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Australian Caldecott killed in Dakar Rally
(Agencies)
Updated: 2006-01-10 09:35

Caldecott was a four-time winner of the Australian Safari, also a staged race across difficult terrain.

A funeral service was expected to be held in Keith next week where his family was well known through its business interests. His father had previously served on the local Tatiara council.

Council chairman John Ross said Tuesday the family would be devastated by Caldecott's death even though they knew the risks involved in competing in extreme sports.

"Andy has certainly become one of Tatiara's favorite sons, he was almost an idol in Keith," Ross said.

"But he was very easygoing, very humble and always ready to go out of his way to help anybody."

On Tuesday, the council flew its flag at half-mast as a mark of respect.

It was members of the Tatiara council community that came to Caldecott's assistance and helped get him to his first Dakar in 2004, raising funds to help him make the trip.

On the day of Caldecott's farewell, the Keith Hotel, the only pub in the town in South Australia's southeast, donated the entire takings from the bar to help him with his travel expenses.

Family friend David Flintoff said Caldecott was always humbled by the amount of support he received from the people of Keith.

"But he's certainly done a lot more for the community than a lot of people have done," Flintoff said.

Caldecott, who began his career racing minibikes at the age of 10, is survived by his wife, Tracey, and a daughter, Caitlin.

Tributes flow for motorcyclist Caldecott

AdvertisementAustralian motorcyclist Andy Caldecott was a man who pushed the limits but remained humble and easygoing, a leader of his South Australian community said.

KTM rider Caldecott died during the ninth stage of the famous Dakar Rally, the 23rd competitor to lose his life in the event since it started 28 years ago.

He was competing in his third Dakar event when he crashed at the 250km point of the 599km stage between Nouakchott and Kiffa in Mauritania.

Caldecott, 41, finished sixth in last year's Dakar Rally and was a four-time winner of the Australian Safari.
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