ABU DHABI // Family and friends have paid tribute to Cameron Waugh, the British biker killed during the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge race.
The Dubai-based motorbike enthusiast died from head injuries suffered during an accident 155 kilometres into the 290-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit Special Stage One, as competitors negotiated the dunes of Al Gharbia.
He was due to be awarded the Masters series prize on Thursday after winning the bikes class for over-40s.
His two eldest children, Amy, 18 and Ben, 20, had come from the UK where they live to support their father in the race he had excelled in for several years. Waugh, 50, also leaves a three-year-old son, Finn.
Amy said of her father: “He will always be my hero.”
His eldest son, Ben, said: “He is the greatest dad that I could have ever asked for, a true role model. I will miss him more than words can describe.”
Waugh’s wife, Jane, said: “Cameron was a wonderful husband and fabulous father. I admired and respected him most for his integrity, commitment, loyalty and work ethic. I loved him for his sense of family, sense of humour and never-ending support.
“I am so very proud of all of his achievements in all aspects of his life from family to professional, of which there were so many. Cameron will be missed so much by so many.”
His close friend, Wayne Boschier, 47, had been riding with Waugh since he came to Dubai eight years ago as general manager of ALE Heavy Lift. While here, he co-founded the Sandy Helmets riding group, of which Mr Boschier was a member. The group travelled to races around the world together.
Mr Boschier said: “I didn’t know a single person who had a bad word to say about Cameron, both professionally and personally.”
Another friend, Owen Glynn, said: “Cameron was a highly skilled and respected rider. We all looked up to Cam as he also excelled at everything else from business to family to friendship and was the most complete and solid individual I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.”
Waugh’s parents, Gordon and Ena, said from their home in the UK on Monday: “Cameron started riding when he was 12, a schoolboy grass-track rider, and went on to win many races before racing Enduro [off-road], often winning his class.
“He then moved to Dubai and into the desert, where sadly it all ended. He died doing what he wanted to do and what he was very good at. We are immensely proud of Cameron for all of his achievements, both professionally and personally. He will be sadly missed.”
Mohammed ben Sulayem, who founded the event in 1991 and is head of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, said the rally’s safety plan included a team of 16 medical staff directed by a chief medical officer who were on standby to respond to any incident.
“Everyone involved in this event loves motor sport and we all know that accidents can happen. We’re proud of our safety record, and deeply saddened that we have lost a popular competitor who was doing what he loved to do,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time. We will never forget him and will make sure we find an official way to remember him.”
The Desert Challenge started on Saturday and finishes on Yas Island on Thursday.
A memorial service is being organised in Dubai for the many people who wish to pay their respects.
Waugh was found by Jakub Przygonski, from Poland, who carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a bid to save his fellow competitor.
Two doctors and a paramedic arrived by helicopter within 13 minutes of the alarm, and Waugh was transferred to Mafraq Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
On Monday, Mr Przygonski suffered a crash 190km into the stage, injuring his back and breaking his right arm. He was taken by helicopter to Madinat Zayed Hospital where he was assessed by doctors and found to be stable.
mswan@thenational.ae
