Did Harith Noah Withdraw from the South African Safari Rally Due to Injury?
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Synopsis
Indian rally-raid rider Harith Noah faced an unfortunate accident during the South African Safari Rally, leading to his withdrawal. Despite the setback, he expresses hope for a quick recovery and shares insights from his experience.
Key Takeaways
- Harith Noah faced a crash while competing in the South African Safari Rally.
- He showed resilience by riding 20 more kilometers despite his injury.
- Harith aims for a quick recovery to participate in the Baja España Aragón 2025.
- The 2025 W2RC season features five rounds across three continents.
- Safety remains a priority in extreme sports like rally-raid racing.
Sun City, May 22 (NationPress) Indian rally-raid rider Harith Noah had to pull out of the South African Safari Rally, Round 3 of the 2025 FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), after an unfortunate crash at the start of Stage 1.
During the rally, Harith encountered a jackal that unexpectedly dashed in front of his bike. In his attempt to brake and avoid the animal, he crashed, which led to significant swelling in his right hand. Despite his resilience, he managed to ride another 20 kilometers before having to withdraw due to loss of grip strength and pain from the accident.
Harith had made a promising start to the rally, finishing 5th in the Prologue Stage of Rally 2 with a time of 7:44.1s. This marked his return to rally-raid after an injury-related exit from the Dakar Rally in January, which required wrist surgery.
“Luckily, it’s not the wrist that was injured this time. My right hand is quite swollen, and I simply lacked the strength to maintain control of the bike, which compelled me to stop,” Harith stated from South Africa.
“We are still uncertain about the exact issue, but thankfully, nothing seems broken, which is reassuring. I will be undergoing an MRI today to assess for any additional damage,” he added.
Noah, who rides for the Sherco TVS Rally Factory team, remains optimistic for a quick recovery and aims to participate in the Baja España Aragón 2025 in Spain, set for July 25-27.
“The key takeaway is that we are safe. Although it was merely two days of riding, I gained significant insights and feel like I have acquired invaluable experience. I am confident that I will return stronger, and I view this as a minor setback before making a more substantial comeback,” Harith concluded with determination.
The 2025 W2RC season comprises five rounds across three continents, challenging riders with diverse terrains and conditions. The season began with the prestigious Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, followed by the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
Now, the championship ventures into new territory with the debut of the South African Safari Rally. The concluding rounds will take competitors to Portugal for the BP Ultimate Rally Raid in September, before culminating with the iconic Rallye du Maroc in October.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize the challenges athletes face in extreme sports like rally-raid racing. Harith Noah's experience underscores the unpredictability of such competitions and the importance of safety. His determination to recover and learn from this setback is commendable, and we stand by him as he navigates this journey.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Harith Noah to withdraw from the rally?
Harith Noah withdrew from the South African Safari Rally due to an injury sustained from a crash while avoiding a jackal.
When did the South African Safari Rally take place?
The South African Safari Rally was held on May 22, 2025, as part of the W2RC championship.
What are Harith Noah's plans following his injury?
Harith Noah is hopeful for a swift recovery and aims to compete in the Baja España Aragón 2025 scheduled for July 25-27.
What is the W2RC championship?
The W2RC championship is the FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, featuring multiple rounds across different terrains and conditions.
What team does Harith Noah ride for?
Harith Noah rides for the Sherco TVS Rally Factory team.
