Paris Dakar Rally Cancelled

This years Dakar Rally has been cancelled due to a direct security threat from terrorist organisations.

Earlier today the rally's organisers (Amaury Sport Organisation) announced that there had been "direct threats against the race issued by terrorist groups". This follows the killing for four French tourists in Mauritania on the 24th December.

The Rally has run uninterrupted since 1979 and includes trucks and cars as well as the hundreds of motorbikes. Although individual stages have been cancelled in the past this is the first time the whole event has been pulled.

The ASO said, "Following several consultations with the French government - in particular the ministry of foreign affairs - and taking into account its firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally".

You can listen to the latest news direct from the Dakar camp by tuning into Rally RADio.

Image - KTM

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	macp \| 04 January 2008, 12:46 (report) #1 This is really sad. The Rally brings in money to the areas visted. And lets hope that the money lost wont effect staging next years (if it's able to be held at all...

	mattcbf600 \| 04 January 2008, 13:38 (report) #2 I think the Dakar is done for the time being, if the financial fall out doesn't finish it off the precedent has now been set for how to cancel the event.

	andrew&7 \| 04 January 2008, 16:02 (report) #3 Sad news. Hope it is a one off.

	mattcbf600 \| 04 January 2008, 17:11 (report) #4 What really worries me is all the privateers who've put their life savings into getting on that start line - I wonder if they'll get their money back or if there's insurance or anything?