The Frenchman had all his official documents, money and credit cards stolen from his service van in Barcelona and could not continue.

That means that 229 bikes are now left to battle it out for victory in the gruelling 8,956 kilometre event.

All competitors travelled from Barcelona to Granada on New Year's Day on an untimed liaison stage with competitive action resuming on Sunday.

In the opening stage on Friday, American Robby Gordon won the car category while David Fretigne won the motorbike section.