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
Heard this on the news this morning.
Sad sad news.
My sympathies go out to his family.
Lee.
Was going to post this myself earlier today, but didn't know whether it was the right "forum" for this type of news.
A very sad loss for the off-road community in general, be it bikes, cars, bugs or trucks
Vale Andy. Requisicat in Pace
As a bike rider and lover of Enduro I was shocked and sadden to hear the news of his death this morning.
He was an amazing desert racer and at 41 was going as fast, if not faster, than he ever had.
He death will be a heavy loss to the motorbike community as a whole. My thoughts go out to his family especially his wife and son.
R I P andy.. 
Roost in peace buddy.
Yes it is a very sad loss. A very talented rider and family man. R.I.P Andy.
sad, a nice bloke.