Three-time Dakar Rally motorbikes champion Cyril Despres claimed victory in the second stage of the Dakar Rally a 300km special between Cordoba and San Miguel de Tucuman on Monday.

Despres finished 1min 49sec ahead of fellow KTM rider Marc Coma of Spain with compatriot David Casteu of Sherco in third.

The title-holder cemented his place at the top of the overall standings with a second consecutive victory after teammate Ruben Faria who had won Sunday's first stage was handed a one minute penalty for breaking the speed limit in a controlled zone.

Despres managed to stay in front from start to finish to claim his 25th stage win in the Dakar Rally, and only the third time that he has won when opening the road.

In the overall standings, Despres leads two-time champion Coma by 2min 35sec with Portugal's Faria third at 6:13.

Tuesday's third stage to San Salvador de Jujuy includes a 521km special.