Friday 4th Jan. latest news from Lisbon.
DUE TO SECURITY ISSUES THE RALLY HAS BEEN CANCELLED-waiting for the official announcement.
What sad news for all the competitors who have spent years preparing for the big day and all the hard work done by the ASO team. In 30years the race has now been spoiled by those who want to use sport to further their political or religious aims.
Report from Milly in Lisbon at the start on Thursday night.
Their car passed all the technical checks and Beady breathed a sigh of relief. He had not seen his race car until Portugal as it had to be rebuilt after the Morocco training session. Lots to do to check the car and stow all their equipment and personal gear inside the car. Milly had to get busy checking the navigation equipment and safety stuff. The atmosphere at the start area was good with people saying hello to all their friends and fellow competitors that they had not seen since last years rally! Already the spirit of the Dakar family is evident with concerns and help for everyone. This year there are even more languages to be heard around the start and lots of laughter as sign language becomes the main way of communicating. Many teams are holding press conferences and the latest hot gossip is that the Hummers of Robby Gordon and his team mate from across the pond have been stranded on a broken ship and arrived very late. Lots of lady bikers attracting attention as some have switched to the new 690 KTM-a big beastie- and each one is determined to get to the finish-we wish them Bon Voyage. The RallyRaid team bikers are all in good spirits and the South Africans will be supporting each other and looking for a safe arrival in Dakar.
Hope to get some photos from the start today and more news after the competitors briefing. Don't miss the Eurosport preview tonight at 8.30pm.