During the tough 436 kilometre long special stage through the Gobi desert from Danahu to Liuyan, Gerard de Rooy in the Iveco-powered Ginaf truck was forced to withdraw from the lead of the Trans Orientale Rally, bringing to an end a superb performance.

During the tough 436 kilometre long special stage through the Gobi desert from Danahu to Liuyan, Gerard de Rooy in the Iveco-powered Ginaf truck was forced to withdraw from the truck category lead of the Trans Orientale Rally, bringing to an end a superb battling performance.

De Rooy had held a commanding lead in the truck category as the inaugural Trans Orientale headed towards the finish line in China's capital city. However as the Dutchman raced through the inhospitable wastes of the Gobi desert sand was swallowed into the intake duct through a torn rubber hose, leading to a main turbo failure.

Team de Rooy was stranded off the rally track at a petrol station, where the engine was inspected by the mechanics. After removing the cylinder head, they reported that internal damage to the cylinders of the Iveco Cursor 13 engine was not serious and could be repaired. They replaced the clogged intercooler and cleaned the engine from the trapped sand and aluminium debris left by the destroyed turbo compressor. However this rally is a real adventure, a battle for survival against all the odds of the most rugged terrains, and so the crew of the bright orange truck are now making their way to Beijing, where the rally ends today (June 28).

Team de Rooy were disappointed by this blow of fate, particularly as Gerard de Rooy had held the overall lead in the truck category since stage 6, comfortably ahead of well funded factory opposition. After de Rooy's departure from the fray another Dutchman, Hans Stacey (MAN), moved into a comfortable first position in the Trans Orientale, followed by Pep Vila (Mercedes) and Hans Bekx (DAF).