Stage two of the Dakar Rally proved much better for Lucio Alvarez and Ronnie Graue of the the Ford Racing Ranger Team, but, unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the South African team consisting of Chris Visser and Japie Badenhorst, who had to retire for good after a serious accident in the Nihuil hills.
Visser incurred a neck injury as a result, and was evacuated by helicopter to the bivouac in San Rafael before being taken to the local hospital for X-rays. The on-site medical team confirmed that he was alert and able to move, and more information will follow as soon as it becomes available.
Alvarez and Graue, both from Argentina, completed the stage in a commendable ninth place, 26 minutes behind current leader, Stéphane Peterhansel. The duo are now 38th overall, having moved up from 130th on the grid.