Dakar Rally Called Off

The 2008 Dakar Rally, which was due to start in Lisbon on 5th January and finish in Dakar on 20th January, has been cancelled because of safety concerns in the African republic of Mauritania. On Christmas Eve, four French tourists were murdered, and the French government advised against any travel to the country. Eight of the 15 stages of the rally were due to pass through Mauritania.

The event’s organisers, the Amaury Sport Organisation, said there had been “direct threats against the race issued by terrorist groups” and issued the following statement:

“Following several consultations with the French government and taking into account its firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally.

“Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation could be taken.

“The ASO’s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all. The ASO reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar Rally.
“The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar.”

This is the first time that the Dakar Rally has been cancelled, although some individual stages have been cancelled in the past. Mitsubishi’s Stephane Peterhansel claimed his third Dakar Rally title when he won the event last year.