So Sad - Dakar 2008 Cancellation

**MarkST** · 10 Jan 08, 02:47 PM

It is very sad to see the cancellation of this years Dakar rally, due to direct threats against competitors/supporters/spectators from an Algerian based al-qaida terrorist group. A years worth of planning on behalf of the organisers, much hard work on the part of competitors, much sacrifice and lost dreams to privateer entrants hoping to experience this gruelling marathon, all dashed by a handful of islamic nut jobs.
Chile and Argentina have both stepped in to offer the use of their territories, but this may be too great a logistical challenge to make a reality.

**851 Tri Colore** · 10 Jan 08, 03:42 PM

maybe they should come to australia we have similar terain city to desert to city long way across this country of ours and would be a challenge for any rider or driver

waz

**MarkST** · 10 Jan 08, 03:46 PM

I think they will now be looking at various alternatives for the forthcoming years, although South America does have the required variations in terrain and conditions, apart from the sandy desert stages.
YouTube - Dakar Rally - Nissan Over Cliff
YouTube - Ronn Bailey on the Dakar Rally 2008 cancellation
YouTube - Lisboa Dakar Rally 2007 - Motorbikes Stage 09

+ YouTube Video

**Johnny** · 10 Jan 08, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkST

I think they will now be looking at various alternatives for the forthcoming years, although South America does have the required variations in terrain and conditions, apart from the sandy desert stages.

... achieving the aforementioned nutjobs objective of shutting down the country

**MarkST** · 10 Jan 08, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny

... achieving the aforementioned nutjobs objective of shutting down the country

And eventually the whole of the planet.

**Steve GD** · 10 Jan 08, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkST

And eventually the whole of the planet.

Ever the incorrigible optimist, Mark!

It has to be said that the competitors in this race are blessed with a determination not given to many of us. I read of one, whose bike had had a problem which he needed more time to fix. It was after nightfall. The sweeper trucks were following....the last ones through each days stage. Rather than identify himself to them and be collected and taken from the desert to safety (and going out of the race in the process) he hid until they had gone and continued to work on the bike with no certainty he could fix it! He did get it going, and got to the overnight camp in time to service the bike and have one hour's sleep before another 14 hour day's riding. You just have to admire that, eh?

**MarkST** · 10 Jan 08, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve GD

Ever the incorrigible optimist, Mark!

REALIST Steve, REALIST

**harriebird** · 10 Jan 08, 05:29 PM

i think we must be living on different planets then.

i'm gutted it's off

it's such an epic, something i can only dream of trying. i think i'd fall over the edge of a dune and be lost forever though

**MarkST** · 10 Jan 08, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harriebird

i think we must be living on different planets then.

I do not wish to get involved in any confrontation about this, but that is the objective of these people whether you choose to accept it or not.
Happy new year btw.

**Johnny** · 10 Jan 08, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkST

I do not wish to get involved in any confrontation about this, but that is the objective of these people whether you choose to accept it or not.
Happy new year btw.

I agree with you Mark (one for the Album!) as long as everyone understands it is a tiny minority who are trying to do this and the vast majority want and enjoy the race and also wish to live in peace

**MarkST** · 10 Jan 08, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny

I agree with you Mark (one for the Album!) as long as everyone understands it is a tiny majority who are trying to do this and the vast majority want and enjoy the race and also wish to live in peace

Correctamundo. Thank you.
Dont you mean a tiny minority, or are you being satirical ?
(again)

**Johnny** · 10 Jan 08, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkST

Correctamundo. Thank you.
Dont you mean a tiny minority, or are you being satirical ?
(again)

Yes I did Mark, I editied it Thanks

**nogaromill999** · 10 Jan 08, 06:25 PM

I'm ****ed off too. I was sponsoring Team Desert Rose with 8 UK riders and it costs a fortune. Entry fees wont be refunded, products are already on the bikes, air fares have been paid, bikes transported already, ppl there.....it sickens me but there you go........I'm not going to rant, its a resolution not to any more.....

**MarkST** · 10 Jan 08, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogaromill999

I'm ****ed off too. I was sponsoring Team Desert Rose with 8 UK riders and it costs a fortune. Entry fees wont be refunded, products are already on the bikes, air fares have been paid, bikes transported already, ppl there.....it sickens me but there you go........I'm not going to rant, its a resolution not to any more.....

I'm very sad to hear that David, I had no idea you were involved. Do you have any inside info on this Chile/Argentina business ? and whether the entry fees will go toward that, or some sort of other substitute race in the spring.
I'm very surprised about not getting fees back, as the fees are basically to pay for the logistics of it all (and obviously some profit content for the organisers) - ie, no logistics, no costs (apart from those already incurred)
Am I right in thinking its around fifty grand to enter (and thats before you pay for your bike, helmet, gloves etc) ?

**nogaromill999** · 10 Jan 08, 06:46 PM

I am a co sponsor with Ceradure Mark, who enter every year. My contribution is £5000....and most of the bikes are already there in Lisbon, and ferries, flights etc booked and paid for a long time ago...its a bit early to know whats going to happen, its all up in the air at the mo....lots of rumour and speculation......