DAKAR RIDERS BACK ON TRACK
14 January 2005 - BMW Motorrad GB

After an enforced sabbatical, competitors of what has become – arguably – the most fraught Dakar Rally yet, were again battling with the elements and Africa’s hostile terrain on the 668 km stage from Barnako to Kayes.

With only four stages to go, Team DOME BMW rider Simon Pavey had firmly believed that the worst was over. However, what Pavey described as the ‘worst’ is open to debate. The 13th official day of the event certainly wasn’t a picnic. But then, no one promised it would be.

Wearing black scarves around their arms in respectful tribute to late colleague Fabrizio Meoni, 108 riders departed Barnako and rode straight into the black ink of an African night. The first liaison of 205 km was difficult enough, but the succeeding 370 km proved a literal nightmare for some of the riders. Simon Pavey on the Team DOME BMW F650 GS ran into ‘technical difficulties’ and took two hours to get back into the rally. By this time the leading cars had passed him, leaving a thick tunnel of sand and dust to ride through. “It was hell,” said the BMW off-road instructor. “I couldn’t see the cars coming from behind and they couldn’t see me. The dust never dispersed and I was mentally and physically exhausted through concentration and riding. I was just glad to get to Kayes in one piece.” Pavey finished 87th on the day and is in 80th position overall.

Fellow Aussie Andy Caldecotte won the stage ahead of Fretigne, Blaise and Cox. However, Cyril Despres retains the overall lead 16 minutes ahead of Coma who is just four minutes ahead of South African Alfie Cox.

Pavey is optimistic he will achieve his objective of finishing another Dakar, but concedes that much can happen during the last three days. “All the bikes are beginning to break down,” he said, “and the riders are exhausted. In most cases it is will power that keeps everyone going. Personally, I’m sure I can finish. The bike is going well and I’m in reasonably good shape.”

Day 14 from Kayes to Tambacounda is a mere 630 km of which 529 km is a special stage. It is almost certain that more riders will drop out. Pavey is determined not to be one of them.

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

www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

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