Dakar racers caught up in La Paz street protests

LA PAZ: The Dakar Rally reached the lung-busting altitude of La Paz on Friday and was quickly caught up in violent street battles being fought between protesters and police in the tense Bolivian capital.

Around 100 demonstrators clashed with police who used tear gas and pepper spray to quell the trouble which spread to a road being used by the competitors. “We want hospitals, not the Dakar,” chanted protesters, aiming their frustrations at President Evo Morales, who has been in power since 2006 and hopes to stay there until 2025.

Empty water bottles and chairs were thrown in the direction of the main official Dakar vehicle which led the competitors into La Paz. The first motorcycle riders were jeered by protesters who have also been venting anger over the country’s penal code.

Despite the trouble, Morales welcomed the arrival of the two-week Dakar event, which stretches from Peru, into Bolivia and ends in Argentina, in his country. “We are proud to participate in this event, which can integrate us in the world, promote sport and attract tourists,” he tweeted.