The Speedbrain pilot emphasised his exceptional talent by taking three of six stages during the race held last week from Monday to Saturday. Barreda finished the closing stage in fourth position, as his teammate Paulo Goncalves won the final 425km stage from Tibniya to Gizeh. "Speedy" Goncalves tried whatever he could to make up for his navigation error from stage five, but the couldn’t re-gain enough ground on his rivals Jakub Przygonski (KTM) and Jordi Viladoms (KTM), therefore missing the overall podium of the FIM Cross Country Rally World Championship.
With a commanding race lead of more than 17 minutes, 29-year old Barreda rode a tactical stage six on his Husqvarna TE 449RR to ensure victory. Placing fourth overall but less than four minutes behind Gonclaves, the young Spaniard claimed his maiden rally win.
As the overall winner Joan Barreda commented, "It’s been a fantastic performance and I’m overjoyed for Husqvarna and the Speedbrain team to take this legendary victory. My TE 449RR by Speedbrain was a dream in all situations – amazingly fast, well handling and totally reliable. A big thank you goes to my team and to the mechanics for their hard work and this superb bike."
Stage winner Paulo Goncalves also remarked, "I’m happy for Joan and the team. To win this traditional race is a major feat. Obviously, I’m disappointed having made that mistake on stage five. I did what I could today but it just wasn’t quite enough. The team is great and I’m certain we will achieve further success down the road. My congratulations also go to Jakub and Jordi for finishing on the world championship podium."
Results Stage 6 (unofficial):
1. Paulo Goncalves (Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain)
2. Juan Carlos Salvatierra (Honda) 00:51 min behind,
3. Jordi Viladoms (Bordone Ferrari) 1:57,
4. Joan Barreda (Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain) 3:51,
5. Jakub Przygonsky (KTM) 6:09
Final standings Pharaons Rally (unofficial):
1. Joan Barreda (Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain),
2. Jakub Przygonsky (KTM),
3. Jordi Viladoms (Bordone Ferrari),
4. Paulo Goncalves (Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain),
5. Juan Carlos Salvatierra (Honda)
