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 The Road in flash PORTUGAL
Discovering, as a starter
The first hours of the rally will be devoted to discovery. Whereas the Dakar has not explored any «unknown territory» since its 2000 edition, Portugal will, this year, become the 24th country it crosses. Since its geographical position makes it a choice bridge between Europe and Africa, Portugal is a natural host for the Dakar. The enthusiasm shown by the representatives of the city of Lisbon and the appetite of its inhabitants for sporting events, as shown during the recent football European Cup, promise to keep everyone on their toes during the days of
administrative checks and scrutineering.
For drivers and riders, the departure from Portugal will hold challenges right from the first days of the rally. Those who took part in the Baja Portugal will need no reminding - Europe has its own real specials to be fought out. So those with an eye on victory will have to be ready as soon as their wheels start turning. After the passage in 2005 of the Dakar caravan in neighbouring Spain, the Portuguese will this year have the opportunity to home-support teams en route for Africa.
MOROCCO - MAURITANIA
Myriad sands
An ideal transitional stage to gradually feel the African temperature, Morocco provides competitors with all the types of terrain they will have to confront throughout the rest of the rally. Exploring the potential of the Moroccan desert a little more in detail, the scheduled specials will already demand qualities of endurance from teams. Crossing obstacles will be the order of the day when going through into Mauritania, more directly this time round.. Here, changes in this year's regulations should enable leading amateurs to “badger” the professionals, if they
get their navigation act together.
MALI - GUINEA - SENEGAL
Tropical Colours…
For competitors, entering Black Africa combines both the pleasures of driving or riding and those of encountering local populations. Linked to that, on the road or in the bivouac, the general atmosphere changes along with the terrains which have to be met. Although the sands are behind them, participants have to come to terms with navigational difficulties due to numerous changes in direction. Guinea, which the Dakar will be revisiting for the first time since 1996, will add varied landscape backdrops with a dense vegetation and numerous fords to be crossed.
DAKAR
In the name of Teranga
Associated with the notion of accomplishment for most competitors, on each arrival the Senegalese capital gives a vibrant illustration of Teranga, the conception of hospitality shared by the whole country. Even if not decisive for overall classification, the final stage of Lac Rose is shot with prestige for its winner and perpetuates the tradition of Teranga.
Click on the links below to see facts and pictures stages by stages •
Follow the race in
Portugal
• Stages in
Maroc
• Stages in Mauritanie
• Stages in Mali-Guinée-Sénégal
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