NEW BEGINNINGS FOR DAKAR

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NEW BEGINNINGS FOR DAKAR RALLY

THE RALLY IS SET TO TAKE PLACE IN SAUDI ARABIA OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

The biggest rally-raid in the world, Dakar is a human adventure beyond comparison. It is known to be one of the hardest sporting challenges of this era and is known for carrying a legacy of 40 years in the world’s finest deserts with performers from all over the world.

The competition of this extreme race hosts the leading rally race drivers and also amateur competitors. The vehicles used in the competition will range from bikes, quads, cars and trucks. The rally lasts for 15 days and hosts 500 competitors of more than 60 nationalities, whose skills are tested over 10 stages. Participation in the rally is open for anyone who is atleast 18-years of age and is not confined to professionals. Dakar 2020

Following three decades of challenges through Africa and 10 years of exploration in South America, Saudi Arabia is the first country to host the rally in Asia on January 5.

The 30th country to host the Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia features grandiose and varied landscapes that ideally suit the rally’s wellrounded route. Cities that will be hosting the upcoming Dakar rally are Jeddah, Riyadh and Al Qiddiya. It will be an eco-responsible event and safety of competitors, spectators and other accredited persons will be of prime importance.

According to David Castera, Director of Dakar, “Africa, South America and now Asia. The third chapter of its history is particularly fascinating and exciting for a race focused on exploration like the Dakar. I got to experience these shudders of anticipation myself 25 years ago when I first rode into the Sahara with my hands on the handlebar. I am now embarking on a new adventure in the Middle East from the nerve centre of the organising teams."

“By going to Saudi Arabia, it is of course that aspect that fascinates me. I'm convinced that such a feeling will be shared by all the riders, drivers and co-pilots. As the director of the event, it's a massive challenge to be faced with a blank page with limitless possibilities.”

oneself: all these aspects will naturally be glorified on this territory made for rally-raids”, added Castera.

Stretching over more than two million square kilometres, Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and boasts a mosaic landscape that will provide the Dakar competitors paces on all fronts: driving and riding, navigating and endurance.

The rally will commence in Jeddah, which will also be the launchpad for drivers, riders and Dakar’s crews. It will then move along the red sea coastline, through challenging sand dunes and mesmerising landscapes. It will pass the Red Sea project, a mega tourism project featuring 90 islands. The race will also cover desert and mountain terrains in Al Qiddiya.

The contestants will also cover Neom, a city in the northwest of the kingdom. Riyadh, the capital and largest city of the country will host them for a single day which will be used for them to rest.

According to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, chairman of the Saudi General Sports Authority, “While we are very pleased to have signed a multi-year agreement to bring the Dakar Rally to Saudi Arabia, we are excited to welcome the world to the Kingdom to see and experience the breathtaking scenery.”

“The addition of rally to the growing, high-calibre, international sports calendar of the Kingdom is a true testament to the objectives of Vision 2030, sending a strong message of openness and welcome to the world through sports, tourism, and culture."

"It will be a journey through breathtaking scenery, unknown landscapes, unexpected challenges, untold stories and unbelievable memories. It will write a new chapter and tell a new story, a story of how the greatest race on Earth and the most ambitious social mission on the planet - Vision 2030 – united to redefine the human adventure. Dakar is a strong message of openness and welcoming that the Kingdom wants to send to the world through Sports, Tourism and Culture. It is also another testament of its vision and ability to host the biggest sporting events and a chance for the whole world to see the real Kingdom, to meet its generous people and to witness first-hand how it is driven by ambition, professionalism and the desire to succeed at the highest levels", he added.