Sam Sunderland suffered a major blow on Monday as a mechanical problem ended his interest in this year´s edition of the Dakar Rally.
The two-time Dakar Rally motorcycle champion’s dreams of a third title evaporated as a result.
Sunderland, who was riding for the Spanish side GasGas, came to a halt just 11 kilometres into the 400km special from Al-Duwadimi to Al-Salamiya.
The 34-year-old, who was in sixth position after Sunday´s second stage, threw in the towel after waiting for more than three hours hoping a vehicle would bring him oil.
Sunderland has a mixed record in the gruelling race, becoming the first Briton to win the title in 2017 and adding a second to his tally in 2022.
However, he has also several retirements since his debut in 2012, notably both years after his two victories.
The defence of his title last year ended on the first stage, a serious crash resulted in him fracturing a shoulder and concussion.
Botswana´s Ross Branch of the Hero team is the early overall leader in this year´s motorbike category, ahead of Chile´s Jose Ignacio Cornejo.
The race ends on January 19.
— Additional input from AFP