Barreda takes the leadership after the Baja Aragón prologue

2017-07-22 08:25
Joan Barreda – his Honda CRF450 emblazoned with the number one – scorched his way through the short nine-kilometre prologue to clinch victory with a six second advantage over the nearest second-place rival.

Michael Metge, who had finished third overall last year, also kept up a cracking pace on the Honda CRF450 RALLY, posting third on the day some fifteen seconds behind his Monster Energy Honda Team companion.

Tomorrow will see two special sectors with a total of 350 kilometres to run.

Joan Barreda
PROLOG: 1ST OVERALL: 1ST
We’ve won the prologue and I’m happy about that as the prologues are always complicated as there is such a lot of sprinting involved. I had to stay very focused over the first few kilometres and after I was able to let go a bit. The bike went really well and the sensations are good. Now it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming stages and find a steady pace which will allow us to ride some good stages.

Joan Barreda
Michael Metge
PROLOG: 3RD OVERALL: 3RD
The prologue always brings some pressure as the first part of the race is crucial. I had to attack right from the get-go and not make any mistakes in this super special. I thought that I might have had a slight clutch issue but in the end it was nothing and I was able to finish in a good third position, which I think will be great for tomorrow’s stage.

Michael Metge
Rider Standings

PROLOGUE RESULTS

Pos. Rider Num Nation Team Time/Gap
1
BARREDA
Joan SPA Monster Energy Honda Team 4'54.4
2
CERVANTES
Iván SPA Himoinsa Team +5.9
3
METGE
Michael FRA Monster Energy Honda Team +15.3
4
PEDRERO
Joan SPA Sherco TVS Rally Factory +20.5
5
SOLÀ
Marc SPA Himoinsa Team +27.3
6
ADRIÀ
David SPA Pont Grup Yamaha JVO

Source: Honda Racing Corporation

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