back due to yesterday's result, to attack and clinch the victory of today's stage.

© Repsol Media Service. After crossing the Mediterranean, the participants of the Tunisia Rally have raced this morning the second leg of the 2007 edition that served as a first contact with the African continent, allowing to break the traditional transition leg to the south of the country, where the rest of the rally will be staged.

© Edmunds J. KTM factory Spanish rider Isidre Esteve underwent surgery today in Barcelona, Spain to stabilize a spinal injury sustained during a high speed crash last weekend.

© Gaulises Racing. 2007 Dakar winner Cyril Despres first impressions: “It is really fantastic to win this, my second Dakar – the emotion I feel is incredible.

© Gauloises Racing. 132 bikes, 109 car teams and 69 trucks reached the capital city of Senegal and finished the 29th edition of the Dakar.

© J. van Oers. Cyril Despres, who started out today tailing Coma by almost an hour, inherits the uncomfortable position of general rankings leader by default, in tandem with setting the best time of the day on the special.

© Repsol Media Service. Marc Coma controlled his main rival, Frenchman Despres, who started right behind him at all times.

© Gauloises Racing. Change of décor today with the rally entering into Mali and the African bush.

© Repsol Media Service. Today has been a positive stage for the leader of the overall standings and only representative left of the Repsol KTM Team.

© Gauloises Racing. Yesterday it was the turn of Latvian rider Janis Vinter, today it was another privateer who won the special, with Helder Rodrigues finishing just 44 seconds ahead of Dakar leader Marc Coma.

© Repsol Media Service. The ninth special stage of the 29th Dakar Rally between Tichit and Néma in Mauritania has been a day of mixed fortunes for Repsol KTM Team riders.

© Gauloises Racing. Starting from 21st position this morning, amateur rider Janis Vinters gives Latvia its first victory in a special stage at the Dakar Rally in todays ninth stage between Tichit - Nema.

© Repsol Media Service. After enjoying Saturdays rest day in Atar, the riders have been back into action with a further typical Mauritanian stage in which they have faced all kinds of difficult terrain.

© Repsol Media Service. Mixed fortunes for Repsol riders and drivers today at the Lisbon Dakar Rally.

© Gauloises Racing. Dakars second stage in Mauritania – reduced by one-third of its length due to bad weather conditions preventing helicopters from flying and providing for the safety of the track – gave a good overview of the challenges that await pilots in the next few days.

© Repsol Media Service. Jordi Viladoms has become part of the select group of riders having achieved a stage victory at the hardest rally of the world, today.

© Repsol Media Service. Marc Coma is keeps setting the pace in the 2007 Dakar Rally.