A lot of wild and strange things can happen on the 12 stage Dakar rally in South America taking place this week in its 29th year, but none quite as bizarre as a rider getting struck by lightning.
Earlier this week Slovakian dirt bike rider Ivan Jakes took a bolt of lightning to his shoulder while competing in one of the first stages of the race. With still 300 km to go, Jakes reportedly finished the race in 15th place, albeit in some pain.
After crossing the finish line, he received medical treatment and was said to be lucky it wasn’t worse, according to Motorsport.com.
“Thank God he didn’t put his feet on the ground, because it would have been like a ground wire,” a member from his team told the website.
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⚡️⚡️ #Dakar2017 lightning struck against the pilot Ivan Jakes and it still managed to finish 15th . AWESOME! pic.twitter.com/RuaGTA5jAg
— Live Event Broadcast (@iLEBsa) January 5, 2017