Australian motorcyclist Andy Caldecott dies in Dakar rally

Australian motorcyclist Andy Caldecott was killed in a crash during Monday's ninth stage of the &to=http://english.pravda.ru/sport/2003/01/20/42279.html' target=_blank>Dakar Rally.

The 41-year-old Caldecott crashed his KTM motorbike after about 250 kilometers (155 miles) of the 599-kilometer (371.4-mile) stage from Nouakchott to Kiffa in Mauritania _ the longest of this year's race.

The course from Nouakchott to Kiffa stretches over rocky tracks and vast sand dunes, some so large competitors have to drive around them.

Caldecott, who became the 23rd competitor to die in the rally, was married with one child.

A statement on the race Web site said a helicopter was sent to the scene of the accident.