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Picture of the 27th edition of the Dakar rally, unveiled by
the race's organisation. [Agencies] |
The 27th edition of the
Dakar rally
, unveiled by Sporting Director Patrick
Zaniroli, is shorter but more challenging than previous years.
The race will cover 8,956km, two thousand less than last year's event,
while covering a competitive
distance of 5,431km - 7km more than 2004.
The route begins in Barcelona on December 31 with a 4km special stage
around the Catalan city and will visit five countries.
"This year the stages are shorter but also more intense with the number
of sand dune crossings in succession," explained Zaniroli.
As a mark of respect to three-time motorcycling Dakar Rally winner
Richard Sainct, champion in 1999, 2000 and 2003, who was killed during the
Rally of the Pharoahs in Egypt last September, no number one jersey will
be attributed during this year's race.
Starting in Spain the race will then head through Morocco, Mauritania,
Mali before heading for Senegal for the traditional finale at the Lac Rose at Dakar on January
16.
The event will include sixteen stages, of which six will be in
Mauritania, with January 9 set aside as a rest day.
The main test for competitors will be the sand crossings in Mauritania,
with a passage from Zouerat to Tichit totalling 660km of timed section.
The first marathon stage will link up the two stages between Tichit and
Tidjikja and Tidjikja to Atar, where no assistance or repairs can be made
to the cars overnight.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-11-18 10:03