The Dakar Rally - greatest adventure ever!

Dakar 2012 - Best of cars and bikes!

2012-01-17T16:00:00.000+01:00

Dakar 2012 - Chinese riders 100%

2012-01-16T17:25:00.000+01:00

The Chinese rules! Quite impressing going over the Chinese riders stage performances. 6 out of 6 competitors finishes the 2012 Dakar rally and a 100 per cent finishing rate for this nation.
Congratulations China!

Motorcycle
# 94 Wei Guang Hui*
Bike: Jincheng JC 450 Y
Final standing: 94

Car
# 333 Zhou Yuande co-pilot Pan Honguy
Car: Mitsubishi L200
Final standing: 32

# 335
Zhou Jihong, co-pilot Liao Min
Car: Proto Dessoude N05
Final standing: 19

# 345
Zhou Yong, co-pilot Maimon Pascal
Car: Great Wall Haval Suv
Final standing: 20

# 387
Liang Xi, co-pilot Huang Fengge
Car: Mitsubishi Pajero
Final standing: 54

# 423
Guo Hongzhi, co-pilot Brousse Alain
Car:Nissan Patrol
Final standing: 58

*Team mate and Jincheng rider Argentinian Pablo Pascual (#80) finished 72nd.

Related:
Chinese riders in the rally

Dakar 2012 - Spirit of the Dakar!

2012-01-16T06:44:00.001+01:00

Photo Courtesy: ASO/Dakar rally

Dakar 2012 - Summary stage 14!

2012-01-16T00:49:00.001+01:00

The last Dakar rally stage summary...

Dakar 2012 - Ladies finishing the rally!

2012-01-15T17:42:00.000+01:00

A big congratz to the women who fought the 2012 Dakar rally off! Out of the total 439 competitors starting out in Buenos Aires on New year´s day 10 were females, and 5 of them reached the finish earlier today. Celebration time is here, time to unpack the dresses, high heels and make-up on!

FINAL RESULTS LADIES OF THE DAKAR - provisional

Motorcycles

# 45 Laia Sanz (Eulalia Sanz Pla-Gilbert)

Quad

# 259 Camelia Liparoti

Car driver

# 320 Isabelle Patissier

# 411 Stefanie Manns

Co-driver car category

# 358 Christina Favre

Withdrawals:

Motorcycle
# 78 Rosa Romero Font 3rd stage withdrawal

Co-driver car
#461 Adriana Andreani no start in the 2012 Dakar rally
#337 Eugenie Decré 10th stage withdrawal

Co-driver truck category

#564 Eleonora Dal Pra 4th stage withdrawal

#522 Fina Roman 10th stage withdrawal

Related:

Female riders of the race

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian - final results!

2012-01-15T16:56:00.000+01:00

The rally that kept all the fans on their toes for two weeks has finally made it to the finish. And what a race this year´s edition was. A duel in the bike category that kept on going stage by stage in the top between last year´s winner Mark Coma and his KTM team mate and rival Cyril Despres. Up till the end of yesterday´s stage nothing was certain. But then it all came clear what was about to happen as the gear box of Coma caved in. Cyril Despres - the new titel holder in the motorcycle category!

The Scandinavian contestants all made it to the end on the bikes. With absolutely nothing to lose Norwegian Pål Anders Ullevålseter put on a last show before the race was over, hammering the last dunes and winning the special stage 1.08 to Coma who finished 2nd. A Grande finale! Captain Berglund also let loose and made it to the finish as the 19th rider. Jes Munk on 43rd, and Ronnie Bodinger finished with his best stage performance, as 47th, 11.14 behind Ullevålseter.

One can only admire their achievement of reaching the end of a long race, adventure or journey if you wish, no matter what the initial plan was. Podium and celebration time is here!

FINAL RESULTS DAKAR 2012 - provisional
1 (2) Cyril Despres (FRA)
6 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +02.11.56
37 (29) Thomas Berglund (SWE) +12.13.59
50 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +15.19.20
77 (107) Ronnie Bodinger (SWE) +23.52.51

6th PÅL ANDERS ULLEVÅLSETER (NOR)

37th CAPTAIN THOMAS BERGLUND (SWE)

50th JES MUNK (DEN)

77th RONNIE BODINGER (SWE)

Dakar 2012 - Withdrawals stage 13

2012-01-15T09:22:00.001+01:00

The finish so close and up to date on the withdrawals of the race, as the 249 contestants remaining are about to make the last stage of the 2012 Dakar rally. Withdrawals of yesterday´s stage added up to a total of four. Two in the motorcycle category of which one of them was Argentinean Luis Belaustegui on the 150cc. Two of them in the car category. Soon enough we will find out if there were yet other withdrawals on the last stretch. Withdrawals in total 43.8 per cent.

Dakar 2012 - Luis Belaustegui out!

2012-01-15T07:01:00.001+01:00

So close, but so far away from living his dream of becoming the first rider to ever finish the Dakar on 150cc 2-stroke engine. Unfortunately Argentinian rider Luis Belaustegui (#150) left the race after injuring his wrist on the 13th stage. Lets hope we get the chance of following him next year again!

A great performance in the 2012 Dakar rally:

Related:

Luis Belaustegui on the move!

Profile: Luis Belaustegui

Dakar 2012 - Spirit of the Dakar!

2012-01-15T03:27:00.000+01:00

Photo Courtesy: ASO/Dakar rally

Dakar 2012 - Summary stage 13!

2012-01-15T01:42:00.001+01:00

And here it is, stage 13 summary!

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian standings stage 13

2012-01-15T01:32:00.001+01:00

While watching today´s stage the old Sweet song popped up in my mind "Everybody wants some piece of the action", and third stage in Peru certainly served the crowd just that, as it was the last stage of greater importance in the 2012 Dakar rally. And the duel was on for most of the stage, over shadowing other great performances like most of the days in this year´s race... And somewhat a reminder of the 2001 duel in cars between Masuoka and Schlesser. Though fair play has been the topic of this race.

All in all, as always, great riding, racing and a drama watching the top riders giving it all in the competition. Marc Coma, in the lead when the stage started out, was unable to keep his rival Cyril Despres from gaining precious seconds and minutes, at check point one the Frenchman was back in the lead again by 5.11, then loosing time to Coma again. At the 189 km mark his advantage shortened down to 2.14. And the out come still uncertain. But then things went very wrong and the Spaniard lost it all due to gearbox problems from 25km mark and onwards. Time difference by the end of the day: 11.03. Cyril Despres will be the new title holder of the 2012 Dakar rally motorcycle category, unless something unpredictable happens on the short show-off stage of tomorrow, 29 km, between Pisca and Lima. Coma changing his engine received an extra 45-minute penalty, still in 2nd position and 56.03 behind Cypres. The Dakar showing it´s true colors once again, nothing is for certain.

The Scandinavian participants has done it again! All of them reaching the finish of today´s stage. And also being very close to the finish in Lima, sure looks like all of our competitors will reach the finish of the Dakar tomorrow. Quite impressive to say the least!

Pål Anders Ullevålseter finished the 13th stage in a 6th position, Jes Munk 57th, Captain Berglund 69th and Ronnie Bodinger 81st.

