Sonik launches bid to defend Dakar title
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
03.01.2016 13:35
Polish quad-rider Rafał Sonik has launched his bid to defend his title in the Dakar Rally, the world's toughest off-road event.
Polish quad-rider Rafal Sonik waves to fans prior to the prologue of the Rally Dakar 2016 at Tecnopolis park, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 02 January 2016. EPA/JUAN IGNACIO RONCORONI
Although Stage 1 officially began on Sunday, the Pole, who has been dubbed 'SuperSonik'; came 14th in a short prologue on Saturday in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
It was a respectable result, not least given that Sonik had slipped into a river, quickly extricating himself.
The 37th Dakar Rally runs from Argentina through Bolivia and back in 13 stages, with categories for quads, motorbikes, trucks and cars.
There was an upset in the car category, when a Mini Cooper careered off course, injuring four spectators.
Meanwhile, former ski jumper Adam Małysz came 22nd in the prologue.
This year's rally wraps up on 16 January. (nh/di)