Route

Planning the 2008 Dakar began, rather appropriately, with a challenge; that of mapping out the route. The stages we have in mind will give competitors a path across Africa that is just as diverse but with even more of a sporty edge. This year’s planned itinerary includes longer specials than in prior years; the meter was blocked at 4,300 km in 2007 due to some changes, but exceeded 4,800 km for the timed segments in 2006. In January, 2008, competitors will embark on an almost 6,000 km road and off-road adventure. As a result, the road sections will be shorter.

Portugal - A familiar air
According to an old saying, a habit takes hold the first time. This is exactly what Dakar organisers and competitors experienced last year upon returning to Lisbon, which they had already visited in 2006. The white-walled city not only lived up to Dakar’s quality standards for a host city, but also seduced Dakar participants through its people’s enthusiasm. Almost a million fans lined the routes of the two 2007 specials to encourage racers headed for Africa. Their energetic spirit set them apart and sent competitors off on a wave of positive momentum.

Morocco - Gateway to Africa
Morocco has always played a key role in the Dakar adventure, as it represents the gateway into Africa and the first tricky stages. Drivers must keep a sharp eye out from the start because the falls from grace can be brutal. For example, the two-time Dakar winner Hiroshi Masuoka was stopped abruptly by a serious forward barrel roll on the route between Er Rachidia and Ouarzazate in 2006 – despite the fact that he had successfully completed the rally 11 times between 1994 and 2004! The year before, Vladimir Chagin, who seemed on track to win a record number of titles, tipped his Kamaz truck on the same path.

Mauritania - Full-on in the desert
The race across Mauritania is always a turning point in the Dakar. Anything can happen in the Mauritanian sand, which has been welcoming the rally warmly since 1983. Amid the country’s shifting landscape, both sublime and breathtaking, competitors should must forget that their main focus is navigation. Gaps between racers become measured in hours as they travel from Atar to Nouakchott, passing through Nema and Ayoun-El-Atrous, and leaders succumb to disappointments. For example, in 2004 Cyril Despres strayed off-course for an hour near Tidjikja and realised that his dreams of victory must wait for another year.

Senegal - Crossing the line

Senegal and its emblematic capital are fundamentally associated with the largest rally in the world, the Dakar. Competitors’ arrival at the finish line is synonymous with celebration and passion, and triggers the enthusiasm of the Senegalese people. And while Dakar is the ideal place to end the three-week adventure which is as challenging as it is unforgettable, the last stretch towards the finish line is not the easiest. Senegal offers a lesson in humility and patience.