The overall most likely to stay unchanged as the riders will do the short special before the prize giving ceremony on the podium in Lima and a great party to celebrate their achievements. And finally a well worth night to spend in a real bed at the hotel as bivouac nights are over.Champs, well done!

Provisional standings stage 13: Nasca-Pisco
Special Stage 275km
Connection: 100km
Total: 375km

OVERALL
1 (2) Cyril Despres (FRA) 19.01.54
7 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +02.15.47
38 (29) Thomas Berglund (SWE) +12.11.05
53 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +15.12.37
80 (107) Ronnie Bodinger (SWE) +25.18.50

Dakar 2012 - Big pictures - Boston Globe!

2012-01-14T11:17:00.000+01:00

The Boston Globe once again caught the Dakar action on camera. Some truly amazing shots showing the nature and spirit of the most challenging off road rally in the world. World class photographers indeed.

The Boston Globe - The big picture Dakar 2012

All time favourite is the pic of photographer Natacha Pisarenko from the 2010 Dakar rally...Natasha was awarded the picture of the year award by associated press for this specific photo. Well done Natasha!

And while you´re at it, see the previous years best pics of the rally:

2011 Dakar rally - The big picture
Photographers: Natacha Pisarenko/Daniel Garcia/Claudio Santana/Eric Gaillard/Stephane Mantey/Martin Zabala/Eric Testroete

2010 Dakar rally - The big picture
Photographers: Gabriel Bouys/Alejandro Pagni/Maxi Failla/Natacha Pisarenko/Jacky Naegelen/Martin Bernetti/Pedro Tapia/Frederic Le Floch

2009 Dakar rally - The big picture
Photographers: Gabriel Bouys/Lionel Bonaventure/Christophe Ena/Enrique Marcarian/Yamil Regules/Paulo Paez

Dakar 2012 - Spirit of the Dakar!

2012-01-14T10:56:00.003+01:00

Photo Courtesy: ASO/Dakar rally

Dakar 2012 - Withdrawals stage 12

2012-01-14T07:59:00.001+01:00

Each and every stage has taken its toll. The number of withdrawals, and still counting, hits a total of 190 after 12th stage. With only two stages remaining of the 2012 Dakar rally the numbers of withdrawals is coming closer to the 50 per cent mark.

Dakar 2012 - Summary stage 12!

2012-01-14T01:12:00.000+01:00

The daily brought to you by ASO.

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian standings stage 12

2012-01-14T01:07:00.000+01:00

First there was Hitchcock, followed by Spielberg, and then there was racing director Etienne Lavigne, in common the skills of conducting great entertainment, keeping the audience on their toes...

A fairly short special (shortened due to heavy rain in the area) and the second stage in Peru was the task of the day for the competitors in the 2012 Dakar rally. All of them looking forward to the finish and Lima.

What has been an ongoing duel was yet to continue today. Marc Coma surely not to happy about the shortening of the stage as he set off, having to gain 2.22 before the finish in Lima. But then he was probably pretty happy about his own performance, regaining the lead of the rally and his 5th stage win. Now in the lead by as little as 1.35. A thriller, a drama, call it anything you like, continuing tomorrow.

Viking or not, Norwegian Pål Anders Ullevåseter had some bad luck and injured himself at 10km in to the day´s stage. After a fall he got stuck in the sand and while trying to get the bike back up he tore his chest muscle, and up on arrival fainted. Organizers took him to the doctor where an x-ray was made. He said himself that this was his worst day ever in the Dakar.

Captain Berglund was running 32nd today, reaching the finish 26,43 after leading Coma. 38th in the overall.

Jes Munk finished 53rd on the stage and 53rd in the overall.

Ronnie Bodinger had a day of an engine not running as smoothly as one would want in the Dakar. The night shift for his mechanic Calle. And hopefully he´s got a fresh start tomorrow.

Provisional standings stage 12: Arequipa-Nasca
Special Stage 245km
Connection: 299km
Total: 543km

OVERALL
1 (1) Marc Coma (ESP) 15.38.16
7 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +02.12.14
38 (29) Thomas Berglund (SWE) +10.45.33
53 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +14.03.54
80 (107) Ronnie Bodinger (SWE) +23.41.37

Dakar 2012 - Spirit of the Dakar!

2012-01-13T09:34:00.002+01:00

Photo courtesy: ASO/Dakar rally

Dakar 2012 - Withdrawals stage 11

2012-01-13T08:49:00.001+01:00

Only three more stages to go in the 2012 Dakar rally, and the withdrawals in numbers reaches 169 or 39.1%. More than half of the contestants in the quad category are out (56,7%) where as the truck category only lost 13 competitors of the 74 starting (17,6%).

Dakar 2012 - Summary stage 11!

2012-01-13T03:48:00.001+01:00

Here we go, stage 11 summary!

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian standings stage 11

2012-01-13T03:37:00.000+01:00

Today the rally finally moved in to Peru and new territory...a historical mark in the Dakar rally history. A stage that lead many astray and in to a river bed. To some it was too late before they started correcting their error, getting their engines flooded, and others stuck in the mud.

Top duel first: Cyril Despres increased his lead in the 2012 Dakar again, but also he did a navigational mistake and chose the wrong direction early on the stage, and in good company of Barreda and Coma. Managed to sort it out in time and is now in the lead by 2.22. Anything can happen on the last three stages, Marc Coma certainly not giving the win away without putting up a fight.

The Vikings aka the Scandinavian contestants continued to advance in to Peru and in the overall standings. Without a doubt all of them determined to reach the finish and all of them advancing in the overall. But Norwegian Pål Anders Ullevåseter, still holding a 7th position and 27 minutes ahead of him the 6th position. Unless a withdrawal or a major error occur in the top a miracle is needed to advance much further.

And that Captain Berglund must have had some difficulties on the stage, still advancing in the overall, as he was 79th at some point and finishing 65th.

Danish Jes Munk finished 43rd on the stage, saying he was being very careful crossing the rivers as he saw other riders with dismounted bikes on the river side. His one and only goal is to reach the finish.

Ronnie Bodinger reports that he had a good ride, bike working well only problem was getting caught in the fesh-fesh and his rib reminding him of it´s existence.79th on the stage.

Provisional standings stage 11: Arica-Arequipa
Special Stage 534km
Connection: 171km
Total: 705km

OVERALL
1 (2) Cyril Despres (FRA) 09.07.39
7 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +02.04.06
38 (29) Thomas Berglund (SWE) +10.21.22
56 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +13:17:22
80 (107) Ronnie Bodinger (SWE) +21:55:19

Dakar 2012 - Withdrawals stage 10

2012-01-12T10:16:00.000+01:00

As the rally heads in to Peru and the last three stages of the 2012 Dakar rally the number of contestants still in the race competing down to 289. Withdrawals up to 35%.

Dakar 2012 - Spirit of the rally!

2012-01-12T08:14:00.000+01:00

Photo courtesy: ASO/Dakar rally

Dakar 2012 - Summary stage 10

2012-01-12T02:43:00.000+01:00

Here we go, the short version of stage ten.

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian standings stage 10

2012-01-12T01:35:00.000+01:00

Yet another day and another stage in the 2012 Dakar rally. As it moved closer to the border of Peru, and coastal city of Arica, still on the Chilean side.

