| Team Dome BMW - Simon & Nick: 8th Jan 2005 |
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Dakar dream still alive for Pavey
Team DOME BMW rider Simon Pavey is back on track to complete the 2005 Telefňnica
Dakar
Rally. He is currently in a credible 89th position overall following three days of non-stop
treacherous riding to complete the ninth stage of the rally to arrive in
Atar in Africa.
This year's seventh stage – from Zauerat to Tichit – of the rally was the
most difficult to date.
Thursday's stage included a 660km special with large sand dunes and acres
of camel grass. To
add to the already difficult stage, a massive sand storm kicked up and
made conditions almost
impossible for competitors.
Many competitors – motorcycles, cars and trucks – failed to reach the Bivouac
at the end of the
day, including Pavey. They raced through the night and in freezing cold conditions, hoping to get
to the final check point.
Friday's 520km special stage was cancelled because so many competitors
had not reached the
Dakar base camp. Instead, a massive clean up was the highlight that day. Many competitors had
run out of fuel or lost their way, and the infamous Dakar sweeper trucks
began picking up
competitors to return them to base.
BMW's Off-Road Skills instructor had no intention of waiting for help and
giving up his dream of
finishing this year's Telefňnica Dakar Rally. Simon rode on and managed to start and complete
today's stage nine of the event. He finished the 361km special in 78th
position and is 89th overall.
Spanish born Esteve Pujol won today's ninth stage, Italian Frank Meoni
was second and Noway's
Pal anders Ullevalseter was third. Frenchman Cyril Despres continues to
lead the Dakar,
followed by Marc Coma and then South Africa's Alfie Cox.
Tomorrow the competitors will have a rest day in Atar. However, a full interview with Simon
Pavey detailing his last three agonising days will be available to read
on the website tomorrow.
Highlights of the 2005 Telefňnica Dakar Rally can be seen on Europsort.
See your local guide for
details. |
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