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Post by truenorth on Nov 20, 2019 8:23:43 GMT -8
Fernando Alonso:45 days to go. The toughest race on the planet, and probably, the biggest challenge I've faced. Ready
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Post by truenorth on Nov 20, 2019 9:14:22 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Nov 20, 2019 9:25:00 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Nov 20, 2019 9:25:58 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Nov 22, 2019 11:34:38 GMT -8
Nov 22 19 in Barcelona we have presented to the press the team with which we will go to dakar with Team Dakar_De_Rooy PET_Motorsports. Urania Very excited and impatient to start running with my new truck
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Post by truenorth on Dec 3, 2019 7:52:19 GMT -8
near Marseilles Dec 3 2019
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Post by truenorth on Dec 5, 2019 12:53:01 GMT -8
CHRISTIAN LAVIEILLE LOOKS FORWARD TO A NEW DAKAR ADVENTURE! Motul 22.11.2019 Frenchman Christian Lavieille is gearing up for a new Dakar adventure. Although Saudi Arabia is uncharted territory for him and most of the participants, after winning the T2 category in his Autobody Toyota Landcruiser, the pressure is on to defend his South American title. We caught up with him in Paris, right after the route was unveiled. CHRISTIAN, THE ROUTE AND TERRAIN HAS JUST BEEN ANNOUNCED. WHAT ARE YOUR INITIAL THOUGHTS? It’s a great evolution. After racing in South America for such a long time, you get to know the terrain and get used to it, so this is a welcome change. It looks like another amazing challenge. I’m very much looking forward to discovering the Saudi landscapes. From what I saw in the presentation, it looks absolutely incredible. The scenery might be beautiful, but I already know it’s going to be a tricky event for us. The stages are very long and, although our Landcruiser can cope with any terrain, it’s clear that we’re going to be spending a lot of time in the car. Compared to the much lighter two-wheel drive buggies, our heavy land cruiser is much slower in the sand – and Saudi Arabia has a lot of sand (laughs). That being said, I’m convinced we can still be very competitive in our category and definitely defend our title. YOU’VE GOT A LOT OF EXPERIENCE IN ALL KINDS OF EVENTS. HAVE YOU EVER RACED IN THIS REGION BEFORE? No not at all. I’ve done so many events in Africa and Asia but somehow this region, even though it has many rally raid events, seems to have escaped me. I have no real idea what to expect, which makes it quite exciting. YOU’RE RETURNING TO THE DAKAR IN YOUR TRUSTED TOYOTA LANDCRUISER. HAVE ANY CHANGES BEEN MADE TO THE CAR COMPARED TO LAST YEAR? Yes, we have made two significant changes to the car. First, we’ve changed from a mechanical gearbox to an automatic gearbox. And on top of that we’ve changed the engine management system from an OEM Toyota system to one developed by Magnetti Marelli. Since those two upgrades the car has been performing really well in the tests, but we have yet to compete in it, so the Dakar will be the moment of truth. WE’VE GOT ABOUT FORTY DAYS LEFT UNTIL THE OFFICIAL START OF THE 2020 DAKAR. WHAT ARE YOUR FINAL PREPARATIONS? I’ve done a lot of cycling and skiing throughout the year, and I’m in good shape at this point so now is the time to slow down a little and start thinking about resting up to making sure that not only I’m in great physical shape but also well-rested before this event. Because it will be a tough one.
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Post by truenorth on Dec 5, 2019 12:59:36 GMT -8
AXEL ALLETRU, PARALYZED THOUGH PARTICIPATING IN THE 2020 DAKAR RALLY! Motul 27 November About nine years ago, Axel Allétru, one of the French upcoming Moto Cross talents, became paralyzed after a heavy accident during the World MX Championship. Doctors gave him not much hope for recovery and the verdict was hard: he could never walk again. Persistent as he is, he fought back, and he’s now able to walk a few miles. Next challenge on Axel’s bucket list: finishing the Dakar Rally 2020 in an SSV! We had a talk with his good friend and brand manager Riad Kacim. Riad, can you tell us how this tragic accident happened? Back in 2010, Axel had a very bright career ahead of him. He was contesting the MX2 World Championship and posting some good results in the Jacky Martens KTM team. He even was tipped to have a good future in the sport. Until the dramatic day during the Latvian MXGP in 2010 where Axel suffered from a big crash. He was left paralyzed afterwards - every rider’s worst nightmare, became his new reality. What happened after his accident? Axel was determined to get his previous life back. He kept his hope, optimism and as an athlete he knew what fighting meant. He placed all his mental and physical energy in two years of heavy rehabilitation. Axel defied the odds and despite being told by doctors he wouldn't be able to walk again - he can now walk around freely with the use of crutches to aid him. He's now left his Motocross career behind him and went onto other things, he describes "sport as his life". He joined a para-sport swimming club and trained for the European Paralympics, which he won in 2014 after twelve consecutive French National victories. What will be his next challenge in this new reality? Axel wants to be an inspiring example for people. He is the living proof that with hard work, dedication and persistence, you can achieve much more in life than one would expect. Axel started riding an adapted Dirt bike again, he cycles and even walks a few miles with special leg adaptors. More exciting news is that Axel has confirmed he's competing in the Dakar Rally in January next year in an SSV Can-Am Buggy. His experienced co-pilot will be François Béguin, who already competed in the Dakar Rally 17 times. This could be the closest thing to reliving his Motocross experience! How is Motul collaborating with Axel and the team? Axel wants to push people beyond their own boundaries. He wants to be an example and an inspiration for other people. The commitment to reach these goals perfectly blend with the core values of Motul: ‘Passion’ and ‘Brotherly’. That’s why Motul is supporting Axel and his team. If you also have a personal goal for next year, Axel invites you to share your story with the hashtag #jepeux2020 (which is French for ‘I can in 2020’). Discover Axel’s inspiring story in the video below:
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Post by truenorth on Dec 9, 2019 7:29:11 GMT -8
The Dakar organization has issued a guide so that the pilots do not end up in jail by Saudi laws: Beware of demonstrations of affection, clothing or tattoos among other things
David Emmett: This is why I won't be watching the Dakar this year. The ASO issued the competitors with a guide to not ending up in prison due to having visible tattoos or displays of affection. MotoGP goes to some questionable places, but this is sportwashing at its worst.Remember, the Saudi government murdered and dismembered the journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its embassy in Turkey just last year.
