Disappointing Dakar withdrawal
It was a disappointing end for Brakpan’s Riaan van Niekerk as he was forced to withdraw from the 2015 Dakar Rally, in South America.
The bike contender, riding his Broadlink KTM, withdrew during stage eight of the challenge after he suffered mechanical problems with his bike after crossing a salt pan on Monday, January 12.
He, like many other top riders, was forced to end their Dakar journey as the salt water found its way into the electrical system.
This came after van Niekerk enjoyed his best day of the rally the day before with a tenth overall placing.
On his Facebook page he expressed his disappointment with the irreparable mechanical issue.
“It rained the night before so the lake was covered in water.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that the salt lake would destroy the bikes in such a short distance.
“Some bikes barely made it and mine didn’t,” he said.
He thanked everybody back home who has supported him at this year’s event.
