2017 Dakar Rally: The Stage 9 has been cancelled

The stage 9 (Salta – Chilecito) of 2017 Dakar Rally has been cancelled. It’s the second day off for the competitors in this year’s race after stage 6 was cancelled earlier. A bad weather forced this cancellation causing a huge landslide near the of Volcan, located in link section on the stage 8.

The affected area lies approximately 40 km to the north of Jujuy and 160 km from Salta. The competitors and their assistance crews couldn’t reach Salta’s bivouac in time to start stage 9, so organisers decided to cancel the stage 9 and reroute the whole Dakar caravan to alternative itinerary via San Antonio de los Cobres, extending the liaison by approximately 200 km. The organisers also have made their medical services available to the rescue teams which are helping people in affected area.

The race will continue tomorrow with stage 10 between Chilecito and San Juan. The overall length is 751 kilometers, with 449 km of timed section.

Photos: dakar.com,