Dakar 2009 all at sea
Added on Friday, December 19th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Dakar 2009 all at sea
The Dakar Rally has moved continents, from Africa to America, for 2009 after a terror threat caused the cancellation of last year’s event and prompted the decision to move the event across the Atlantic ocean.
Already competitors bikes, cars and trucks plus logistics crew are on board a cargo ship making for Buenos Aires in Argentina where the Rally will begin on 3rd January 2009. The route includes over 6000 kilometres of special, timed stages, and some 9500 kilometres of riding in total.
After looping high into the Andes moutains, crossing the Atacama desert in Chile and then moving back into Argentina, the Dakar will end on the 18th January 2009 with just one rest day for the riders. It remains the Mount Everest of off-road competition, the toughest ride in the world.
In the bikes category, riders like Cyril Despres, Marc Coma and David Casteu, all on KTM machines, must be in the running for the win. But a new route could allow a relative newcomer to make a big impression, plus front-runners are always vulnerable to any kind of incident robbing them of vital time. There’s no doubt that holding the event in Argentina and Chile will spur on the Spanish-speaking competitors this year, with the Brazilians also keen to do well in their neighbouring countries.
British interest is represented by Mick Extance, who is riding a Honda, and renowned as one of the toughest competitors in off-road rallying. Stan Watt, Jonathan Stamper, Craig Bounds and Ewan Buchan are also flying the flag for the UK, whilst honorary Brit, Si Pavey, ( actually an Aussie) who works for BMW at their off-road skills centre in South Wales, is also looking to post a respectable finish.
The event is truly international and this year there are two Chinese riders aboard Jincheng machines, plus off-road racers from Norway, Brazil, Turkey, Mexico and Syria. Most riders are on KTM machines, but there are entrants on Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki models, plus Sherco and Gas Gas.
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