14 Jan 2012

Gordon wins latest stage on Dakar Rally

11:11 pm on 14 January 2012

American Robby Gordon, who faces Dakar Rally disqualification after his Hummer was deemed to have broken race regulations, won the 12th stage then blasted rivals for questioning his integrity.

Gordon, who has appealed the stewards' decision imposed during the week, came home ahead of Russia's Leonid Novotskiy, in a Mini, and Ginel De Viliers of South Africa, driving a Toyota.

France's Stephane Peterhansel, who was sixth today after his Mini got bogged down in a sand dune, remained on top of the overall standings.

Peterhansel, a six-time motorcycle champion and three-time car winner, is 1 hour and 44 minutes ahead of Gordon who is fourth overall.

Gordon vented his anger at Peterhansel and Nani over the ongoing controversy which centres on the Hummer's tyre-inflation system.

Spain's Marc Coma reclaimed the overall lead in the motorcycle section when he stormed to victory on the stage from Arequipa to Nasca in Peru , replacing France's Cyril Despres.New Zealand cyclists will ride for bronze tonight in the men's and women's team pursuit medals rounds at the UCI World Cup in Beijing.

The men's team will take on Great Britain for the bronze medal in the 4000 metre team pursuit.

The women's trio of Kaytee Boyd, Rushlee Buchanan and Gemma Dudley will face China for the bronze medal in the 3000 metre women's team pursuit.