DAKAR’S DARKEST DAY–JAN 10

DAKAR’S DARKEST DAY–JAN 10

January 9, 2006
STAGE 9 Nouakchott > Kiffa
Total distance: 874 km – 30 km transfer – 599 special test – 245 km liaison
(Report by Scott Cox. Photo by P. Batini)

Chris Blais and the entire Red Bull KTM US Dakar team would like to extend their condolences to the family of Andy Caldecott #10, who tragically lost his life today during Stage 9 of the 2006 Dakar Rally. The 41-year-old Australian was a talented member of the Repsol Junior team as well as a friend and staunch ally to Chris and the American team.

‘I last saw and spoke with Andy at a gas stop just 20km from where he crashed,’ said Blais. ‘He was a tremendous rider and a big help to me during earlier stages in the rally. This is a huge loss and all of us are stunned by his passing.’

FROM KTM PRESS WEBSITE

Fatal accident of 41 year old Australian Andy Caldecott

1-9-06

Australian Repsol KTM rider Andy Caldecott fatally crashed on the 9th stage of the Dakar (Nouakchott ? Kiffa).

The accident happened directly after the day off. This information has totally shocked us, we’re at a loss for words.

The terrible accidents in the past 2 years caused us to start with mixed feelings and question our rally engagement. The presenters of the Dakar have tried to make the rally safer together with several manufacturers. A tempo limit has been adopted, a GPS system which enables each rider to be located and to allow him to communicate with the presenter. Riders can have more rests now due to shorter tank stops. A pretty sportive rally until yesterday’s day of rest eclipsed the pain of the past – today we were brutally pulled out of our dream to make this rally safe.

Our thoughts are with Andy and his family.

KTM Motorsport

STAGE 9 RESULTS – Blais finished 9th overall for Stage 9, he is now in 6th
position overall. Today’s was a long and trying stage with very high-speeds,
dust and challenging obstacles. By 10pm, more than half of the field had
still not arrived in the bivouac.

Tomorrow – Tuesday , January 10, 2006 ?

Kiffa to Kayes
Total distance 333km – NO SPECIAL TEST