SA's Good Samaritan at Dakar 2013
2013-01-10 14:54
SHOWING THE TRUE SPIRIT OF DAKAR: Brett Cummings described Stage 5 as "hectic" as he navigated through fesh-fesh (loose powdery dust) while towing team mate Tod Smith for 158km.
LIMA, Peru – Witbank engineer Brett Cummings, competing in the motorcycle category of the Dakar 2013, made South Africa proud with his display of racing spirit.
During Stage 4 (January 8) Cummings towed a fellow competitor for 158km. Cummings (Honda) enters his first Dakar in 2013, after finishing fourth at the 2012 Australasian Safari and won a free entry into the Dakar.
Cummings came across stricken team mate Tod Smith towards the end of the stage. He then towed Smith for the last 28km over difficult terrain and then for a further 130km on the connection section risking damage to his own motorcycle.
MAKING SA PROUD
The Honda rider managed to finish the stage. Towing Smith put strain on Cummings’ Honda with mechanics working late into the night to ensure that both bikes were fit for Stage 5.
His team mate and compatriot Glen Grundy, also from Witbank, had to withdraw from the race after experiencing mechanical issues during Stage 2.
Cumming's charitable act had repercussions as mistakes made during Stage 4 cost him valuable time and a few positions. A navigation error between the last waypoint and the finish cost him 30 minutes.
After five stages, he has worked his way to 90th on the overall standings.
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