Race death hits hard, says Price

MOTORSPORT: An emotional Toby Price has detailed the horrific scene he encountered following the crash that claimed the life of Dakar Rally veteran Pablo Goncalves on the seventh stage.

The Australian defending motorcycle champion returned to action in yesterday’s ninth stage after the bikers sat out the eighth stage on Tuesday (AEST) to honour Goncalves, who died following a fall in his 13th appearance in the gruelling event.

Price (pictured), who finished second on the 410km special stage from Wadi Al Dawasir to Harad, was the first on the scene to help the stricken Portuguese.

Price admitted he’s been deeply affected by the death of the popular 40-year-old, and said he finished Monday’s stage “dehydrated with tears”.

“No doubt this is going to be one of the toughest stages we’re all going to have to tackle and not because of the terrain or navigation,” Price posted on Instagram before yesterday’s start.

Price also explained how he came over a crest and saw Goncalves down ahead of him on the sand dunes.

“Worst fears kicked in cause I knew this one was serious,” Price said. “I called for help ASAP and helped get him on his side. We all worked as long as we could but there was nothing we could do.”

Chilean Pablo Quintanilla won the motorcycle stage to move to second overall, trimming American Ricky Brabec’s overall lead to 20 minutes and 53 seconds with three stages remaining. Price is third overall, 26 minutes off the lead.

Stephane Peterhansel won the car stage but Carlos Sainz retained the overall lead.