Christian had some sleep last night whilst Sofiane rode through the night, then rapidly caught him earlier today. They've been in close proximity through the day. I wonder how things will pan out tonight. They are on a plateau at a height of some 1500m.
A real case of the hare and the tortoise. Sofiane has ridden for 6 hours longer than Christian as of now. In fact he didn't stop yesterday at all, Jeepers. He is no slouch either, riding at 13.5 kph, about the same speed as James H.
Christian is riding 1.5 kph faster though. He has a very aggressive set up with ceramic accoutrement etc. I guess that gives you an edge even on goat tracks over rubble. Or maybe its the ex pro racer legs that can just turn the pedals faster on any surface.
On a longer ultra one would likely speculate that Christian would reel Sofiane in, but in ultra terms this one aint that long. So hmmmmm.