Natacha Alfageme: It is very inconsistent that we defend the role of women in the Dakar, that our mouths are filled by saying that Laia, Cris or another pilot have beaten men, while taking place in a country where the women who make up the rally are seen discriminated against for reasons of gender.
"Women should wear their shoulders and knees covered in public. Their clothes should not be adjusted, except for safety reasons. We recommend using a loose abaya or veil in public to avoid offending and dressing with demure outside the bivouac."
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Post by truenorth on Dec 26, 2019 7:45:25 GMT -8
The Dakar gag: the rally bans For the first time in its 42 editions, the mythical rally steps on Saudi Arabia and sets 'recommendations' to the participants Images like David Casteu's kissing his girlfriend at the end of a stage will cost to see in the Dakar 2020 by Saudi Arabia (Monica Paz / Getty) Lavanguardia TONI LÓPEZ JORDÀ , BARCELONA 12/01/2019 If Fernando Alonso , the great sporting appeal of the Dakar 2020 , had the idea of celebrating his first stage victory in the mythical rally effusively, he should refrain from kissing his co-pilot, Marc Coma , or of making obscene gestures, under penalty of fine, reprimand or jail . It is not a joke. Although the Spaniard is unlikely to react beyond normal austerity, he and the more than 500 Dakar 2020 participants are aware of a series of limitations on their individual freedom. It is the price to pay for running in Saudi Arabia . A round business The ASO was looking for a stable, safe and diverse territory for specials, as well as a well-stocked portfolio: Saudi Arabia guarantees 15 million annually for 5 years For the first time in its 42 editions, the Dakar Rally has established a series of recommendations and requests to the participants - thus fixed in writing - to adapt their behavior to the regulatory system and culture of the host country: Saudi Arabia. An authoritarian kingdom, governed by Islamic law, which tops the rankings of violation of human rights and women . Thus, shortly after the registration was formalized and the tour was presented, the participants received a "practical guide" prepared by the Saudi General Sports Authority and the rally organization, the French company ASO (Amaury Sport Organization). "We have passed a folio of rules," reacted a veteran dakariano, who was stunned by everything they advised . The practical guide opens an introduction about the country, a brief description of its administrative system, geography and society. And in point 4, under the heading "Local life", the " Restrictions relating to alcohol, drugs and pork ", whose "import and consumption are strictly prohibited and may be subject to judicial process , are referred to arrest and harsh penalties, including the death penalty . ” Notified remain. Long list of prohibitions Drugs, alcohol, pork and pornography are strictly prohibited and punishable - even with the death penalty - and clothing controlled The warnings about sexuality continue : “All imported cultural products (DVDs, magazines, books ...) must be compatible with local laws of decency (no explicit content)”, participants are notified. And explicitly: " It is strictly forbidden to all content pornographic or erotic of the type that is". The dress also does not escape the limitations, although in a more lax way. "In the camp everything is sweetened: we can go in shorts, women will not have to cover themselves ... The organization has told us not to panic," says co-driver José Luis Criado , of KH-7 Epsilon. Although the ASO clearly stipulates: "Men and women are kindly requested to dress in public mode, in accordance with local customs, avoiding tight clothing or with vulgar words or images." The same for tattoos, which "will be tolerated within reason (sic), that do not show explicit images or phrases." And for women: “They should wear their shoulders and knees covered in public; we recommend wearing abaya (dress similar to a robe) outside the bivouac ”. An opening opportunity "I am positive: although it is a dictatorship that I hate, going there can be a first step to sweeten the regime," reflects José Luis Criado, co-driver of the KH-7 Epsilon truck Since homosexuality is being persecuted in Saudi Arabia (punishable by stoning), rally participants are warned that “public demonstrations of affection can go against public decency and be subject to detentions; maximum discretion is advised. ” Although it will be allowed to share hotel rooms to men and women, even unmarried couples (not in Qatar), it is “recommended to avoid demonstrations of affection in public ”. So Stéphane Peterhansel must refrain from kissing his wife and co-pilot Andrea Meyer , or Zamora Sara Sara , hugging her boyfriend Javier Vega . "We will have to abide by its rules," admits Garcia resigned . “I see logically that they want to impose their culture, they are at home. Nothing seems so excessive to me: if you can't drink alcohol, it doesn't suit me or come to me; not being able to go in shorts or suspenders, it will not be necessary because of the temperature; what hurts me the most is not being able to eat ham, but we will already gather at Christmas ... ”, says the