Marc Coma forced out of Dakar Rally with separated shoulder
Three-time motorbikes champion Marc Coma has been ruled out of the Dakar Rally because of injury.
Last Updated: 21/12/12 12:26pm
Marc Coma: Motorbikes star's absence from Dakar is a big blow
The Red Bull team rider has not recovered from a shoulder injury in time to take part in next month's race, which begins in Lima, Peru, on 5 January.
Coma separated his shoulder in a crash during the Rally of Morocco in October.
The Spaniard won Dakar in 2006, 2009 and 2011 and was runner-up for the second time in the 2012 edition - his rivalry with French rider Cyril Despres has been one of the race's highlights in recent seasons.
After its start in Peru, the Dakar Rally passes through Argentina before concluding in Santiago, Chile, on 19 January.