As an Oscar winning drama the duel in the top is carrying on...Winner of the special was in fact Spaniard Barreda, who was shadowed by the ongoing game. Marc Coma finished second today and leader of the rally, Cyril Despres, passed the finishing line only 2 seconds behind Coma. Still in the lead, but only by as little as 21 seconds in the overall... It does not get more intense!

Moving focus to the northern hemisphere and the vikings. All four of them still in the game, all wanting to reach the finish in Pery badly. Another day of great riding performed by Norwegian Pål Anders Ullevålseter, finishing 7th on the stage. Take notice, this guy is just a regular privateer. No manufacturer team backing him up. Impressive. Captain Thomas Berglund did show some good riding skills on the track and finished 39th. Danish Jes Munk had yet another day of smooth riding pushing him to a 59th in the overall.

Ronnie Bodinger, with a broken rib, had some major pain on the last stretch of yesterday´s stage as the pain killers were losing their magical relief. A good sport and a good fighter he is! Finishing today´s special 82nd in the overall.

Let the viking crusade and effort continue tomorrow as the rally makes history by entering new territory in Peru.

Provisional standings stage 10: Iquique-Arica
Special Stage 377km
Connection: 317km
Total: 694km

OVERALL
1 (2) Cyril Despres (FRA) 09.07.39
7 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +01.56.22
39 (29) Thomas Berglund (SWE) +08.43.40
59 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +12:07:04
82 (107) Ronnie Bodinger (SWE) +19:38:16

Dakar 2012 - Withdrawals stage 9

2012-01-11T07:54:00.000+01:00

Competitors of the 2012 Dakar rally decrease day by day. Quad category diminished by nearly half as the 10th stage is about to commence. The total number of withdrawals in total reached 136.

Dakar 2012 - Summary stage 9

2012-01-11T05:58:00.000+01:00

Ninth stage summary

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian standings stage 9

2012-01-11T03:29:00.001+01:00

Stage 9 of the 2012 Dakar rally bringing the competitors to one of the most beautiful sceneries as they are about to reach the finish in Iquique. A 22km down hill slope of sand over viewing the ocean. Perhaps some of the riders caught a glimpse of the view as they were racing downwards to the last check mark of the stage.

It´s not over till it´s over...what a day and what a show the audience witnessed as the stage opened up for any of the rivals to beat it first to the finish. Check point by check point and the duel between Spanish title holder Marc Coma and leader of the rally Cyril Despres.

CP1: Cyril Despres 1st, Marc Coma 5th +0.07
CP2: Cyril Despres 1st, Marc Coma 3rd +1.12
CP3: Cyril Despres 1st, Marc Coma 3rd +.3.55
CP4: Cyril Despres 1st, Marc Coma 2nd +3.27
CP5: Cyril Despres 1st, Marc Coma 2nd +3.26

By the end of the day Cyril Despres wins the stage and is in the lead of the motorcycle category by 2.28m, quite unbelievable. Simply the Dakar at its very best!

Pål Anders Ullevålseter who ran in 2nd on the 8th stage and made a world class performance got another chance of proving his skills. However not quite reaching the high standards of yeasterday´s classy riding. Did crash badly, but was unhurt, new helmet for next stage! Finishing twelfth on the stage, 18.59m behind Cyril Despres. Pål Anders climbs the latter to a 9th in the overall. (According to Pål Anders site he was running in 6th on the stage and 8th overall, but overall and stage standings seem to not have been updated properly at dakar.com, and things do happen even after the race i s over, these are merely provisional standings!)

21st on the stage and 43rd in the overall is where we find Captain Berglund, and then there was Mr Munk from Denmark 66th on the stage, 63rd overall, and finally Mr Bodinger finished 79th...

Once again it is a true pleasure finding these riders all still carrying along in the Dakar... Not many days left now. Just hang tight!

Provisional standings stage 9: Antofagasta-Iquique
Special Stage 556km
Connection: 9km
Total: 565km

OVERALL
1 (2) Cyril Despres (FRA) 28.09.35
9 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +01.49.27
43 (29) Thomas Berglund (SWE) +07.53.40
63 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +10:39:07
86 (107) Ronnie Bodinger (SWE) +17:11:32

Dakar 2012 - Withdrawals stage 8

2012-01-10T05:20:00.000+01:00

Stage 8 took its toll and narrowed down the contestants in the race further more. In the race as stage 9 starts - 316 contestants. Car category down by 13 units on the 8th stage. More to come as the rally continues...

Dakar 2012 - Summary stage 8!

2012-01-10T05:19:00.000+01:00

And the daily summary of stage 8...

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian standings stage 8

2012-01-09T05:24:00.000+01:00

Rest day was yesterday - back to business as usual..

Stage 8 of the 2012 Dakar rally started out from beautiful Copiapo in Chile. The battle in the top, a never ending drama, continued. And by the end of the day the leader was Spaniard Marc Coma. In the lead by 1m 26s to Cyril Depres. Almost unbelievable, on stage 8 a tie in the lead by one minute and 28 seconds. You just gotta love it!

So how are the Scandinavians holding up?

To start out with Swedish Captain Berglund, who´s had some major problems, got to finish nicely 24th on the stage. Which was something he needed to keep the steam up. He chose to use the possibility of right to start up ahead in the starting list (something the top riders can do) to be able to focus on his riding rather than overtaking the slower ones. Good thing and well done!

And back in the top ten! Skilled Pål Anders Ullevålseter moved back into a top ten position, and ten it was in the overall. Great job!

Danish Jes Munk addes another fifteen minute penalty and lost positions, now 64th overall.

And the guy with the broken rib, Swedish Ronnie Bodinger, still running. Stage 8 finish as 91st.

Provisional standings stage 8: Copiapo-Antofagasta
Special Stage 477km
Connection: 245km
Total: 722km

OVERALL
1 (2) Marc Coma (ESP) 23.24.18
10 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +01.35:10
44 (29) Thomas Berglund (SWE) +07.25.05
64 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +08:53:36
91 (107) Ronnie Bodinger (SWE) +15:06:45

Dakar 2012 - Withdrawals stage 7

2012-01-09T05:15:00.000+01:00

According to the official press statement of the ASO, received earlier today, the number of racers still in the game are:

125 motorcycles
21 quads
123 cars
71 trucks

The total number of withdrawals by the half way mark is 23,3% or 99 contestants. Stage 5 took the biggest blow when losing 35 racers, so far. Organizers say rough stretches are yet to come as the rally moves into Peru. Motorcycle category has lost 29,8% of its racers and chances are likely half of the entrants in the 2012 Dakar rally could potentially be out before the finishing line in Lima.

Dakar 2012 - Luis Belaustegui on the move!

2012-01-09T03:13:00.000+01:00

The list of withdrawals of the 7th stage has yet not been announced, but there was one rider who did reach the finish 93rd overall, Argentinean Luis Belaustegui. A rider determined to make Dakar history!

Luis started the Dakar on a KTM 150cc in 2011 with his mind set to be the first 150cc motorcycle rider to ever finish the Dakar. Crazy some said, impossible was the reaction from others. Last year´s race was cut short and his dream vanished as he was expelled from the race due to a late arrival.

