On the Podium

Annie on the Podium Dakar 2009

Live Interview with Eurosport in Valparaiso

My portrait made by A.S.O.

Click here to watch the video portrait of Annie

Thank you yellow helmet!

 

LEVI-4685, originally uploaded by dunerider70.

If the helmet did not break…. I do not want to think about what could have happened! For sure I would not been able to end this Dakar 2009!

Annie surrounded by journalists

 

Rally Dakar 2009, originally uploaded by dunerider70.

15 days struggeling against sand, rocks, storm, rain, hail and pain
through almost 9000 km between the Atlantic and Pacific
on two wheels during 81 hrs 14:58 (and all “service” time in between).
Now it’s over.
Note by Sis Eila

 

Rally Dakar 2009, originally uploaded by dunerider70.

So much happiness in her face! Annie finally made it. Sorrounded by cheering photographers and Journalists Annie arrived few minutes ago at the Parc Ferme’ in Buenos Aires. “You are the winner!” people shoutet! Everybody clapping hands! Dozens of Journalists and Photographers asked for photos and interviews welcoming Annie after her arrival in La Rural.

Stage 14, Jan 17. Cordoba-Buenos Aires. The last challenge.

The competitors started the last day at 3 am from Cordoba, the transport was 224 km. We must be in time for the start at about 6.30 am.
The Special stage was only 227 km, but very tricky. Fesh-fesh, sand, dust, fast parts right ahead, then sudden 90 dgr turns. Really dangerous! Many took a chance – and crashed! A few vehicles got totally wrecked. What a way to end a competition on the last day…
I did not want to risk anything, so I kept a moderate speed. I still had the shoulder aching and bandaged, could not move my arm. It just hanged there strengthless. As yesterday I put the hand on the handlebars and grabbed with the fingers. So I had to ride softly.
Luckily the engine run very good now.
And I made it through! I was 82 on the stage and 76 in total.
Then the last transport to Buenos Aires 341 km, arriving at 15.45. And later get some rest (?).

More news later…

Watch some videos
www.dakar.com/2009/DAK/LIVE/us/1400/r7_7-videos.html
http://video.eurosport.se/rallyraid/dakar/2009/intervju-med-annie-seel_vid94753/video.shtml

Posted by Sis Eila

Stage 14, Cordoba-Buenos Aires. Annie finishes the last special

I just arrived to the press center in La Rural in Buenos Aires, and retrieved information about Annie’s standings. She finished the last special of 227 Km at position 82. Less than few hours separate Annie from the arrival in Buenos Aires!!! Looking forward to meeting her soon at the Parc ferme’.

Stage 13, La Rioja-Cordoba. Fast and safely

Even today’s special stage was shortened by some 300 km. This because of much rain in the area which had made most of the route impassable. Instead the competitors had a longer connection to reach the start. Only the last 220 km of the track was opened for the rally.
Luckily there were no difficulties on the way, just to ride ahead. Winding route, a lot of fun. These kilometers were quite fast, an average of 70-100 km/h.
And Annie kept up the speed through the whole stage. With an aching and immovable shoulder after the several crashes yesterday!
She finished the stage as 61, just behind Mirjam Pol, her rival.

More info later….
Posted by Sis Eila

Special Stage 13 – La Rioja – Cordoba

Annie just started her special stage in positon 114 at 12:51 local time.