The sixth stage of the Dakar Rally has been cancelled due to extremely wet weather in the region of La Paz in Bolivia.
The sixth stage was to be the longest with 527km of timed running.
It now means that crews will have two days off, with the following day to be scheduled rest day in La Paz.
Officials made the call after several competitors were still to reach the Bivouac in Oruro after Stage 5 because of the flooded roads.
The following statement was issued:
Considering the extreme climatic conditions and that some drivers are still on the stage course.
Considering that is impossible to bring the vehicles of all participants back to the bivouac and prepare the next stage in the best conditions.
Considering that people of the organisation in charge of the reco of tomorrow's stage course informed that the road is unpracticable.
The 6th stage of ORURO-LA PAZ has been cancelled.
The Dakar is currently being headed by Stephane Peterhansel in a Peugeot, while Sam Sunderland leads the bike division.
The Dakar will resume on Monday local time in Bolivia with a stage from La Paz to Uyuni totalling 622km with 322km of timed running.
VIDEO: Rain in the bivouac