Dakar Rally

[yello]

That time of year again.... it's madness and the closest I'll ever get to liking motor racing.

Sadly a motorcyclist, Jorge Martinez Boero, died yesterday in the 1st stage and another was injured in today's stage when at 140kph he hit a cow type animal (still looking for latest news on the rider's condition)... but the madness continues.

I have to admit that despite all its faults I find it compelling viewing.

 

[biggs682]

this yearly event always amazes me how little publicity it gets .

 

[Aperitif]

In another life, this always used to be required viewing on Eurosport when the in-laws were in England...Stephane Peterhansel was the man...is he retired now?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Who could fail to love it for this story alone.

oops, dead linky!

 

[Salad Dodger]

I think Stefane has gone over to 4 wheels now.

If any of you like the Dakar, have you read Charley Boorman's booke "Race to Dakar"? If not, I recommend it.......

I fully appreciate the reasons why the Dakar no longer runs in Africa, but it is such a shame that it has had to be moved.

 

[yello]

Drop the 'q' off the end of the link....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/january/12/newsid_2523000/2523841.stm

 

[yello]

I fully appreciate the reasons why the Dakar no longer runs in Africa, but it is such a shame that it has had to be moved.

I kind of know what you mean but that's not to say that the new Dakar is any the less for it. I enjoy it just as much albeit differently.

I must track down that Boorman book, I didn't know of it before now.

 

[yello]

another was injured in today's stage when at 140kph he hit a cow type animal (still looking for latest news on the rider's condition)

It was French rider Bruno de Costa. He's seriously injured, a kidney injury. Report here (in French)

And, yes, Peterhansel has turned to the dark side and is currently leading the car section (in a mini... but a mini like you've probably never seen!) by 2m 28.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Who could fail to love it for this story alone.

Yes but then, dammit, this happened...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/january/15/newsid_2530000/2530725.stm