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Team Australia: Destination Dakar 2005
The story:
Andy Caldecott, David Schwartz and Neil White are Australia's representatives in
the ultimate endurance event - the 2005 Dakar Rally. Caldecott's legendary
reputation as one of the best rally riders in Australia was only enhanced with
last year's effort, his first ever assault on this international event.
Caldecott was in the pack of frontrunners when misfortune struck, breaking his
ankle midway through the race, which disappointingly ended his Dakar challenge.
The support of the people of the Tatiara District in South Australia, who had
raised $80,000 in less than a year, to support their hometown hero in his quest
to fulfill his dream, was inspirational to Caldecott. This time, the fundraising
was unnecessary as he will be riding for Team Australia, along with fellow South
Australian, David Schwartz, a respected and talented rider who also dreams of
Dakar glory.
Rally fans, friends and followers can follow Team Australia during the 2005
Dakar Rally, beginning on the 31st of December and finishing on January 17th.
With ABC Local Radio providing up to date coverage right here online, don't miss
the interviews, the daily results and the chance of a great finish.
Dakar 2005: Team Australia ready to ride
Reporter: Jonathan Atkins
Presenter: Alan Richardson
Thursday, 16 December 2004
Andy Caldecott riding his first Dakar in January 2004.
It's that time of the year again… that’s right it's Dakar Rally time.
Starting in Barcelona on the 1st of January, the world’s toughest rally will
again challenge some of the best and most daring riders and drivers from around
the world. For the first time Australia will be represented by a fully sponsored
“Team Australia”.
Andy Caldecott is back, recovered from his injury during last year's event and
ready to tackle Dakar once again, this time with team mate David Schwartz and
mechanic Neil White.
The ankle injury, which forced a withdrawal from last year's race, meant a
heartbreaking end to Andy's first attempt on Dakar. Andy has had no problems
with his ankle and says that it is feeling good and working well, he does
however plan to keep his toes tucked in tight this year.
Andy admits to a slight disadvantage this year. Having not ridden on similar
terrain since last year’s event and with extra work and business commitments,
Andy has had little time to train. While he does not consider this a problem he
is aware that he is competing against full time professional riders. Andy is in
good shape and believes that physically he can handle the race; the extra
practice would just makes things a bit easier. (Doesn’t it feel great to barrack
for the underdog.)
With long days and little time to sleep, competitors need to be mentally and
physically fit. This year at least Andy will have less on his mind, as part of
“Team Australia” all of the logistics and organisation is taken care of.
Last year Andy and his supporters had to raise most of the funds themselves with
the support of his small hometown of Keith in the Tatiara District of South
Australia. The planning involved in last years attempt was a huge undertaking,
not just from Andy, but his Dakar committee members, friends and family. All
Andy and David have to do this year is get to Barcelona and their bikes and gear
will be waiting for them.
Andy’s aim this year is the same as last year… to finish the race. In an event,
which had only 30 percent of its competitors finish last year, this will be no
small achievement.
Before bad luck struck, Andy was placed in the top ten in last year’s event, an
effort he hopes to repeat, especially after the disappointment of last year.
Having competed against many of the other riders before, Andy believes there is
a chance that Team Australia can finish in the top five, but the Dakar is a
tough and surprising event, for all competitors.
For more news, stories and updates go to Team Australia in Dakar
