South Australian Andrew Caldecott extended his lead in the Motorcycle division to a massive one hour, 41 minutes, five seconds on his KTM 660cc Rallye. The 36-year-old from Keith, who has led since the start, won today’s section by 12 minutes and 20 seconds from South Australian Rob Pollard, also riding a KTM.
“The dust was terrible today,” said Caldecott. “I had an advantage starting first because it meant the riders behind me had to deal with the dust and I didn’t. There were cattle all along the various stages, and we also had to watch out for Kangaroos near the end of the day.”
American Casey McCoy remains in section position on a Honda XR400. Fellow American Kevin Schwantz, the 1993 500cc World Road Race Champion, retained 12th position on a Suzuki DR-Z400, despite being slowed by a flat tire.
The Safari continues tomorrow with a 204-mile competitive section from Top Springs to Katherine. The
event will finish on Mindil Beach in Darwin on Sunday.
OVERALL POSITIONS (After Day 5 – Thursday, August 24):
1. A. Caldecott (SA) KTM 660 Rallye 19:49.39
2. C. McCoy (U.S.) Honda XR400 21:30.44
3. T. Tervoert (SA) Husqvarna TE610E 21:53.16
4. R. Pollard (WA) KTM 640 Adventure 22:06.57
5. S. Blackney (GB) KTM 660 Rallye 22:46.44
6. G. Hoffman (NSW) KTM 620 23:01.39
7. T. Kirby (NSW) Suzuki DR-Z400 23:21.38
8. C. Ross (NT) Honda XR650 23:34.46
9. A. Roberts (NT) Honda XR400 23:54.09
10. P. Talintyre (NSW) KTM 640 Rallye 24:39.41
11. D. Auricht (NT) Yamaha TTR250 25:08.55
12. K. Schwantz (U.S.) Suzuki DR-Z400 26:03.41
