AS riders battled their way through the dry scrubs, some got wedged between the engine and exhaust of Paulo Goncalves' bike. The fire quickly got out of control and covered the bike in flames.
Goncalves escaped unhurt but his chances of completing the rally are over.
The Portuguese rider said:
"After having lost my chances to fight for a top position following the problems during the marathon stage, I tried my best today to support Joan Barreda,”
“I had a good pace, leading the race halfway through the stage. In the boiling temperatures I suddenly felt my feet getting hot, and I saw that my bike was burning. I jumped off and tried to extinguish the fire with sand, but I could not fight it, the bike burnt down completely. I am extremely disappointed.”