His race got a different ending than we´re used to. It wasn´t technical or mechanical problems on the machine and it was´t an injury or illness, nope, instead it all came down to an act of kindness that put an end to his race. Luis decided while out on the course to help and assist those in need crossing the dunes on the stage between Iquique-Arica. A bad choice it turned out. It cost him time, time he couldn´t afford. 12 minutes late in total when he arrived to the last check mark. And Dakar regulations would not allow him to continue.

Luis Belaustegui just received the news in the bivouac he will not continue the 2011 Dakar rally. The "150" number crossed over by the organization.

Each and every year is a different story. This year Dakar history could be made. Only another 7 stages to go. Both bike and rider in perfect condition.

Best of luck Luis - make it to the finish in Peru and fulfill your Dakar dream!

Luis´ track record in the 2012 Dakar rally:

Dakar 2012 - Rest day is here!

2012-01-08T12:19:00.002+01:00

Bivouac in Copiapo 2011

Rest day and the half way mark of the 2012 Dakar rally is finally here. To the manufacturer´s team riders the meaning of the word is correct, many of them checked in to a hotel already yesterday. To the amateurs it´s a different story. This is the day where they finally get to do a proper check on the vehicle, fix that extra thing they just didn´t have time or energy to do during racing days, clean some clothes and perhaps take the time to talk to their families, blog with the fans and just have a chat with one another.

Tomorrow it all starts again, and another 7 stages before the finish in Lima, Peru.

Dakar 2012 - Females still going strong!

2012-01-08T03:50:00.000+01:00

Ladies of the Dakar rally

Updated 12th of January!
Them ladies are doing it...the 2012 Dakar rally. Some of them flying, some of them already abandoned the race!

First to impress is Italian journalist Camelia Liparoti who´s just hammering it. Showing what a talented and skilled quad driver she´s become. 10th overall as of now.

In the car category Isabelle Patisier is continuing to impress. Experienced as she is with ten starts in the Dakar and five finishes. In the overall car category 21st, and 5th in the 2RM class.

In the motorcycle category Spanish Laia Sanz is in the only female in the game, and will most likely not risk anything to reach the finish and a potential Ladies Trophy win again. This would be her second win if she reaches Lima.

On the co-driving side of things Swiss Decré is also showing some great navigational skills through the desert, 15th overall.

Quad

# 259 Camelia Liparoti

Car driver

# 320 Isabelle Patisier

# 411 Stefanie Manns

Motorcycles
# 45 Laia Sanz (Eulalia Sanz Pla-Gilbert)

Co-driver car category

# 337 Eugenie Decré

# 358 Christina Favre

Co-driver truck category
#522 Fina Roman

Withdrawals:

Motorcycle # 78 Rosa Romero Font 3rd stage withdrawal

Co-driver car #461 Adriana Andreani no start in the 2012 Dakar rally

Co-driver truck category #564 Eleonora Dal Pra 4th stage withdrawal

Related:

Female riders of the race

Dakar 2012 - Summary stage 7!

2012-01-08T03:47:00.001+01:00

And the daily...

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian standings - stage 7

2012-01-08T01:00:00.000+01:00

And finally the race was on again, only for short though! Restday is coming up, and a well earned one! Organizers said that the loop of the day (stage 7) was this week´s toughest stretch. Sand, dunes and some more sand to conquer.

The battle in the top between the KTM riders, Cyril Despres and Marc Coma, is most definitely ongoing. Though Cyril still is in the lead Marc Coma won stage 7. And with only 7:48min to the leader anything can happen.

Once again happy to announce all the Scandinavians are still in the race...though this hasn´t really been the rally of their lives. At least not when it comes to Norwegian Pål Anders, climbing a position and reaching 13th,.Still time to get back to the top ten, as we´ve becomed used seeing him. And Swedish Thomas Berglund on the Husaberg, who constantly had cooling problems and as a result boiling gas each and every day, and at the moment a 60th position in the overall. Instead of aiming for the top ten he´s now concentrating on doing a good run in the rally. Day by day.

Swedish Ronnie Bodinger might not be running fastest, but is indeed moving a long. And after stage 5 with a broken rib. Casualties of the Dakar. And a reminder of last year when he was on painkillers after a fall which damaged his shoulder. 91st in the overall.

Solid as a rock, talking about Danish Jes Munk. Reaching the finish each and every day, and holding a well earned 46th position.

After all, this might not be the best Dakar rally to some of the riders. But reaching the finishing of the Dakar is a performance of skills, endurance and never giving in attitude. Add some luck to that and you´ve got a winner no matter where in the results you are.

Rest day is coming up. Time to focus on the last part of the 2012 Dakar as it will continue for a few more days in Chile and then move on to new territory in Peru.

Provisional standings stage 7: Copiapo-Copiapo
Special Stage 419km
Connection: 154km
Total: 573km

OVERALL
1 (2) Cyril Despres (FRA) 18.12.38
13 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +01.41:03
46 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +06:08:00
60 (29) Thomas Berglund (SWE) +06.43.55
91 (107) Ronnie Bodinger (SWE) +12:33:50

Dakar 2012 - A hell passing the Andes!

2012-01-07T00:50:00.002+01:00

The riders did pass the Andes yesterday in a convoy, due to the bad weather conditions with both rain and snow. But few knew that temperatures would reach below zero and far below that. What the riders experienced on quad and motorcycle was a living hell with -8C when passing the Andes. Reaching an altitude of 4700m. For those who are familiar with winter/snow riding, they can imagine. But add to the fact that this was merely a transport. No physical movement. And previous years has shown that the riders aren´t equipped for these conditions. Not enough clothing. And only a day or two ago the temperatures reached +50C...

Below some pics from the fifth stage.
Photo courtesy; ASO

Dakar 2012 - Withdrawals - stage 5

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000+01:00

Starting 6th stage of the 2012 Dakar rally

So the bike category really took the big plunge on the fifth stage, and in comparison to the other categories it was massive, 20 withdrawals, and a total of 27 percent withdrawal rate. Unfortunately enough one of them caving in was Turkish Merkit Kemal...

All in all, the total number of withdrawals stage five was: 35.

Dakar 2012 - Stage 5 summary!

2012-01-06T03:54:00.000+01:00

While waiting for the rally to continue here´s the summary of the fifth stage. Beautiful scenery of South America and a great race...

Dakar 2012 - Sixth stage cancelled!

2012-01-06T02:12:00.001+01:00

Dakar rally convoy crossing the Andes

The sixth stage of the Dakar 2012 is cancelled. Due to bad weather situation Chilean authorities closed Paso de San Francisco earlier. Heavy snow and rainfall has been coming down in the area, and the participants of the Dakar will instead make the crossing over the Andes in a convoy. Safety comes first. Atmosphere in the bivouac must not be to joyful, every one is here to race... now losing a possibility of overtaking closest rival.

Cancelled stage:
Connection: 394km
Special: 247krm

Dakar 2012 - Simon Pavey sharing his thoughts!

2012-01-05T20:32:00.000+01:00

During the 2011 Dakar rally I had the true pleasure of getting acquainted with Australian Dakar rally rider Simon Pavey.

