Alphand claims Dakar stage victory
PARIS, France -- Former World Cup downhill skier Luc Alphand won the 12th stage of the Dakar Rally, as the race restarted after a three-day break to avoid armed bandits in Mali.
The Frenchman, driving a BMW, recouped five minutes from compatriot and overall leader Stephane Peterhansel in the first competitive action since Friday.
Peterhansel leads Mitsubishi team mate Hiroshi Masuoka by one hour, four minutes and 43 seconds after the 213km special from Bobo Dioulasso to Bamako in Mali.
Alphand is fourth overall, nearly four hours behind the leading Mitsubishi.
There was controversy also, with Peterhansel complaining that rival Jean-Louis Schlesser had overtaken him in a village but outside a radar zone enforcing a 30 kph speed limit to protect people and animals.
"I find it disappointing that Peterhansel complained," said Schlesser. "The two Mitsubishis are untouchable, they've won the race and therefore go slowly. Should we have to let them win the specials as well?"
In the motorcycle category, France's Cyril Despres won the stage while Spaniard Nani Roma retained the overall lead on a KTM.
Roma leads France's Richard Sainct by 10 minutes and six seconds with five stages remaining.
Wednesday's 13th special stage returns to the desert with 478km between Bamako and Ayoun el Atrouss in Mauritania.
