Stage 2 at the 2020 Dakar Rally proved to be challenging. The pre-colored road books used for the first time this year were only given to competitors 25 minutes before the start of the timed special. Also, with the day marking the first half of the event’s Super Marathon stage, riders were only allowed 10 minutes to work on their bikes at the end of the day, with no outside assistance permitted.
As the fifth rider to enter the day’s 367-kilometre special, Sam Sunderland was able to maximize his advantage and push right from the start. The 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion was able to improve his position throughout that stage to ultimately post the second-fastest time. Sam Sunderland now enjoys a lead of just over one minute in the provisional overall standings.