Dakar claims another rider

Sad news out of Africa. Elmer Symons (South African rider that had been living in the US) was killed in the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally.

From the press release:

The organisation of the Dakar received the news this morning of the death of South Africa's Elmer Symons, bike rider n°107.

Today at 9:16, the race headquarters received an Iritrack alert coming from km 142 of the 4th stage from Er Rachidia to Ouarzazate.

On the site of the crash by helicopter 8 minutes later, the race direction could only record the death, confirmed 10 minutes later by the medical helicopter.

Head of a company specialised in the exportation of metal parts from the United States to South Africa, 29-year-old Elmer Symons was taking part in his first Dakar as a competitor. He had lived two others in an assistance crew. He was 18th overall.

The rally organisation is waiting for the return of Kingsley Symons who takes care of the assistance of his brother to witness their support and sadness.

Not a lot of details as of yet, but always sad when things go so bad.