by Mike K-H

9th Jan 2003 was a day that tested the paramedic and airlift services.

Several Serious accidents

Alfie Cox, South African hero and veteran off road racer, of the Gauloises Red Bull Natro Freight Nashua KTM Team, shattered his dream of winning the Dakar when a massive accident 245km into the special stage, left his shoulder badly injured and his bike in pieces during the eighth stage of the 2003 Telefonica Dakar Rally. 

"You know what it is like, you take the wrong route and ... when you realize the mistake you tend to panic somewhat because you have lost so much time. I raced flat out and ... I think my shoulder is broken," said Cox in serious agony as he was airlifted by helicopter from the scene of the crash.

Cox activated the satellite distress beacon at approximately 11:00, informing the organizer that he was in an accident and required medical attention. Fortunately it was found that the shoulder is not broken, but dislocated and the bandaged Cox is on his way to Tunis where it will be reseated under anesthetic. He will then fly to Europe before returning to South Africa.

Kenjiro Shinozuka and Thierry Delli-Zotti in the Midrand built Nissan Hardbody hit a series of bouncy dunes at high speed which left them flying off before hitting the sand nose first and the car cart wheeling along, with Shinozuka's face crashing into the steering wheel. Both team members were airlifted and are on their way to a hospital in Europe via a medical center in Tunis. 

The day's toll included two more major accidents - Belgium's Paul Wouters withdrew after breaking his foot 68km into the stage and at the 102km mark Frenchman Simon Droux broke his leg in another crash.

Giniel Better and Better

Vicus second

More of the Same

Tomorrow, stage 9 from Sabha to Zilla, a special stage of 567km with dunes and high-speed sections similar to today, in the picturesque countryside.

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Have fun. 

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