FROM DAVID: January 21 2007
(connection 124km, special 225km, connection 227km)
Patricia arrived safely in Dakar yesterday, although the talk of all the riders was the madness of the local traffic. Local cars were having sport trying to bump the Rally cars and bikes as they weaved through the city.
Yesterday's celebrations were a little muted as 2 people died on the stage. A photographer died after hanging out of his car window to take a photograph and when his car crashed, he was killed. This mirrors an incident involving a photographer in Portugal. Neither were wearing seatbelts.
Also yesterday, a rider died after getting off his bike on the final run through Dakar and then having a heart attack. Tragically, his parents were waiting for him to arrive at the finish line. The cruelty of the Rally. This brings to 4, the number of deaths this year.
Marc Coma, who was leading the Rally (motorcycles) until 2 days ago, got lost, went fast to catch up and hit a tree. He is now in hospital with head injuries but will be OK.
Hopefully, today's short stage around Lac Rose will be less newsworthy and we will simply be reporting on celebrations in the next and final report.
Patricia is in good spirits, relieved to have arrived in Dakar. Bernie looks exhausted, dirtier and more unshaven than when I left him 2 weeks ago. Werner is in good spirits but disappointed he had to pull out. Tom Classen is euphoric after coming 4th 2 days running, which is a stunning performance for a privateer versus all the professional teams.
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