For those who has no clue who this guy is, let me just say the man started 8 times in the Dakar rally, has a great sense of humor and is just a lovable person in all. He is aiming to be back in the 2013 Dakar rally together with his son according to his Twitter page. Besides that this is the guy to get in contact with if you want to take part in "Enduro or Offroad skills".

Every now and then I would bump in to Simon and Turkish Merkit Kemal in the bivouac and check on their whereabouts. And if you ever consider going on the Dakar at one point or another, this might just give you a glimpse of what it´s all about.

From the bivouac in Cordoba, close to midnight, before the last stage of the 2011 Dakar rally (Cordoba-Buenos Aires) I present to you the one and only: SIMON PAVEY

Thanks Al!

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian standings - stage 5

2012-01-05T19:26:00.000+01:00

Stage 5 in the Dakar rally was a fairly short one, a special close to 300km was shortened down due to heavy rainfall and by the end of the day it was cut short at the 186 km point.

Leader in the bike category, Frenchman Cyril Despres, has some 9 minutes 51 seconds to Spaniard Marc Coma in second position. A duel far from over...

In the Scandinavian corner the drivers are following along. And finally Norwegian Pål Anders Ullevålseter let his bike out for a spinn, and reaching a 6th position on the stage. Still far from the top, but increasing his position to a 14th overall.

Captain Thomas Berglund seems to have had some problems after cp 1. and tomorrow we will have more info on the matter. This certainly hasn´t been his rally. 71st on the stage and 66th overall.

Danish Jes Munk is doing his thing well, improving ta 46th position overall and best position so far. More to come on this guy!

Good news is that Ronnie Bodinger did find his way to the finish and is now 91st in the general ranking.

And after a completed fifth stage reality is that all Scandinavians are still running...Well done!

Provisional standings stage 5: Chilecito-Fiambala
Special Stage 151km
Connection: 265km
Total: 416km

OVERALL
1 (2) Cyril Despres (FRA) 14.19.00
14 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +01.34.59
46 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +05.05.40
66 (29) Thomas Berglund (SWE) +06.08.14
91 (107) Ronnie Bodinger (SWE) +10.04.45

Bangkok it is!

2012-01-05T10:09:00.000+01:00

If you can´t join the Dakar, you just have to go elsewhere!

Arrived early this morning to the majestic capital of Thailand. Finally a bit of vacation and travelling within the country.

Dakar 2012 - Withdrawals stage 4

2012-01-05T02:40:00.001+01:00

As the race moves on the total number of withdrawals on stage 4 was 10. Largest drop is in the bike category with 28 competitors out. Quad is in the lead when it comes to percent, 26,7. And odd as it seems, one truck is back in the list. Most likely someone working late on the third stage and arriving just in time to catch the start of the fourth.

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian standings - stage 4

2012-01-05T02:25:00.000+01:00

Today´s stage brought the riders to Chilecito at 3600m above sea level. It will be indeed a freezing night at this altitude tonight. The beautiful scenery of the rally shows desert views. Shades of beige, brown, red and yellow and dust. Breathing the thin air might cause some dizzyness, or in worse case altitude sickness.

Yesterday was all about penalty, today it was about fighting back!

And that is exactly what Pål Anders Ullevålseter did, moving from the set back and 29th position yesterday to a 19th in the overall.

Flying is what Captain Thomas Berglund did today, 36th position on the stage! Quite a stretch considering all the take overs his day has been all about on the dusty roads. Definitely shows the quality of this rider. If any one was questioning it!

Ronnie Bodinger decided to take the fourth stage in a moderate tempo. Having some difficulties with dehydration and playing it safe. Yep, stick to the strategy and make it to the end...

Danish Jes Munk is moving along. 61st overall.

All still in the race - keep it coming!

Provisional standings stage 4: San Juan-Chilecito
Special Stage 424km
Connection: 326km
Total: 750km

OVERALL
1 (2) Cyril Despres (FRA) 11.50.27
19 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +01.20.18
61 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +03.57.45
67 (29) Thomas Berglund (SWE) +04.10.44
96 (107) Ronnie Bodinger (SWE) +05.48.36

Dakar 2012 - Chinese riders of the rally!

2012-01-04T10:28:00.001+01:00

The Chinese are in the rally for real. First time around was back in 2003. And since then always represented. In the 2010 and 2011 Dakar rally there were 7 vehicles competing. In the 2012 edition of the race there are 6 and these are the entrants:

1 Motorcycle
5 Cars

Motorcycles
# 94
Wei Guang Hui
Bike: Jincheng JC 450 Y
Number of starts in the Dakar: 2
2010: 82nd
2009: Withdrawal 7th stage
Overall (after stage 3): 136

Cars
# 333
Zhou Yuande co-pilot Pan Honguy
Number of starts in the rally: 1
2011: 11th
Car: Mitsubishi L200
Overall (after stage 3): 31

# 335
Zhou Jihong, co-pilot Liao Min
Car: Proto Dessoude N05
Number of starts in the rally: 0
Overall (after stage 3): 39

# 345
Zhou Yong, co-pilot Maimon Pascal
Car: Great Wall Haval Suv
Number of starts in the rally: 4
2011: 22nd
2010: 33rd
2006: 43rd
2005: 19th
Overall (after stage 3): 87

# 387
Liang Xi, co-pilot Huang Fengge
Car: Mitsubishi Pajero
Number of starts in the rally: 0
Overall (after stage 3): 71

# 423
Guo Hongzhi, co-pilot Brousse Alain
Car:Nissan Patrol
Number of starts in the rally: 1
2011: withdrawal 3rd stage
Overall (after stage 3): 88

Dakar 2012 - Withdrawals stage 3

2012-01-04T10:12:00.000+01:00

Competitors to take off on the fourth stage

The withdrawals of contestants in the 2012 Dakar rally continues...Yet the dream of reaching the finish in Peru is still possible, 392 racers are still in the game of the 439 who started in Mar del Plata on New Year´s day.

When the fourth stage starts today 11.5% of the total amount has withdrawn. And the only thing that is for sure is that the numbers will continue to increase due to heat, high altitude and the nature of the rally.

Dakar 2012 - Quinn Cody is out!

2012-01-04T02:06:00.000+01:00

Only one stage after American Jonah Street takes his leave from the 2012 Dakar rally, his fellow country man Quinn Cody takes a nasty fall over his bike and breaks his collar bone. Not a good day...

Quinn Cody finished the second stage in a 20th position overall ahead of this stage.
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 1 (2011)
Finished the 2011 Dakar in a 9th position.

See the clip from Eurosport where he takes his fall, approx. second 59.

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavian standings - stage 3

2012-01-04T01:37:00.000+01:00

Another day in the Argentinian wilderness as the rally is speeding up and it´s hot, hot, hot! Temperatures close to 50C and nowhere to escape. A major battle in the top between Marc Coma and Cyril Despres as the rally is moving closer to the Andes and thin air.

Penalization seems to be the word of the day. Three out of the four Scandinavians received a fourty minutes penalty and set back, all but Ronnie Bodinger. And to Norwegian Pål Anders Ullevålseter a cruel reality as he moves away from the top positions. 29th overall.

