Australian motorcyclist dies in Dakar rally

Australian motorcyclist Andy Caldecott was killed in a crash during Monday's ninth stage of the Dakar Rally.

Published on: Jan 10, 2006, 24:19:00 IST

PTI | By Anonymous, Kifa (Mauritania)

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Australian motorcyclist Andy Caldecott was killed in a crash during Monday's ninth stage of the Dakar Rally.

The 41-year-old Caldecott crashed his KTM motorbike after about 250 kilometers of the 599-kilometer stage from Nouakchott to Kiffa in Mauritania -- the longest of this year's race.

The course from Nouakchott to Kiffa stretches over rocky tracks and vast sand dunes, some so large competitors have to drive around them.

Caldecott, who became the 23rd competitor to die in the rally, was married with one child.

A statement on the race Web site said a helicopter was sent to the scene of the accident.

"The doctors unfortunately could only note the death of the biker that, according to them, struck immediately," the statement said. "The Dakar wishes to express its sincere condolences." Caldecott, winner of the third stage, was in 10th place overall. He was competing in his third Dakar Rally and finished sixth overall last year.

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