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Photo - Stefan in Poland and you will note the dust that is a problem for riders.
On day one, riding the Yamaha WR450F, Stefan won five of the six special stages, 31.42 seconds ahead of Finnish rider Samuli Aro in the outright standings. In the E2 category he held a 40.65-second gap over his rival, Juha Salminen.
We are very fortunate that Anita Merriman is taking the time to bring us up to date on the 2004 ISDE, Poland and particularly on Stefan's progress. The multi talented kiwi born rider is drawing on his background of skills and proving to be one of the top contenders at the '04 ISDE. Hi Silver-Bullet:
Day 2 saw 2 loops of 125km each round. Stefan was off to a slow start but managed to pick up the pace after stage 3.
He had another great day, Merriman, Albergonie, Aro and Knight all taking out their share of the special stages wins.
The dust was incredible and the terrain a lot rougher and bumpier than day 1. Stefan and Salminen were separated by less than 1 second through the first 2 stages and then Salminen failed to turn up at a check point. 40 minutes went by before he was checked through TC 5!!!
Rumour has it that he had engine failure and rushed to fix it so as to be still counted with the Trophy Team results. This will however most certainly put him out of the class and overall contention for this 2004 Six days.
After day 1 you will remember Finland was winning the Trophy Team stats.
Results for day 2.
E1
1 Albergonie Ita Hon 34.33.46
2 Oblucki Pol Yam 34.52.36 (Stef's team mate)
3 Edmondson GB Hon 34.53.08
E2
1 MERRIMAN Aus/NZ Yam 34.22.97 (sorry Aust we need to claim part of his kiwi heritage!!)(ED:You're his mum, so why not??)
2 Salonen Fin Hon 34.57.9
3 Vilanova Spain Hon 35.06.80
E3
1 Aro Fin KTM 34.20.24
2 Knight GB KTM 34.28.90
3 Ahola Fin Husky 34.47.08
Overall Day 2
1 Aro 34.20.24
Results AFTER day 2
E1
Albergonie
Oblucki
Edmondson
E2
MERRIMAN
Salonen
Vilanova
E3
Aro
Knight
Ahola
Overall AFTER day 2
1 MERRIMAN 1.07.42.85
2 Aro 1.08.11.54
3 Knight 1.08.36.02
4 Ahola 1.08.53.67
Trophy results.
Standing after Day 2
Finland
Italy
France
Sweden
GB
Australia
Manufacturers
UFO Yamaha
KTM Fariol
Honda HM
Husaberg 1
KTM Farioli 2
Husky
Day 3 will see a change of course and a change in class starts. ie (I think) E2 will be out of the start gates first and then E1 will be last to start.
I have been unable to find where Salminen is situated now in placings but will endeavour to find out before results tomorrow.
Anita
