DAKAR, Senegal -- A French motorcyclist died during the
next-to-last stage of the Dakar Rally on Saturday, the second death
of this year's grueling event across Europe and Africa
Eric Aubijoux, a 42-year-old Yamaha rider, had a heart attack,
rally director Etienne Lavigne said. Aubijoux had completed the
stage and was finishing an untimed section near Dakar. He stopped
his bike "feeling faint" before collapsing, organizers said in a
statement.
South African motorcyclist Elmer Symons, 29, died Jan. 9 in a
crash during the fourth stage in Morocco. The race has long been
known for its danger to competitors and spectators. Dozens of
participants have died in the rally's 29-year history.
France's Stephane Peterhansel solidified his overall lead after
14 stages. He finished 11th for the day and has a total time of 45
hours, 42 minutes, 45 seconds. Another Frenchman, Luc Alphand, is
7:16 behind.
Carlos Sainz of Spain won Saturday for his fifth stage victory.
He covered the 140 miles from Tambacounda to Dakar in 2 hours, 21
minutes, 2 seconds. Giniel de Villiers of South Africa was seven
seconds behind.
The race concludes Sunday at Lac Rose, a lake outside Dakar.