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Nani Roma's ADDC victory overshadowed by tragic death of Cameron Waugh
Defending champion Nani Roma emphatically announced his intention to retain his drivers title in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge today but the action was marred by the death of Dubai-based British rider Cameron Waugh.
Waugh succumbed to injuries at Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi following an accident 155km after the start of the stage, and Waugh was found by fellow rider Jakub Przygonski from Poland who set off the satellite alarm and performed CPR.
Two doctors and a paramedic arrived at the scene by helicopter within 13 minutes and Waugh was immediately transferred to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the rally organisers, said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news, and on behalf of the ATCUAE and everyone connected with the event, I send our sincere condolences to Cameron’s family.
“Safety is always our top priority, and the highly motivated professionals in our Search and Rescue and medical teams who responded to today’s accident did everything within their power. Our thoughts are with Cameron’s family.”
Sulayem paid tribute to Przygonski, adding: “Jakub performed CPR to the point of exhaustion, and was heroic in the way he tried to save a fellow competitor.”
Partnered by French co-driver Michel Perin, Roma powered his Mini into a lead of 11 mins 29 secs from Poland’s Marek Dabrowski and Jacek Czachor in a Toyota Hilux on the 290-km Yas Marina Circuit Special Stage 1 as the rally swept through the giant dunes of the Western Region of Al Garbia.
English rider Sam Sunderland, who finished third last year after a time penalty for a technical infringement cost him his chance of victory, made a superb start on his KTM debut, winning the stage by 34 seconds from new team-mate Marc Coma.
Finishing the day in third place in the cars category was Dutchman Erik Van Loon in a Mini, with the top six completed by Russian Vladimir Vailyev in another Mini, and Brazil’s Reinaldo Varela followed by Poland’s Adam Malysz, both driving a Toyota Hilux.
The UAE’s Yahya Alhelei made a solid start in his new Nissan Pick Up, completing the stage in eighth place, just ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Ahmed Al Shegawi in a Chevrolet.
At the finish, reigning Dakar Rally champion Roma said: “There were a lot of dunes, but I had no problems and navigation is going well. I’m testing some new systems in the car and it's going very well so far.”
Alhelei, partnered by Emirati co-driver Khalid Alkendi, said: “Today was very difficult with some big jumps. Also, it is a new car and I need more practice. I had problems with the shock absorbers, also no reverse gear, but being a Nissan it keeps going.”
UAE rider Mohammed Al Balooshi fought his way into the top ten and then said: “Today was tough as I am getting used to the bike and trying to pick up on my fitness so I took it easy in order to finish the stage.”
Last year’s winners of the quads category, Qatar’s Mohammed Abu Issa, came out on top again ahead of Poland’s reigning world champion Rafal Sonik.
Abu Issa said: “The stage had more dunes than I expected which was actually quite good for my bike as I had made the settings more suited to that terrain.
“I did struggle a little with the bike in the first half after the changes I'd made after Dakar, but the second half was much better once I got used to the bike again. Unfortunately I lost my time card so I expect a 5 mins penalty.”
