Dakar 2021: CS Santosh crashes out in Stage 4

Hero MotoSports rider CS Santosh had a crash late in Stage 4 of the 2021 Dakar Rally and is out of the competition. He suffered an impact on his head but seemed conscious and stable when the medics arrived at scene. Thankfully he is safe following the crash.

CS Santosh was progressing gradually in this year’s Dakar Rally through all the stages so far and was getting more confident by the day. In fact, just yesterday, he claimed to have had “the best stage” so far this year. He started the year with a P43 finish in Stage 1 and made up significant places in each stage. After yesterday’s Stage 3 where he moved two places up, Santosh stood P34 in overall standings today and was hoping to make more progress over the course of the day.

It is disheartening to hear this news because when we caught up with C S Santosh before the start of the 2021 Dakar season, the optimistic rider said, “If I have a Kodak moment at every given time in the Rally, it means that I’m doing well. Enjoying the motorcycle, being in the right position at the right time is what is really important in a race like Dakar because it is that hard.”

When the paramedics arrived at the scene, Santosh was said to be awake and stable, which is good news. He was catered to in time by the medical team and has been shifted to a hospital in Riyadh for further medical attention if required.

Dakar and its violent atrocities is something that most of us tend to forget. Even though the teams and the organisers go to great lengths to ensure competitors' safety, a crash is all that takes to remind us of how motorsport remains a dangerous sport. While this doesn’t help the team, we’re thankful that our fellow Indian rider is safe.