DAKAR RALLY BACK ON TRACK AFTER HEAVY FOG
04 January 2005 - BMW Motorrad GB

After yesterday’s disappointment when the special stage of the 2005 Telefónica Dakar Rally was cancelled for motorcyclists due to heavy fog, today’s stage has taken the competitors from Agadir to Smara in Africa.

Team DOME BMW rider Simon Pavey rode his BMW F650 GS 654kms to finish the fifth stage of the rally in 101st position and is 95th overall in the event – with over 200 riders competing.

Australian-born Pavey said: “Today’s special stage was quite technical – it was very twisty and rocky, with plenty of first and second gear corners – so I rode carefully because if I fell today, it could have ended my rally.”

“I had a really good night’s sleep last night and after an early start [5:30am] I feel that I have made good progress today. I am quite tired now and my wrist is hurting from a pre-Dakar incident, so I am looking forward to getting to the Bivouac to get ready for another early start tomorrow.

“There is a 120km liaison stage tomorrow and then we head into the dunes. I’ve considered today as a warm-up, as the rally will start to get a lot more difficult from tomorrow.”

Simon’s team-mate and fellow BMW Off-Road Skills instructor, Nick Plumb has withdrawn from the 2005 Telefónica Dakar Rally due to a technical problem.

Fellow Australian Andy Cadelott won the special stage today, followed by Marc Coma, Frenchman Cyril Depres was third and then South African Alfie Cox was fourth. In the car special, Colin McRae clinched his second special on the rally to capture overall leadership. In a dramatic truck race, Tchaguine took advantage of Gerard de Rooy''s crash to comfort his lead.

Tomorrow the competitors will face even more challenges that will test their riding ability and the performance of their race machines, as well as their luck. During the day competitors will race from Smara to Zouerat, which will include 121km liaison stage, followed by a 492km special and then a 9km liaison.

Highlights of the 2005 Telefónica Dakar Rally can be seen on Eurosport. See your local guide for details.

www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

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