THE LAST MOTORSPORT FRONTIER THE DAKAR RALLY

“It’s absolutely f***ing wild… you train all year for it… you need to totally dedicate yourself to it; and that’s if you just want to finish.

- John Close

During the Dakar, you get up in the middle of the night, ride out for several hours in the freezing cold and dark - on and off public roads - and that only gets you to the start of the stage. Then you go hell for leather against the clock; across sand, mud, rocks, and desert with only the roadbook (map) and compass as company. 

“Then at the end of the timed stage - that’s the part of the stage you are scored on - you’ve still got somewhere between two- and four-hours worth of riding to do before you get back to your team. During stage eight this year, I clocked just over 12 hours in the saddle. It was absolutely insane. You’ve got to keep this pace up for two weeks, with only one single day in the middle of the fortnight to grab some rest. It’s more than just a race. The Dakar is a way of life.” 

Not our words, but those spoken by a five-time veteran of the legendary endurance event. Hero Motorsport factory rider, Ross Branch. The 36-year-old’s sentiment on the realities of competing in the world’s premier off-road race resonates throughout the entire paddock - or Bivouac - as it’s known in ‘Dakar speak’.

Case in point, the Bivouac itself spans some 50 acres, and acts as the base for over 3,000 competitors and staff; including 1,400 race vehicles, 15 helicopters, and 100 support trucks fielded by the Dakar’s organizing body; the Amaury Sport Organisation. In the center of the Bivouac, sits a giant marquee - which more closely resembles an aircraft hangar - serving upwards of 8,000 meals a day. 

Every aspect of the Dakar Rally is a brilliantly organized and choreographed chaos focused on motorsport and adventure, totally unique in every imaginable sense.

From Paris to Saudi