Dakar 2012 - A hell passing the Andes!

The riders did pass the Andes yesterday in a convoy, due to the bad weather conditions with both rain and snow. But few knew that temperatures would reach below zero and far below that. What the riders experienced on quad and motorcycle was a living hell with -8C when passing the Andes. Reaching an altitude of 4700m. For those who are familiar with winter/snow riding, they can imagine. But add to the fact that this was merely a transport. No physical movement. And previous years has shown that the riders aren´t equipped for these conditions. Not enough clothing. And only a day or two ago the temperatures reached +50C...

Below some pics from the fifth stage.
Photo courtesy; ASO