Swedish Captain Berglund had some major problems yesterday due to that heat which caused the fuelsystem to cave in. Stefan Holm, his mechanic, worked the nightshift to sort it out and just when things started going well it turns out Thomas missed a check point and got his 40 minute penalty, and the 47th position on the stage meant little, instead his 76th overall turned into a 93rd. His performance on the track today, overtaking all the slower riders, was just a rehearsal for the fourth stage of tomorrow.

Danish Jes Munk must have run in to some difficulties as he also was penalized with 40 minutes, by the end of the day 101st, and 67th overall.

Mr Bodinger who also had mechanical problems with his clutch yesterday was doing well today and climbed the ladder, finishing 88th overall.

Perhaps the Scandinavians aren´t in the best shape as of now, but I say - all in the race, keep going!

Provisional standings stage 3: San Rafael-San Juan
Special Stage 291km
Connection: 270km
Total: 561km

OVERALL
1 (2) Cyril Despres (FRA) 07.31.42
29 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +01.06.18
48 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +02.34.43
93 (29) Thomas Berglund +03.25.49
98 (107) Ronnie Bodinger +03.45.08

Dakar 2012 - Oddest cars in the rally...

2012-01-03T21:40:00.001+01:00

Jules the Rolls Royce

Don´t miss out on Topgear's pics of the most weird, unique and different cars that all entered in the Dakar rally at some point....

Dakar 2012 - In da house, da Eurosport house!

2012-01-03T21:33:00.001+01:00

Henric Larsson, me and Janne Tromark

Good to be in company of Jan Tromark and Henric Larsson both covering the Dakar rally at the Swedish Eurosport studio. Soon the late edition of today's broadcast will start.

Feels much better now...

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.2

Dakar 2012 - Hello Eurosport Sweden!

2012-01-03T17:45:00.000+01:00

The last few years has been pretty groovy around this time of the year. And in particular when there has been certain incidents that called for attention. One of them specifically was when I was getting calls from all over the world. And that was during the 2010 Dakar rally, when Annie on the 8th stage had her bike fall into a tomb, without falling down herself and without injuring herself. That´s what I call a strike of luck ... read Annies story here.

Photo Courtesy: Annie Seel

This year with Annie Seel not participating has been calm as a hurricanes eye when it comes to phone calls, emails and texted messages from journalists. So I figure I better chase them down in stead, and the closest I get to the action is paying a visit to the Swedish Eurosport this evening to see what´s cookin´.

Dakar 2012 - Withdrawals so far!

2012-01-03T13:11:00.003+01:00

The start of the third stage in the 2012 Dakar rally is about to commence, but already the number of withdrawals* are up to 5,4% as a total. Both bike and care categories are down 12 units from the start. Trucks and quads keep it cool, just losing one unit each. Though to the smaller quad category this means a 3,3% withdrawal rate.

* Due to the withdrawal/abandon page not being updated, the numbers presented are in comparison to the starting list of today.

Thank you Jolanda Sjöblom for your help!

Dakar 2012 - Jonah Street is out!

2012-01-03T01:08:00.002+01:00

Great American motorcycle rider Jonah Street took his leave from the 2012 Dakar rally earlier today. A mechanical problem was said being the reason which made his adventure come to an end to soon. Sweeper truck pulled his bike, and he is said to be unharmed. When passing waypoint 1 he was in the provisional standings 18th.

Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 6 (including this year)

2011 12th overall position in the race, and a stage win (stage 9)
2010 Best Dakar year to Jonah, 7th overall
2009 Withdraws from the rally on the 8th stage after a wrist injury kept him from continuing.
2007 Is running in fourth when an engine failure forces him to abandon the race.
2006 Debutante in the Dakar and finishes 17th overall.

A clip from the podium in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Dakar 2012 - Scandinavia, how are we holding up?

2012-01-02T22:39:00.002+01:00

The Scandinavian flag

So, to begin with it´s nice to see all of the Scandinavian riders still in the game. Norwegian Pål Anders seems to be riding accordingly to his strategy, reminding of last year´s start. And for sure we´ll see him bring it up to speed. And talking about speed, Danish Jes Munk is moving his way up in standings. Well done!

Captain Thomas must have had some major problems today, and so far this guy is not a happy champ, at all. The start of yesterday and a 40th position wasn´t pleasing in any way for someone who´s in the race to make the top ten. But there is a new day tomorrow! Ronnie Bodinger is moving ahead, just the way we want it. Stay out of trouble and reach the finish in great shape!

Provisional standings stage 2: Santa Rosa de la Pampa - San Rafael
Special Stage 295km
Connection: 487km
Total: 782km

OVERALL
1 (1) Marc Coma (ESP) 03.40.12
8 (6) Pål Anders Ullevålseter (NOR) +00.10.38
48 (86) Jes Munk (DEN) +00.41.45
95 (29) Thomas Berglund +01.54.04
108 (107) Ronnie Bodinger +02.18.42

Dakar 2012 - Female riders of the race

2012-01-02T14:41:00.000+01:00

Ladies of the Dakar rally

Nothing much ladylike when it comes to the most grueling off road rally, at least not until the finishing party...

But as always the women competing in the rally do really bring yet another dimension to the audience. One might think there are few competitors in the motorcycle category and a walk in the park to Spanish Laia Sanz to win again, but not. As always remember: the Dakar is the Dakar. And it hardly even got started. In any case, best wishes of luck to the female contestants of the rally!

Motorcycles
# 45 Laia Sanz (Eulalia Sanz Pla-Gilbert)
Winner of the 2011 Dakar Ladies Trophy and eleven time trial champion Laia Sanz from Spain is back to do her thing - to finish this daring rally and bring home yet another trophy.
Nationality: Spanish
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 1 (2011)
Number of completions: 1 (2011)
Finishing rate: 100%
Riding: CRF 450 X Honda

# 78 Rosa Romero Font
Yes, she is back! Started in the Dakar 2006 on a Yamaha, but withdrew on the fifth stage. Is the mother of three.
Nationality: Spanish
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 1
Number of completions: 0
Finishing rate: 0%
Riding: KTM 450
Note: married to Dakar rider Nani Roma for fifteen years. Guess how they met? During a rally ofcourse.

