|
Post by Curt on Jan 9, 2006 16:57:24 GMT
Death of Andy Caldecott
The organisers of the 28th edition of the Dakar have learnt today, Monday the 9th of January 2006, the death of KTM rider n°10 Andy Caldecott.
At km 250 of stage 9 between Nouakchott and Kiffa, on a fast portion, the Australian biker suffered a bad crash. and died.
Aware of the accident at 11:31AM, the rally headquarters immediately sent a medical helicopter that landed at 11:55 AM on the scene of the accident. The doctors unfortunately could only note the death of the biker that according to them struck immediately.
Andy Caldecott, 41 years of age, was competing in his third Dakar. He had finished 6th of the 2005 edition and was currently 10th overall of this edition after having won stage 5 between Nador and Er-Rachidia in Morocco. Source: Dakar.com
|
|
|
Post by mattwrc on Jan 9, 2006 18:39:24 GMT
its a real shame when we lose such a talented rider
but unfortunatley its just one of those things
Isidre Esteve another bike rider was injured today aswell
|
|
|
Post by Mitch on Jan 9, 2006 21:27:42 GMT
:'(All of s Aussies are devestated. He was our best.
Rest in Peace: Andy Caldecott
|
|
|
Post by Mixa on Jan 9, 2006 21:34:40 GMT
Yeah its a shame when something like this happens. As a big Dakar fan I afraid that the story of the race might be over now... huge number of deaths in the race history and them has became big role in the latest years.
Starting to 1979 in Dakar we have seen 19 deaths of the riders/drivers
|
|
|
Post by Vivski on Jan 10, 2006 1:01:02 GMT
OH no! Not Andy! He was going so well, such a talented rider. As we saw last year it can happen to the best of them. Such a devastating blow for the Australian supporters.
RIP Andy Caldecott. A great career cut short. You did us proud.
|
|
|
Post by FordTeamRS on Jan 10, 2006 1:31:59 GMT
No!!!! No!!!! I am just shocked, I heard the news on TV this morning and I was literally breathless. I woke up in a rather good mood but this news has certainly rocked my day. Undoubtedly, he could have won the Dakar some time, but unfortunately these things happen. It's all part of the Dakar, and it's a part of the Dakar which is the saddest. I had followed him since his first Dakar and cheered him on ever since then, I was ecstatic for his stage victories this year and last year, and just last night I had hoped he could have elevated from his 10th position. Andy, you served Australia proud...
|
|
|
Post by Lita on Jan 10, 2006 5:46:51 GMT
I just got home from work and this is the first I have heard about this awful news. I cannot believe it. My thoughts are with his friends and family at this shocking time-it's such a shame, such a great loss. He was someone who was full of energy and passion; he lived for his sport. May he never be forgotten
|
|
|
Post by chrisfinch on Jan 10, 2006 11:21:38 GMT
I'm shocked but not surprised. They even made the bikes reduce their speed this year, but it didn't make any difference.
That's the third in two years.
R.I.P.
|
|
|
Post by FordTeamRS on Jan 10, 2006 11:45:10 GMT
Doesn't matter how slow they reduce the bikes, the real weak spot is the lack of protection the rider receives in an accident which is the real worry. Car drivers have thick roll cages, crash helmets, neck cushions, seats and seatbelts to protect them. Bikers just have a crash helmet. But that's motorsport unfortunately
|
|
|
Post by chrisfinch on Jan 10, 2006 12:23:24 GMT
Putting it that way, you're always going to have the fatal crashes, so what can be done, if anything?
|
|
|
Post by Hurricane on Jan 10, 2006 17:08:41 GMT
I think they couldn't wish any better way/place to die?
|
|
|
Post by mattwrc on Jan 10, 2006 18:52:05 GMT
safety is always an issue on the dakar but a lot of the injuries do happen at lower speeds
|
|
|
Post by Mitch on Jan 10, 2006 22:35:22 GMT
That is what Peter Brock said. It was all over the news last night. Channel 9 had pictures on the end of their report. SBS had a big bit on him and ABC had 2 segments on him including a touching story of his lif on the 7:30 report. Which included interview with Peter Brock and Andy's father. Great man. You know what I say: It is better to die of old age or die doing something you loved and was your passion.
|
|
|
Post by FordTeamRS on Jan 11, 2006 1:29:25 GMT
Yeah, glad he was given a fitting tribute by quite a few networks
|
|