Desert sandstorms force cancellation of Dakar Rally stage

SANDSTORMS in the Mauritanian desert forced the cancellation of yesterday’s eighth stage of the Dakar Rally.

The decision was made after only 96 bikes, 59 cars and 27 trucks had completed yesterday’s stage, with the blowing sand making for poor visibility.

Stage eight between Tichit and Tidjikja, which was expected to be the toughest route of the event, had already been shortened from 520 kilometres to 130km with competitors due to set off later than planned.