Quads
# 259 Camelia Liparoti
Journalist and photographer Camelia Liparoti starts her fourth Dakar. Finishing last year with a tenth position.
Nationality: Italian (but living in France)
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 3 (2009, 2010, 2011)
Number of completions: 2 (2010, 2011)
Finishing rate: 66%
Driving: YFM 700 R Yamaha

Cars
Driver
# 320 Isabelle Patissier
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 10 (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011)
Number of completions: 5 (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011)
Finishing rate: 50%
Nationality: French
Driving: Buggy Dessoude
Note: Two timer world champion in climbing. Co-driver: Thierry Delli-Zotti

# 411 Stefanie Manns
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 0
Number of completions: 0
Finishing rate: 0%
Nationality: German
Driving: Pro Dakar Enduro McRae
Note: Has a backround on circuits and is said to be fast, started in the Silk way rally, but was out on the first stage. Co-driver: Pieter Van Kruijsdijk

Co-driver car category
# 337 Eugenie Decré
Nationality: Swiss
Co-driver of Gert Huzink
Car: Racing Lancer MP10

# 358 Christina Favre
Nationality: French
Co-driver of: Frederic Favre
Car: Landcruiser 105 HZJ Toyota

#461 Adriana Andreani
Nationality: Argentinean
Co-driver of: José Antonio Blangino
Car: Buggy Polaris

Co-driver truck category
#522 Fina Roman
Nationality: Spanish
Co-driver of Jordan Juvanteny
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 10
Note: started her career out in the Schlesser team in the assistance vehicle and married to racer Jose Maria Servia.
Truck: TGA 26480 MAN

#564 Eleonora Dal Pra
Nationality: Italian
Co-driver of: Giulio Verzeletti
Truck: Unimog 400 Mercedes

Who are them gals missing out?
Them lovely ladies that throughout the years have been hauling some ass in the dunes and also made that extra dimension to the rally will be very much missed. But certainly not forgotten, just to mention a few:

Annie Seel (SWE) - Rally princess who has an impressive and inspiring track record when it comes to rally raiding or riding - 20 starts and 20 finishes.
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 5 (2002, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011)
Number of completions: 5
Finishing rate: 100%
Note: Won the Dakar Ladies Trophy in 2010. And will be seen in the dunes next year in four wheels.

Mirjam Pol (NLD) - a great enduro rider that has spent a fare share of her time on the bike.
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 5 (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011)
Number of completions: 4
Finishing rate:
Note: Won the Dakar Ladies Trophy in 2009.

Tamsin Jones (GBR) - a natural born fighter, she just wouldn´t cave in, though she hardly slept anything debuting in the rally 2010.
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 1 (2010)
Number of completions: 1
Finishing rate: 100%
Note: Should immediately sign up for a new start in the Team Desert Rose.

Tina Meier (DEU)
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 3 (2009, 2010, 2011)
Number of completions: 1 (2010)
Finishing rate: 33%
Note: Tina was forced out of the rally last year after passing the Andés, coming back to Argentina, due to illness.

Silvia Gianetti (ITA)
Beautiful Silvia. Looked as if she was about to start earlier in this year. But not.
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 2 (2010, 2011)
Number of completions: 2 (2010, 2011)
Finishing rate: 100%

Jenny Morgan (UK)
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 1 (2011)
Number of completions: 0
Finishing rate: 0%
Note: Jenny Morgan was unfortunate last year and broke her leg on the fourth stage in Argentina. And on her site she says she is aiming for the 2013 Dakar instead.

Ludivine Puy (FRA)
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 3 (2005, 2006, 2007)
Number of completions: 2 (2005, 2007)
Finishing rate: 66%

Maria Sandell (SWE)
Number of starts in the Dakar rally: 2 (2001, 2002)
Number of completions: 1 (2002)
Finishing rate: 50%
Note: First Swedish female to finish the Dakar rally on motorcycle.

Dakar 2012 Swedish Team Pewano update!

2012-01-02T10:43:00.002+01:00

Pewano out of the 2012 Dakar

This is the moment the Swedish Team Pewano takes it leave from the 2012 Dakar rally. And who knows if this is all we got to see of the Pewano XC60 RR in the Dakar, ever.

Talked to Olle Ohlsson from Team Pewano, who said:

"It almost seems as if thers´s a curse. Pelle dying earlier this year, me getting the pneumonia and not being able to come across to this year´s edition of the rally. And now the car...It is a very sad situation for all of us"

Pelle Wallentheim, initiator of the project, passed away earlier this year due to illness. This was his dream and his vision. Lets hope the team, which has suffered a number of set backs will be back again.

Related:
Pewano - new brand to hit the rally raid market

Dakar 2012 - a sad, sad start of the rally...

2012-01-01T19:56:00.000+01:00

The worst possible start of the rally is a fact. A motorcycle rider is dead. He took a fall and died. Hard to grasp and understand.

A tragedy to his family and beloved ones, and a sad situation to everyone associated with the Dakar rally. Starting the second stage tomorrow will not be with the regular spirit of the Dakar.

My sincerest sympathies to the family and friends of Jorge Boero.

Dakar 2012 Swedish Team Pewano out of the race!

2012-01-01T19:18:00.001+01:00

Alfie Cox in the bivouac during the 2011 Dakar rally

Before it even started they are out!

The Swedish Team Pewano with South African Alfie Cox and co-pilot Jurgen Schröder are out of the race according to the official Pewano site where they refer to the Dakar rally statement:

"The former South African motorcycle rider, participating at the wheel of a Volvo
XC60-based Pewano, has been the victim of a fire which has destroyed his vehicle.
Both the driver and his German teammate Jürgen Schröder emerged unscathed."

More to come on the matter!

The Pewano while racing stage 1

Photo Courtesy: PS Laser/ DPPI/ ASO

Dakar 2012 - motorcycle entrants back to 178!

2012-01-01T12:35:00.000+01:00

Update!
And then the order was brought back! All competitors included yet again in the starting list on the dakar.com! Why they were missing on the official site earlier on today is not clear.

Total numbers starting in the motorcycle catergory: 178

Starting list of competitors in the motorcycle category 20120101:

