Dakar 2012 Stage 6 Cancelled

Due to the bad weather continuing over the Andes Cordillera (rain and snow), the Chilean authorities were forced to close, for the night, the border at Paso de San Francisco, situated at 4700m.

For the 7th time, the Dakar is about to cross over the Andes, and because of very unfavourable conditions, added to the fact that the course has been hit by rain and snow, in order to guarantee the security of the competitors and those following the rally, the organisers have decided to organise a convoy for all vehicles tomorrow. The itinerary has been changed after the border (follow the main road on the right which goes to Diego de Almagro).

http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/stage-5/live-feed.html

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Permalink Reply by Ken on January 5, 2012 at 7:24pm

Thats too bad........we need every stage we can get to make up time. But safety comes first

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Permalink Reply by Bricoop on January 5, 2012 at 9:09pm

Not really. If RG pushes it over 300 km he can make up that time no problem. Smooth and steady's gonna win this one.

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Permalink Reply by Dinamo Ska on January 5, 2012 at 7:26pm

Just got this from canchallena.com (Argentina)

"Currently evaluating a plan B, which would be through Agua Negra, in the province of San Juan.
Civil Defence plans to deploy six shelters, equipped with oxygen, fuel, water bottles and radios connected to Gendamería. In addition, the convoy will be escorted by 7 ambulances operating all the way to the Chilean side."

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Permalink Reply by Ben Cartwright on January 5, 2012 at 7:27pm

gotta wonder if the weather will also prevent the 2nd truck from arriving

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Permalink Reply by BajaTuner on January 5, 2012 at 8:38pm

Good point. It will not get special privelages to closed road etc like the convoy may.

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Permalink Reply by geothermaljones on January 5, 2012 at 7:32pm

Well then, I might get some work done before noon...
Hate to see a cancelled stage, but I've travelled high mtn snows & wouldn't even think of trying it on a bike.

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Permalink Reply by FD REBEL on January 5, 2012 at 7:42pm

Time to get the stranded chase trucks in place.......Canceled? Wimpy Wimpy Wimpy

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Permalink Reply by ktm pilot on January 5, 2012 at 8:08pm

No Dakar for 2 days!!! Will have to watch SX Sat nite.
Maybe the 2nd truck will be there for Sat to get the Hummers tip top!

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Permalink Reply by f1ip on January 5, 2012 at 8:21pm

stage 6 would have been the Hummers' playground,
but they'll have plenty of time to catch up on Stage 7 and 8.
just look at the routes, over 400km specials in the Atacama desert.
http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/stage-7/day-s-route.html
http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/stage-8/day-s-route.html

and of course, Stage 9 with 556km special
http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/stage-9/day-s-route.html

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Permalink Reply by Charlie Frank on January 5, 2012 at 8:42pm

Agree, good opportunities for the Hummers on stages 7-9.
Question- Wouldn't the elevation have created problems (lack of speed vs. the Mini turbos) on stage 6 for the Hummers?

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Permalink Reply by f1ip on January 5, 2012 at 9:27pm

supposedly on stage 6, only first 15km or so is uphill at high altitude, the rest are downhill towards the dunes. If Nasser was able to haul ass and lead early on Stage 4 that was mostly going up to higher altitude, then the Hummers won't have that issue on the later stages.