Half way through Running in Saudi Arabia this year Alonso finished sixth today, sixteenth overall. Usual suspects at the top. Sainz, Al-attiyah, Peterhansel, respectively in the cars. American Ricky Brabec first overall on the bikes Three American teams in the top six in the side- by-sides Second, fourth, and sixth
OMG.. terrible news... https://apnews.com/7d184ce869c7ee2b153fb54e0d6a7acd Motorbike racer Paulo Gonçalves dies during Dakar Rally WADI AL DAWASIR, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Portuguese motorbike rider Paulo Gonçalves has died on the Dakar Rally, becoming the first competitor killed since the event’s move to Saudi Arabia this year. He was 40. Rally organizers said Gonçalves fell from his Hero motorbike during the seventh stage Sunday and suffered a cardiac arrest. He was found unconscious by the staff of a medical helicopter and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Gonçalves was competing in the Dakar for the 13th time and had a best finish of second in 2015. “The entire Dakar caravan would like to extend its sincere condolences to his friends and family,” organizers said in a statement on the rally’s website. The last competitor to die on the Dakar Rally was Polish motorbike racer Michal Hernik in Argentina in 2015, though two non-competitors were killed in crashes with vehicles in 2016.
It's hard to criticize a sporting even for going to Saudi Arabia when every Western government, including the US, has significant relationships and arms deals with them.
I have no issue criticizing the Western governments for that - but I'am aware it's going off-topic...