NEWS: Dakar Cancelled!

30TH DAKAR RALLY CANCELLED!!!

On the eve of the 30th running of the Dakar Rally,
A.S.O. has cancelled the event due to direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations. Extract of A.S.O. release;

'Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.'

'The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols.'

This is a huge blow to the Dakar race organisers and to all the millions of World wide fans. Then there is the 510 entrants who have dedicated an entire year to preparing for the toughest endurance race know to man. One can only hope that Dakar will be able to return in 2009.

'The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports.'

You can read the entire A.S.O. press release here;

http://www.dakar.com/indexus.html