Gordon hands French ace initiative

ARICA (Chile): American Robby Gordon’s hopes of winning the Dakar Rally took a major hit on Wednesday when stewards ruled that he should be thrown out of the event because his Hummer’s engine did not conform to race regulations.

The 43-year-old – who is pressing overall leader Stephane Peterhansel of France hard for the car title – appealed the decision and was allowed to continue competing in the 377km 10th stage from Iquique.