Tony Lewis ABU DHABI — Defending champion Nani Roma emphatically announced his intention to retain his driver's title in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Powered by Nissan Sunday as Dubai-based English rider Sam Sunderland grabbed the early lead in the bikes category. Partnered by French co-driver Michel Perin, Roma powered his Mini into a lead of 11 mins 29 secs from Poland's Marek Dabrowski and Jacek Czachor in a Toyota Hilux on the 290-km Yas Marina Circuit Special Stage 1. Sunderland, who finished third last year, made a superb start on his KTM debut, winning the stage by 34 seconds from new teammate Marc Coma, the seven-time Desert Challenge champion. The day was marred by the news that Dubai-based British rider Cameron Waugh succumbed to injuries at Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi following an accident on the stage. The accident happened 155km after the start of the stage, and Waugh was found by fellow rider Jakub Przygonski from Poland who set off the satellite alarm and performed CPR. Two doctors and a paramedic arrived at the scene by helicopter within 13 minutes and Waugh was immediately transferred to hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the rally organisers, said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news, and on behalf of the ATCUAE and everyone connected with the event, I send our sincere condolences to Cameron's family.
