Australasian Safari 2010 Day 4

Results from Day 4 of the 2010 Australasian Safari – Jacob Smith injured.

Australasian Safari 2010 Day 4

Competitors arriving back to the camp in Norseman in the south east of Western Australia today for a mid-leg service were glad to just make it back after two morning stages.

Last year’s winner Jacob Smith was the first bike out today from Coolgardie, but came into trouble in the second stage of the day, coming off his bike and requiring a helicopter transfer to Kalgoorlie Hospital with a suspected broken leg and injured shoulder.

The group of top riders following him, including his brother Todd, stopped to assist him and a provision for compassionate time will be discussed by officials at the end of today’s racing. The difficulty of the course is a double-edged sword for competitors. As hard as it is, most would not have it any other way.

Brazilian competitor Ze Helio said it was a hard morning with the track zig-zagging in the first two stages. “I didn’t really know what to expect before coming here for the Safari, but it is harder than what I am used to in competitions in Brazil. “It is really good training for Dakar as I plan to compete for the second time at the end of the year.”

The landscape is changing as the event heads towards the southern coast, with the vibrant colours of the red dirt and pink-barked salmon gums contrasting against the clear blue skies competitors have enjoyed all week.

Results are still to be confirmed for the day and will be available on www.rallyresults.com.au/safari2010