Stage 5:  Well done BMW for taking the stage in both the cars and bikes.  First time for any manufacturer to to that in the Dakar.

So, Marc Coma's taken the lead and by quite a bit.  It was almost tickets for him after he fell and damaged his radiator, but he made the repairs to get to the bivouac and take a good lead.  They're also into the dunes now, so it's getting interesting.  Spectacular scenery over the last two days.  What amazing countries.

Loads of carnage as well, with 33 bikes not finishing.  155 bikes starting the stage and only 122 finishing.  So, from 170 bikes starting on stage 1, down to 122 and we're only on stage 5.