The full impact of the massive landslide that forced the cancellation of Stage 9 can be seen in this video posted on the Dakar website.
Organisers were forced to cancel the stage when the landslide at the town of Volcan on the non-competitive section of Stage 8 prevented some competitors from reaching the overnight bivouac at Salta.
The area has been in a severe drought but persistent rain has plagued the rally for the past week.
The severe conditions forced the cancellation of Stage 6, Stages 5 and 8 had to be shortened, and Stage 7 needed to be heavily modified.
The landslide has caused massive damage to the town of Volcan. (Photo credit: AP)Yesterday’s statement from the Dakar organisers said “A massive landslide caused by thunderstorms happened this morning at 10.30am on the road used to join the bivouac, 40 kilometers north of Jujuy, 160kms away from Salta, hitting the village of Volcan.”
“As the road is cut off, most of the vehicles, competitors, assistance and logistics from the Dakar caravan were diverted on an alternative route through San Antonio de los Cobres, extending the distance of the liaison by about 200 km. They will not be able to reach the Salta bivouac in time to start the race tomorrow.”
Stage 9 from Salta to Chilecito was to be the longest of the rally covering a distance of 977 km, 406 of them timed, and was a potentially decisive stage for determining the rally’s winners.
Instead, the competitors will regroup in Chilecito and continue the event with the start of Stage 10 that will take them from Chilecito to San Juan.
Coverage of the Dakar continues on SBS today from 5.30pm to 6.00pm (check your local TV guides to confirm), and check in here at Motorcycle Life and the Dream Racer Facebook page for regular updates.
You can also watch the movie Dream Racer, or buy the DVD/Blue Ray, at dreamracer.tv.
The multi-award winning movie tracks Christophe’s progress through the event and is the purest footage you’ll ever see of the Dakar.
It’s also one of the most inspiring films of all time.