Dakar Rally 2016: Stage 1 Cancelled

The much anticipated 2016 Dakar Rally did not start off on a good note, as the first stage of the race was cancelled due to rain. Thunderstorms forced the organisers to delay the start by 30 minutes, and later another 30 minutes, before eventually cancelling the stage.

Stage 1 of the 2016 Dakar Rally was cancelled by Étienne Lavigne, the Race Director. The competitors were sent to Villa Carlos Paz under the link section rules after the stage was cancelled. Motorcycles and Quads were made to travel in a convoy, while cars and trucks were allowed to travel by themselves.

Another major factor that made it dangerous for the race to start was the low hanging clouds. This kept the aircrafts and helicopters grounded, making it impossible to guide the competitors safely.