Australian rally rider finishes strong at gruelling Hellas Rally despite broken bones

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Australian rally rider Andrew Houlihan overcame a serious crash and multiple injuries to finish strongly in the second round of the FIM European TT Rally Championship, held in the rugged mountains near Pefki, Greece.

Competing under Malle Moto rules, which prohibit external support, Houlihan tackled the punishing terrain solo and secured fifth in the FIM 450cc Championship Class, second in the FIM Veteran Class, and 10th in the Malle Moto category.

The Hellas Rally featured complex navigation stages that pushed riders physically and mentally.

Houlihan was involved in several minor incidents, but a head-on crash on day three — caused by a roadbook navigation error — left him with a broken foot, three fractured toes, a broken nose, and a shattered finger. Despite this, he continued racing.

“It was a really tough week and one of the most physically demanding events I’ve done, especially without any outside support,” Houlihan said.

“The crash on day three was a big one, but I was lucky to be able to get back on the bike and keep going.”

Officials later neutralised the stage due to the navigation issue. The Albury-based rider continues a strong season and now prepares for the next round in Romania in four weeks.

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