1	COMA (ESP)	KTM
2	DESPRES (FRA)	KTM
3	RODRIGUES (PRT)	YAMAHA
4	LOPEZ (CHL)	APRILIA
5	PEDRERO GARCIA (ESP)	KTM
6	ULLEVALSETER (NOR)	KTM
7	GONCALVES (PRT)	HUQSVARNA
8	FARIA (PRT)	KTM
9	CODY (USA)	HONDA
10	VILADOMS (ESP)	KTM
11	PRZYGONSKI (POL)	KTM
12	PELLICER (ESP)	HUSQVARNA
14	CASTEU (FRA)	YAMAHA
15	VERHOEVEN (NLD)	SHERCO
16	PAIN (FRA)	YAMAHA
17	CZACHOR (POL)	KTM
18	KNUIMAN (NLD)	KTM
19	STREET (USA)	YAMAHA
20	FARRES GUELL (ESP)	KTM
21	AUBERT (FRA)	KTM
22	DUCLOS (FRA)	APRILIA
23	BARREDA BORT (ESP)	HUSQVARNA
24	STANOVNIK (SVN)	KTM
25	GOUET (CHL)	HONDA
26	RODRIGUES FILHO (BRA)	HUSQVARNA
27	PIZZOLITO (ARG)	HONDA
28	ZANOL (BRA)	KTM
29	BERGLUND (SWE)	HUSABERG
30	GUASCH (ESP)	GAS - GAS
31	JAKES (SVK)	BMW
32	SVITKO (SVK)	KTM
33	BETHYS (FRA)	YAMAHA
34	BOTTURI (ITA)	KTM
35	CECI (ITA)	KTM
36	SUNDERLAND (GBR)	HONDA
37	KLAUMANN (BRA)	HUSQVARNA
38	BESNIER (FRA)	APRILIA
39	GYENES (ROU)	KTM
40	SERRADORI (FRA)	KTM
41	PROHENS (CHL)	HONDA
42	PROHENS (CHL)	HONDA
43	PISANO (FRA)	KTM
44	DA COSTA (FRA)	YAMAHA
45	SANZ PLA-GILIBERT (ESP)	GAS - GAS
46	BIANCHI PRATA (PRT)	HUSQUARNA
47	ZANOTTI (ITA)	TM
48	LIEFHEBBER (NLD)	KTM
49	DABROWSKI (POL)	KTM
50	SALVATIERRA (BOL)	HONDA
51	ARREDONDO (GTM)	KTM
53	RODRIGUEZ (CHL)	HONDA
55	MERKIT (TUR)	KTM
56	MENARD (FRA)	YAMAHA
57	WILLEMSEN (NLD)	HONDA
58	PUERTAS HERRERA (ESP)	YAMAHA
59	CIOTTI (ITA)	RIEJU
60	WATT (GBR)	KTM
61	MATTOS (BRA)	KTM
62	SCHWARZ (AUS)	HUSABERG
63	SAGHMEISTER (SRB)	KTM
64	SCHRÖDER (DEU)	KTM
65	LAZARD (URY)	YAMAHA
66	LORMAND (FRA)	YAMAHA
67	BALOOSHI (ARE)	KTM
68	BARROT (FRA)	YAMAHA
69	PAYEN (FRA)	YAMAHA
70	JAMETT (CHL)	HUSQUARNA
71	BUTUZA (ROU)	KTM
72	GOUNON (FRA)	KTM
73	BONY (FRA)	KTM
74	KOFMAN (NLD)	KTM
75	BUSIN (ARG)	YAMAHA
76	PEDERZOLI (ITA)	YAMAHA
77	PICCO (ITA)	YAMAHA
78	ROMERO FONT (ESP)	KTM
79	BOULANGER (FRA)	APRILIA
80	PASCUAL (ARG)	JINCHENG
81	SUESSE (USA)	KTM
82	GUINDANI (FRA)	YAMAHA
84	CARILLON (FRA)	KTM
85	PENATE MUNOZ (ESP)	KTM
86	MUNK (DNK)	KTM
87	MEILLAT (FRA)	KAWASAKI
89	NASCIMENTO (BRA)	HONDA
90	DIGUIET (FRA)	KTM
91	TONETTI (ITA)	HONDA
92	HAMARD (FRA)	KTM
93	GOMEZ (ESP)	BMW
94	WEI (CHN)	JINCHENG
95	MAZET (FRA)	KTM
96	CID DE LA PAZ (ARG)	BETA
97	LAGRIVE (FRA)	YAMAHA
98	BLONDEAU (FRA)	YAMAHA
99	CHERPIN (FRA)	KTM
100	VESELY (CZE)	YAMAHA
101	SULEM (FRA)	KTM
102	ALAN (ARG)	YAMAHA
104	DE BENEDICTIS NETO (BRA)	KTM
105	BARRON (PER)	KTM
106	EMBRO (USA)	KTM
107	BODINGER (SWE)	HUSABERG
108	STEVENSON (ZAF)	KTM
109	BUDWEG (BRA)	KTM
110	BIRCH (NZL)	KTM
111	ESPINASSE (FRA)	SHERCO
112	GUYOMARC’H (FRA)	YAMAHA
113	FAGGOTTER (AUS)	HUSABERG
114	FESANI (ITA)	RIEJU
115	BASSI (ARG)	YAMAHA
116	GEOFFROY (FRA)	HONDA
117	GHITTI (ITA)	KTM
119	DOLLEVOET (NLD)	HONDA
120	ILLANES (CHL)	HUSQVARNA
121	DAVIDSON (AUS)	KTM
122	PALANTE (BEL)	KTM
124	TARLINGTON (AUS)	KTM
125	ASTORI (ITA)	KTM
126	MUTELET (FRA)	YAMAHA
127	KARATHANASSIS (GRC)	YAMAHA
128	ANO (FRA)	YAMAHA
129	DEPOORTER (BEL)	KTM
130	DETANG (FRA)	SHERCO
131	THEURIOT (FRA)	YAMAHA
132	FRIGERIO (ITA)	BETA
133	SCHNEIDER (FRA)	SHERCO
134	SERRA RIPOLL (ESP)	HONDA
135	SCOTT-WILLIAMS (ZAF)	KTM
136	IGARIS (LTU)	YAMAHA
137	COUE (FRA)	YAMAHA
138	LECOQ (FRA)	YAMAHA
139	GARD (FRA)	YAMAHA
140	REINIKE (CHL)	KTM
142	CAREVIC (CHL)	YAMAHA
143	PAILLÉ (FRA)	YAMAHA
144	CURTIS (ZAF)	KTM
145	NUTTALL (AUS)	KTM
147	STANFIELD (USA)	KTM
148	GOMEZ (ARG)	YAMAHA
149	CIPKA (SVK)	BMW
150	BELAUSTEGUI (ARG)	KTM
151	BEALUSTEGUI (ARG)	YAMAHA
152	TER BEEK (NLD)	HONDA
153	BEKTAS (TUR)	KTM
154	GAJDOSECH (ARG)	YAMAHA
155	GALLO (ITA)	YAMAHA
156	BARBERY (ARG)	BETA
157	CERDERA (ARG)	KAWASAKI
158	VELLUTINO (PER)	KTM
159	CHITTICK (AUS)	HONDA
160	HAMEL (FRA)	YAMAHA
161	ORLANDO (FRA)	YAMAHA
162	FLAMBERT (FRA)	YAMAHA
163	CHAPSAL (FRA)	KTM
164	DEMELCHORI (ARG)	KAWASAKI
165	MULDER (NLD)	HONDA
166	PANIGALLI (ITA)	YAMAHA
167	DEZEIRAUD (FRA)	KTM
168	GUIRAL (ARG)	HONDA
169	HEINRICH DEL VALLE (PER)	KTM
170	KREIDL (AUT)	KTM
171	LORENZETTI (ARG)	KTM
172	LUCCHESE (ITA)	HUSABERG
173	MALO (ECU)	KTM
174	MARTÍNEZ (ESP)	KAWASAKI
175	BOERO JORGE (ARG)	BETA
176	RAAF (ZAF)	KTM
177	VAN GEEL (NLD)	HONDA
178	VAN WOERKUM (NLD)	HONDA
179	PETRONE (ARG)	BETA
180	PICKERING (GBR)	KTM
181	RIOS (PER)	KTM
182	ZATKO (SVK)	BMW
183	RODRIGUEZ (ARG)	HONDA
184	SAKIR (TUR)	KTM
185	SANCHEZ (ARG)	KAWASAKI
186	VAN GERVEN (NLD)	HONDA
187	YOUNGER (GBR)	KTM
188	CONGER (USA)	HUSQUARNA

Dakar 2012 - it´s begun!

2012-01-01T11:19:00.002+01:00

Finally the game is on, first bikes has been let go from Mar del Plata, Argentina. Though the first day will be more of a liason for the contestants, before the real deal will start and take it´s course... Best of luck!

The dates: 1st - 15th of January

The route:

Today´s stage:
Mar del Plata - Santa Rosa de la Pampa
Described as much of a transport with minor dunes, and the perfect warm up for the contestants before the heat gets going!

Distance:
763km liason
57km special