Dakar 2020

[Chris NewbyFraser]

The race is confirmed for Saudi for a 5 year contract with an option to renew. The route starts in Jeddah and goes through deep inland areas probably never seen by Western outsiders. Should be fascinating. The finish is in Al Qiddya -  a specialist entertainment complex being built outside of the land locked capital city of Riyadh.

[Shebeen]

Sorry but this is not called for as these regulations stem from religous beliefs.

I've worked in saudi.

 

It most definitely is backward in some respects, but bizarrely so. I could go to the mall as a single man, as I'm a westerner. A local can not go to the mall by himself, security will stop him at the door. This was explained to me that travelling alone like that is seen as "cruising for chicks". 

drawkcab

 

This was about 10 years ago before women were allowed to drive, which is of course a recent thing. I doubt that has gone smoothly. It most definitely has the terrain for the race, I went on a few trips to the desert, the locals LOVE driving up and down sanddunes like hooligans. 

 

Now obviously this will offend some people, due to their religion. I'm actually quite equal there, because I think ALL religions are backward and from the dark ages, so I'm not singling the saudis/muslims out here specifically. 

 

I also don't think we should be skirting this issue. If you want to talk about Dakar2020 in Saudi Arabia, then the archaic customs and the issues it is going to present are going to be quite a talking point. it will come up eventually. I'm happy for someone to report this, and admin make the call that no religious discussion on this thread, take it elsewhere. I can live with that, even though i feel it's also backward.

 

 

I see the same issue with Qatar 2022 worldcup, which of course remains the biggest and most expensive joke in worldsport.

[Pieter1]

I see the same issue with Qatar 2022 worldcup, which of course remains the biggest and most expensive joke in world sport.

 

How so?

[JScottP]

I see the same issue with Qatar 2022 worldcup, which of course remains the biggest and most expensive joke in world sport.

 

How so?

https://thearabweekly.com/2022-world-cup-disaster-qatar-whether-it-hosts-it-or-not

 

Multiple deaths of workers, corruption, moving the tournament to a different time of year etc. etc. 

[Shebeen]

I see the same issue with Qatar 2022 worldcup, which of course remains the biggest and most expensive joke in world sport.

 

How so?

They awarded the second largest sporting event to a country that had never even qualified for it, is smaller than swaziland, with a population less than namibia, and a ranking out the top100*.

 

*They've since bought a whole bunch of dudes from around the world, changed their names and got a bit better. Kind of like when ryk and roland were going to be qatari for $$$$

The whole Qatar2020 is a big farce, Sepp Blatter's final joke.

[Shebeen]

https://thearabweekly.com/2022-world-cup-disaster-qatar-whether-it-hosts-it-or-not

 

Multiple deaths of workers, corruption, moving the tournament to a different time of year etc. etc. 

exactly. and i don't think we should be giving anything to a country with such an abysmal human rights record and the honour of being the highest polluter per capita. The funny thing is since this was awarded even the other gulf states have stopped playing with this bully.

 

but I know we're well off topic now.

[Pieter1]

exactly. and i don't think we should be giving anything to a country with such an abysmal human rights record and the honour of being the highest polluter per capita. The funny thing is since this was awarded even the other gulf states have stopped playing with this bully.

 

but I know we're well off topic now.

Ja sorry for the derailing the thread I was just curious. Thanks for the info.

[SwissVan]

Right said Fred....

It’s started

Is Alonso still in it?

[River Rat]

Right said Fred....

It’s started

Is Alonso still in it?

Alonso had some bad luck yesterday currently lying 4th on today's stage. We have two ladies in the bikes Kirsten Landman and Tyla Perry both lying in the 80s on their first Dakar.

[kosmonooit]

Alonso had some bad luck yesterday currently lying 4th on today's stage. We have two ladies in the bikes Kirsten Landman and Tyla Perry both lying in the 80s on their first Dakar.

That's what Iike about this sport - its basically you and the vehicle out there, you have to sort it out.  Big change from the F1 scene.

 

 

Privateers even more so - I enjoyed Lyndon Poskitt vlogs (last year?) although it seems he has gone the full Monty now with a pro team

 

 

Edit: typos

Edited January 7, 2020 by kosmonooit

[shaper]

There is also a Zimbo doing his first on a bike Graeme Sharp  https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2019/01/27/graeme-sharps-dakar-rally-dream/

[kosmonooit]

There is also a Zimbo doing his first on a bike Graeme Sharp  https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2019/01/27/graeme-sharps-dakar-rally-dream/

What about the Kalahari Ferrari? Ross Branch, took stage 2

 

Real desert scenes, what are the temps like?

Edited January 7, 2020 by kosmonooit

[SwissVan]

I think the crazy saffa now swiss explorer mike horn might be doing it... saw a M Horn with a swiss flag ???????? on a car in the Dakar preview on Saturday.

 

Have recorded the stages so far without watching yet

[TNOSE_E]

What about the Kalahari Ferrari? Ross Branch, took stage 2

 

Real desert scenes, what are the temps like?

After a big crash today sees Ross 1h27 back on today's stage nursing a damaged shoulder... pitty!

[Kranswurm]

I think the crazy saffa now swiss explorer mike horn might be doing it... saw a M Horn with a swiss flag on a car in the Dakar preview on Saturday.

 

Have recorded the stages so far without watching yet

He only just arrived back to his family on the 2nd and I would say he is pretty stuffed so doubt its him.I could be wrong but doubt it.I follow him very closely and this last adventure was his toughest

 

Edited January 7, 2020 by Kranswurm

[Kranswurm]

After a big crash today sees Ross 1h27 back on today's stage nursing a damaged shoulder... pitty!

Go Botswana!!