Van Biljon shines in Dakar

Johannesburg - Sarel van Biljon, the only South African competing in the quad bikes division, overcame torrid conditions to win the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally, in his category, in Argentina on Saturday.

Van Biljon remained third in the quad standings, two hours behind Argentine leader Marcos Patronelli.

The stage between Salta and Tucuman was shortened due to flash floods and the trucks were unable to race.

The motorbikes and quads completed the stage, but the cars were stopped after 88km, leaving South African Giniel de Villiers, third overall after seven stages, stranded.

Meanwhile, Brett Cummings continued his late charge through the field in the bikes division, climbing another three places to 65th in the standings after finishing a superb 16th in the tough eighth stage.

Riaan van Niekerk was 36th, rising two positions to 14th of the 139 bikes left in the race at the halfway stage, ahead of Sunday's rest day.

Darryl Curtis struggled home in 76th place, but he jumped two spots to 18th in the standings.