Dakar Rally Legend Hubert Auriol Dies

JAKARTA - Stephane Peterhansel is presiding over a ceremony honoring Dakar Rally legend Hubert Auriol following news of the death of the first rider to win titles in the motorbike and car categories on Sunday.

Peterhansel reminisces about Auriol after stage seven of this year's Dakar Rally ended as leader of the standings as the French rider pursued his 14th title in Dakar.

"I was at this rally because of what I saw, what Hubert did," Peterhansel said as quoted by Antara from AFP.

"For me he has always been a role model in terms of class and intelligence."

Auriol died at the age of 68 after a long period of heart disease.

Not wanting to give up on illness that affected his health, Auriol took the time to visit Saudi Arabia to see the first edition of Dakar in the Middle East last year, visiting the community he helped develop for the last time.

When the Dakar Rally was recently born in Africa, Auriol became one of the iconic faces at the rally after winning twice in the motorcycle category in 1981 and 1983.

The French national man born in Addis Abeba later earned the nickname "The African".

1992 saw Auriol become the first racer to win two different categories after his collaboration with navigator Philippe Monnet earned him a title in the auto category.

One of the most memorable moments occurred in 1987 when he lost to his main rival and compatriot Cyril Neveu after breaking both of his ankles in the final stage.

After finishing runner-up in 1994, he left the wheel of his car and led Dakar's path as race director until 2003.

Peterhansel follows in the footsteps of the racer who became his hero by claiming seven titles in the car category after winning six in the motorcycle category.

"He was an extraordinary person, always smiling even in the toughest moments," said Peterhansel.

"This is a very sad day for the world of rally ... for Dakar."