Shocks and surprises at brutal Finke Desert Race

ABC NEWS (Australia)

The Finke Desert Race has continued to deliver on its mantra of being among the toughest off-road races in the world. Today, there were shocks and surprises on the brutal course with the motorbike rider who started in first crashing out early in the race.

Transcript

00:00Halfway there, Bo Robinson taking advantage of pole position after a great prologue run

00:09yesterday, finishing first at Apatula, delivering a message to his rivals.

00:14As long as he starts behind me that's all that matters, we just make sure we get here

00:17and yeah he'll have a hard time getting past anyway so we'll be alright.

00:20The course was bruising, dozens unable to finish, those who made it through just content

00:26with their result.

00:27I mean if I get home on the podium and I get home safe I'll be happy so, you know these

00:31guys are all at a really high level so it's going to be a great race home.

00:34After the drivers were able to make it to Apatula, it was the motorbike riders turn

00:39to take on the 200 and 23 kilometre track all the way out to Fink.

00:48Here we go, oh beautiful start.

00:52Liam Walsh was in prime position before the race, but his ride was over as quick as it

00:58started, crashing out less than an hour into the journey.

01:01His cousin David now front of the pack, the competition in his trail.

01:06I hope he's ok and I'm still checking over my shoulder to see if there's another bike

01:10come through with a number 5.

01:11David now so close to five consecutive wins in the desert, with other riders chasing debut

01:17victories, including Maddie Healy who's hoping to win the women's class and be crowned

01:23Queen of the Desert.

01:24If them girls get me, they get me, it's my first Fink so I have no expectations at all.

01:29Just to make it here and back is my main goal.

01:31But getting to Apatula is only half the job, now the eyes of each rider and driver are

01:38fixed on the rugged road home.

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