After Friday’s fifth stage of the 2017 Dakar Rally was shortened due to poor weather, Saturday’s sixth from Oruro to La Paz has been cancelled outright due to worsening conditions, making it unsafe for all competitors.
This means this year’s Dakar will have a quick two-day break before the rally resumes on Monday, as Sunday was a scheduled rest day in La Paz.
The official release from Dakar organizers explains today’s decision:
“Considering the extreme climatic conditions and that some others are still on the stage course. Considering that it is impossible to bring the vehicles of all participants back to the bivouac and prepare the next stage in the best conditions. Considering that people of the organization in charge of the reco of tomorrow’s stage course informed that the road is unpracticable. The 6e stage of Oruro-La Paz has been cancelled.”
Official announcement: Stage 6 is cancelled due to extreme climatic conditions. / La etapa 6 queda anulada debido al mal tiempo. #Dakar2017 pic.twitter.com/RWIN03HvYq
— DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 7, 2017
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— DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 7, 2017
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🇧🇴🇧🇴🇧🇴olivia ama el #Dakar2017. @boliviatravel1 pic.twitter.com/ttwqFUojTd