03 January 2009 - 22H05
Cyril Despres: 'I drove 95 kilometers on the rim of my wheel'
In a long and dramatic day for Cyril Despres, he suffered a puncture. The 2005 and 2007 champion lost 41 minutes and 18 seconds on his rival KTM member, Marc Coma, leader of the Dakar 2009.
France 24 - In what circumstances did you get a flat tire?
Cyril Despres – There was a pit stop at kilometer 230. Marc Coma was 40 seconds ahead of me. Nothing to worry about at this point. Marc had chosen a reinforced Pirelli air chamber. Without discussing it together, we had made the same choice. After the pit stop, I got a flat. When it happened, I didn’t feel it. I have no idea how it happened. I drove 95 kilometers on the rim of my wheel. It was a really bad day.
F24 – Is there any chance for you to make a comeback?
CD – I’m still in the race. As long as there’s hope, I am not going back home.
F24 - What is your first impression of the roads here in Argentina?
CD - Today it was really fast and the weather was really hot. But the first stages of the race are not the most important.
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