Don Hatton out of 2010 Dakar race
For Immediate Release
Buenos Aires, Argentina – Tuesday January 5, 2010 – Don Hatton has been forced to retire from Stage 3 of the 2010 Dakar race upon advice of race medical staff.
For hours, Don had been struggling in axle deep in the white sand dunes east of La Rioja, Argentina in 45 degree Celsius temperatures. The combination of poor engine performance brought on by bad fuel, fatigue from the heat and the lingering affects of the food poisoning meant that riding the steep dunes was almost impossible. Riding with fellow Dakar racer Duncan Tweedy, they were both overcome with heat issues. They were provided water from passing participants in cars and trucks to help them cope with their situation.
Passing race medical officials advised them both not to proceed; “You will die in the dunes”, they urged, adding that there were no helicopters available as they were all busy trying to evacuate other competitors from the dunes. Not encouraging news considering their location and physical condition.
Still suffering from the dehydration due to food poisoning that he endured on stage two of the rally, Don took the advice of race officials and withdrew from the rally. He was one of 20 motorcyclists, nearly 15% of the entrants, to retire from the race Monday.
We know at this time Don was safe at the Bivouac Tuesday night and will make his way back to Buenos Aires Wednesday to meet up with his wife and support team.
We will advise further once we have been able to interview Don.
On behalf of Don, Natalie and the whole Rally Raid Canada – Destination Dakar team we would like to give our utmost thanks to our fans, sponsors and especially our media supporters!
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I strongly believe that the Dakar officials be accountable for the problems of bad food and fuel that caused these problems. It is not fare, especially for the independents like Don and Duncan who put so much of their time and family into these events.
I look forward to Don and the others affected by this debacle returning next year.
ça roule
ybg
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Don, congratulations on your second attempt at the Dakar. It is truly unfortunate that seemingly simple, basic things like food, and fuel have impaired your attempt to be amongst the finishers this year. Take car, and I hope to learn of your return to Dakar in 2011.
Chris -Langley, BC
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