The Dakar in mourning
For the second consecutive year, the Dakar caravan was stricken on the route towards Kiffa. Australian rider Andy Caldecott, victim of a massive accident, was killed instantly at km 250 of the stage. Today also saw the retirement of Isidre Esteve, who was taken to hospital in Nouakchott following an accident. Cyril Despres posted his third stage win. On four-wheels Stéphane Peterhansel won his 51st Dakar stage, including all divisions : an all-time record. Another victory for Vladimir Chagin in the truck division.
The stage following the rest day spent in Nouakchott was to be the turning point of the 2006 Dakar. The sporting spectacle promised to the competitors was overshadowed by the tragedy that unfolded at km 250, where Andy Caldecott succumbed after an accident aboard his KTM. Alerted at 11h31, the organisation dispatched a medical helicopter to the scene of the incident. Arriving at 11h55, the doctors confirmed at 11h57 the passing of Caldecott, according to the doctors he was killed instantly.
The Australian rider, who was participating in his third Dakar, retired in 2004 after completing the Atar stage with a broken ankle. The following year, he finished sixth in the final standings, with two stage wins at Smara and Kayes. Jordi Arcarons took notice of this performance and offered Caldecott a spot in the KTM-Repsol team to stand in for the injured Jordi Duran. Caldecott, a last minute entry for the rally, posted the best time on the Er Rachidia stage, and occupied 10th place in the standings.
:cry:cry:cry
kkk
koolkarmakombi enkarmarising
2,078 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·
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