motorcycle rider. “The only thing I see exaggerated is not being able to show affection in public; if they want to open up to the world they will have to be more flexible. ” Resignation of participants "We will have to abide by its rules ... but I see it too much not to be able to show affection in public," says motorcycle rider Sara Garcia For Criado , who will have stepped on the three continents with the Dakar, the visit of the rally to Saudi Arabia "may be a window to the world that can sweeten the regime", as happened in 1992 when the Dakar ended in Cape Town in full apartheid “I am positive: although it is a dictatorship that I detest, without equality of any kind, that treats its people badly, going there can be a first step to climb up the mountain. What do they forbid drinking beer? Some will fall ... The organization gives us wine and beer at meals, and that will remain; insurance". For the ASO, the entry of the rally in Saudi Arabia is a round business after 11 years of complicated negotiations with the South American governments. The Sunni kingdom assures them a contract of 15 million euros per year for 5 years . It is all said. "It's a new country, a new challenge for everyone," says David Castera, new director of the rally. “They have given us many guarantees of the country, we know that there is a willingness to open up. The Dakar is not the first to go to Arabia, there were others before, such as Formula E, the Italian Super Cup (and in January the Spanish); they want to open and make the world known through sporting events, ”Castera justifies, which fits the limitation on women (pilots, assistance, organization):“ All they are asked is to cover their legs and arms, but they can dress normally "
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Post by truenorth on Dec 26, 2019 8:12:42 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Dec 28, 2019 8:03:54 GMT -8
Laia Sanz and the Dakar in Saudi Arabia: “My first reaction was to ask if we could run, but now I'm looking for the positive part” A controversial Dakar with restrictions on women. Since it is disputed, hopefully it serves to open the mind to some
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Post by truenorth on Jan 1, 2020 8:58:23 GMT -8
KTM Queen of Africa chasing the 19th consecutive Dakar: Everything is ready in Saudi Arabia for the start of the Dakar 2020. KTM is favored with Price, Sunderland and Walkner. Will Mattighofen's house manage to confirm its domain?
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Post by truenorth on Jan 1, 2020 10:08:18 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Jan 1, 2020 11:45:53 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Jan 1, 2020 11:48:55 GMT -8
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Deleted
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Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2020 12:33:20 GMT -8
Can the "Dakar" ever return to it's original place - Dakar, Senegal? Probably not!
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Post by truenorth on Jan 2, 2020 9:53:30 GMT -8
2020 Dakar: Cyril Despres gets the Horn 02.01.2020 BSN Five-time Dakar bike winner Cyril Despres will be co-driven by serial explorer Mike Horn when the 2020 rally gets going. Very little information about the participation of Despres has filtered through into the public domain, following his fifth place last year in Peru behind the wheel of a Team X-Raid buggy, and not without reason, because the project he has been discretely preparing hinged on a significant condition. Despres has been a long-standing acquaintance of adventurer Horn and offered him the opportunity to be his co-pilot in a Team Red Bull SSV. Thrilled at the possibility of making a “childhood dream come true”, the globetrotter of the poles and summits accepted the challenge, but a turn of events seemed set to put paid to such an adventure. His crossing of the Arctic Ocean on skis to the North Pole was severely disrupted by the worrying reduction in the size of the ice pack. The delays incurred and the danger to which he was exposed threatened to compromise the formation of this illustrious duo on the Dakar. However, Horn will indeed be able to respect his commitment to Despres in Jeddah: “My life as an explorer has led me to many different places and now to the Dakar Rally. I got stuck on the ice for a month, but thankfully I’m now on my way to Saudi Arabia to meet up with my friend Cyril Despres,” he said. The Frenchman will be undertaking a double sporting challenge on this year’s race: he will be in the reckoning for victory in the SSV category, but will also be participating as a figurehead of the Red Bull operation aimed at promoting the category and discovering new young talents. This year, the operation’s hopes lie with the Americans Blade Hildebrand, 21 years old, and Mitch Guthrie Jr, aged 23.
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Post by Pistola on Jan 2, 2020 11:37:31 GMT -8
I see people calling this Dakarabia.
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Post by truenorth on Jan 2, 2020 12:18:14 GMT -8
I see people calling this Dakarabia. Looking foreword to your "Live" coverage.
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