ZAMBIAN rider David Reeve moved in 69th position from 171 after the first round, second stage of the 2013 Dakar Rally which covered a total distance of 327kilometres in Pisco in Peru ahead of a more challenging third stage.

Reeve, who finished the first stage on 171st position, was the 44th fastest on 04:15:47 in the second stage that attracted 170 participants to earn him 69th place behind stage winner Joan Barreda of Spain who timed 03:24:11.

"The Dakar is a bit of a 'Grande Finale' for me. I've witnessed all types of races including World championships. It was 'now or never', Reeve said on his Dakar Rally profile.

"As a Zambian rider I hope to open the eyes of the people here. Being the first Zambian to compete and finish would really mean something. I know I can handle the long days and the physical efforts. Navigating in the dunes is my main concern. It's going to be tough to cope with riding, reading the road-book and navigating," he added.

Barreda, of Husqvarna Rally Team, moved to the top of the overall leaderboard after his win in the stage with KTM rider Joan Pedrero trailing by over three minutes to score second-place in the stage, while Barreda's teammate Matt Fish rounded out the top three.

The riders were last evening expected to enter the third stage which the Dakar Rally website

Zambian rider David Reeve at the 2013 Dakar Rally.

reported that it would be the toughest part is concentrated in the beginning, with steeper, more difficult dunes, whereas the last 150 kilometres will take the participants through more rolling terrain.

The drivers and riders will set off from Pisco towards Nazca, along the ocean, and will have to be 100 per cent focused in the finale. On paper, the twists and turns of the previous stage are just a preview of what we'll see over the next few hours.