See the organisers have cancelled at the last minute. Paris - Dakar

That's a real shame but entirely understandable for the reasons given.

They should come and run it in Australia.

For those in Scotland who know him, Iain Shankie was to be riding this. Gutted for him as he was really looking forward to it

For those in Scotland who know him, Iain Shankie was to be riding this. Gutted for him as he was really looking forward to it

In fact there was a whole 5 man team from Scotland, managed by Robbie Allan entered, including the Buchan brothers (sons of Jimmy Buchan the Manx GP winner from the fifties). I think Patsy Quick was also involved in the effort.

I know Iain Shankie would have been very active in the promotion of the Scottish team and was last seen pushing his bike to the scrutineers area wearing a kilt, looking extremely happy!

However, due to the cancellation he, like his fellow Scots will be very disappointed at this. The risks leveled at the event must have been significant to call the event off. There was no doubt that there was "evil" afoot!

The Dakar is a very expensive event to compete in, you are talking thousands of

Hopefully they'll have a go at the UAE Desert Challenge at the end of the year.