Wednesday 1 November 2023 16:38, UK
The first stage of the Dakar Rally has been cancelled following heavy rain in Argentina.
Race organisers were taking no risks with safety following a horrific crash during Saturday's prologue which left 10 people hurt, including five children and a pregnant woman.
"It's no longer raining in the area of the special, but the weather is not good enough," said statement from the race organisers.
"The helicopters needed to guarantee the safety of the participants during the race are unable to fly due to poor weather conditions on the course of the special and at the end of the stage.
"The rain has turned parts of the special into torrents of water. The entire field will reach Villa Carlos Paz under link section conditions.
"Motorcycles and quads will travel in a convoy, cars on their own and trucks on the course reserved for assistance vehicles."
The 5,000 mile epic will now start from Villa Carlos Paz, travel through Argentina and Bolivia before finishing in Rosario on January 16.
