Dakar Blog - Day 7

Stage Report - Day 7 - 12th January 2020

Start Location: Riyadh
Finish Location: Wadi Al Dawasir
Stage Length: 546km SS (timed), 195km liaison, 741km total.
Stage Finish Position: DNF
General Classification Position: DNF

Stage 7 was marked by a crash that claimed the life of veteran racer Paulo Gonçalves, who was taking part in his 13th Dakar.

“I’m sorry to have to tell you all that I’m out of the general classification of the Dakar rally. At 297km of today’s 546km stage my engine let go while climbing a dune. I knew as soon as it happened that it was terminal. I still took the bike apart trying to find any sign of a potential quick fix but there was nothing I could do.”

“The bike is en route back to the bivouac on the sweeper truck as I type, I’m hoping to get it fixed tomorrow so that I can carry on racing in the Dakar experience category on Wednesday. This was a tough day even before hearing of the passing of one of my heroes at the race, Paolo Gonçalves.”

Tomorrow’s 8th stage has been annulled for the bikes and quads in respect of Paulo Gonçalves.

Thanks for reading and for your support.

Team #SHdakar2020