[MAGPIE]

Sad news alright

Fatal accident of Australian Andy Caldecott
Dakar : KTM Motorsport Press Release

Australian Repsol KTM rider Andy Caldecott fatally crashed on the 9th stage of the Dakar (Nouakchott – Kiffa).

The accident happened directly after the day off. This information has totally shocked us, we're at a loss for words.

The terrible accidents in the past 2 years caused us to start with mixed feelings and question our rally engagement. The presenters of the Dakar have tried to make the rally safer together with several manufacturers. A tempo limit has been adopted, a GPS system which enables each rider to be located and to allow him to communicate with the presenter.

Riders can have more rests now due to shorter tank stops. A pretty sportive rally until yesterday's day of rest eclipsed the pain of the past - today we were brutally pulled out of our dream to make this rally safe.

Our thoughts are with Andy and his family.

Press Release
KTM Motorsport