The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Dakar Rally Canceled on Terrorism Concerns

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The 2008 running of the Dakar Rally has been canceled due to terrorism concerns:

The Dakar Rally was canceled Friday on the eve of the race due to safety concerns after the slaying of a French family in Mauritania was blamed on al-Qaida-linked militants.

Many of you who follow the off road events know what a big deal the Dakar Rally is. This is not good.

Thanks for the tip, Chris.

Links: Here and here

Comments

  1. I must admit the thought of a silent / smooth electric with the big acceleration that I have been reading about has a certain appeal to it. I really am looking forward to riding one, even if I have to build one.

  4. I was just listening to some soundclips from rally radio from a couple racers and of course they are really upset because it just happened but given all the money that everyone is losing (including the organization) many figure this is probably the end.

    The rally organizers are supposedbly returning entry fees but like one racer said his team is still losing about 20 grand to get a bike there and put everything together to run and the big, sponsored teams are going to lose even more (not to mention possibly scare off sponsors). I can’t imagine that many people being willing to blow that kind of money to “maybe” run again next year.

    P.S. The rumors I am hearing is that the race’s insurance company threatened to pull out on them and that is why the cancellation happened because it is nothing knew for there to be threats or attacks on the racers by terrorist or bandits.

  9. we send our best wishes and support to everyone that has worked so hard to prepare for this fabulous event just to have it taken from under them. its appalling, shocking and very sad. and the money
    awful.