Stage 8 of Dakar Rally cancelled for the mourning of Paulo Gonçalves

Michelle Liew

January 14, 2020

Following the tragic passing of Paulo Gonçalves, Stage 8 of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia will not go on.

Paulo Gonçalves | Photo credits: Taiwan News

The eighth stage of the Dakar Rally 2020 has been cancelled out of respect as a tribute for the memory of motorcycle rider Paulo Gonçalves. A tragic accident yesterday has claimed the life of Gonçalves. Due to this, the organisation has decided to take the round off the rally.

Paulo Gonçalves (5/2/1979 – 12/1/2020) encountered an on-track accident at kilometre 276 in the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally 2020. He was 40 years old. The Portuguese rider was a rider for Honda HRC, Monster Energy Honda Team from mid-2013 until mind-2019. Some of the greatest achievements of Gonçalves include winning the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship in 2013. He also was the runner-up in 2014.

Monster Energy Honda Team and the entire Honda family has expressed their appreciation for the displays of affection by the public. iMotorbike also wishes to convey our deepest condolences to the family Gonçalves.

Yoshishige Nomura (HRC President)

“I am shocked, and deeply saddened at the news of Paulo Gonçalves passing away. Paulo joined the during 2013 season, the year that Honda returned to the Dakar. He played an invaluable role in enhancing the racing bike’s competitiveness. His friendly, jolly personality made him a driving force for the team, and charmed motorsports fans worldwide. HRC appreciates Paulo’s tremendous achievements and his immeasurable contribution as a Honda rider. HRC expresses its deepest condolences to his family and friends,” says Yoshishige as quoted from Honda Racing Corporation.