Keeneslide keeps dream of completing 100 percent of the race alive

Known by cyclists as "Satan's Velodrome", the Simpson Desert claimed a further 12 riders on day two - leaving only one out of 30 starters still eligible to complete 100% of the 580km from Purnie Bore to Birdsville.

Yesterday's event leader, Lynton Stretton from Emu Park in Queensland succumbed to the extreme conditions this morning. Riders battled head winds, 40-plus degree temperatures, and very soft sand on some flat sections which made it difficult for riders to finish the stage within the allocated time.

However, NSW rider, Alan Keeneslide saw off the challenge of the desert today to become the only rider still in contention to complete the entire course. Stretton is in second position (91%), with Jason Dreggs (89%) in third.

Day two is traditionally considered to be the make or break day for most riders. Riders are still feeling the effects of a draining first day - and find it difficult to front up with legs that are fresh enough to overcome the large sandhills that present on the morning of day two - not taking into account the headwinds and soft sand that prevailed today. The question now is can Keeneslide continue at the required level, or will he too fall to the conditions the desert will throw up over the next few days?

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