Official Press Release from Dakar: 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.
To his family that was immediately contacted, the Dakar wishes to express its sincere condolences.
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Green Sally up. Green Sally down. Lift and squat, gonna tear the ground.
I heard about it early this morning. A truly sad event. It certainly had a sobering effect on me all day. In the Australian Safari he was almost a legend winning the Moto section every year from 2000 to 2003 and had been truly impressive in the three Dakars he rode in. Im sure everyone in Off Road Racing would like to send their respects to Andys wife, Tracy & little girl, Caitlin. Motor Racing is dangerous but we dont need to be reminded in this way.
Although the cars are my main interest when watching the Dakar, I was always keen to see how the "Fast Aussie"Andy Caldecott was progressing Over the last 3 Dakars we have had the pleasure of watching him race, he had become a Hero this time of year at our house It will be hard to think that we will ever enjoy the Dakar as much with out Andy Caldecott competing
