It was Price who seized the early initiative on the stage, but with the big picuture in mind was happy to finish the day out with third on the stage just ahead of HRC Honda's Goncalves who worked hard overnight with his team-mate to get himself and more importantly his bike back into this years race, with Meo rounding out the top five for the stage.
Though Price dropped nearly six minutes to his now nearest rival Svitko on stage ten, the Australian will still carry a 23 minute and 12 second lead into stage 11.
"It was a key stage." Price admitted. "I took it easy because my motorcycle struggled in the heat yesterday. I also focused on navigating.
"Two chaps came from behind and caught up with me, but I can't complain, it was a good stage. I can ride a bit more defensively now, no need to attack to gain time like I did yesterday.
"I've got some margin, but no guarantee. Anything can happen, I've got to continue working. I must avoid any mistakes or missing waypoints. What's important is to be in good shape and ready to kick it up a notch if necessary." Price added.
Goncalves who was all but out of this years race after issues on stage 9 was able to work with his team-mates and fellow honda riders to repair his bike overnight and now sits in third position in the race, 34 minutes behind Price. Quintanilla holds down fourth position but is in a tight battle with both Meo and Benavides with the three riders sperated by less than three minutes.
Stage 11 will see riders take off from La Rioja and travel 712km to San Juan which will include a 431km Special.
Stage 10 Results
1. SVITKO (SVK) - 03:47:23
2. BENAVIDES (ARG) +00:02:54
3. PRICE (AUS) +00:05:47
4. GONCALVES (PRT) +00:06:01
5. MEO (FRA) +00:07:43
6. QUINTANILLA (CHL) +00:09:55
7. RODRIGUES (PRT) +00:12:01
8. BRABEC (USA) +00:13:47
9. VAN BEVEREN (FRA) +00:18:01
10. FARRES GUELL (ESP) +00:26:46
Overall Standings After Stage 10
1. PRICE (AUS) - 34:49:04
2. SVITKO (SVK) +00:23:12
3. GONCALVES (PRT) +00:34:15
4. QUINTANILLA (CHL) +00:42:49
5. MEO (FRA) +00:44:04
6. BENAVIDES (ARG) +00:45:10
7. RODRIGUES (PRT) +00:56:17
8. BRABEC (USA) +01:12:08
9. FARRES GUELL (ESP) +01:15:09
10. VAN BEVEREN (FRA) +01:21:55
Top Image: Australia's Toby Price maintains control of the race lead in the 2016 Dakar Rally
Credit: C.Barni
