Today´s stage five from Chilecito to Tucuman was characterised
by very hot temperatures over 40 degrees and a lot of sand and
navigation in dry vegetation. Exactly because of this dry
vegetation, Paulo Goncalves´ bike became the victim of a fire
accident.  #3 Honda: Joan Barreda #3 Honda: Joan Barreda  Photo
by: A.S.O.  Dry grass branches collected in the engine
protection and caught fire near the hot exhaust during the
extreme riding conditions in the deep sand.  Joan Barreda
meanwhile battled with the very delicate navigation. The
Spaniard dropped back to second place overall.  Paulo Goncalves:
"After having lost my chances to fight for a top position
following the problems during the marathon stage, I tried my
best today to support Joan Barreda. I had a good pace, leading
the race halfway through the stage. In the boiling temperatures
I suddenly felt my feet getting hot, and I saw that my bike was
burning. I jumped off and tried to extinguish the fire with
sand, but I could not fight it, the bike burnt dow