James Hillier says it is “devastating” and “frsutrating” to be out of this year’s Dakar Rally, having withdrawn through injury.
Hillier was frustrated not only to be out of the rally but also to have crashed when he felt like he was not taking risks.
“This game’s dangerous, I knew that, I knew the risks, it’s just frustrating to, [firstly], not finish – that was my goal, to finish, and not be last.
“It’s so frustrating watching everyone continue riding when I can’t,” he said.
“Believe me, I’ve questioned it [deciding to withdraw] so many times; I hardly slept last night, asking myself if I could ride with this, and I think I could maybe squeeze a day or two, but no way could I do another 7,500km.
“It would be too risky because, if I damage the arm more, it’s then an operation, and also there’s a high risk of crashing again because I have not got the strength in [my left arm] to control the bike if I get into trouble.
“So, I’m still accepting that decision, it’s a hard one to swallow, but it’s the right decision.”
