Dakar WORLD TOUR, the 2018 edition of the legendary rally raid presented

Dakar WORLD TOUR – In Milan, absent Marc Coma (Sporting Director of the Dakar), Edo Mossi (Responsible for the Dakar Rally in Italy) presented the 2018 edition of the renowned rally raid, now in its 40th edition. it is the most important rally raid in the world, capable of moving 600 people, 60 vehicles, 10 helicopters, 50 trucks, 2.800 people for bivouacs, with 80 thousand meals served. A formula based on the route for some years now in South America, through Peru (in 2018 we return after 5 years of absence), Bolivia and Argentina. In the race cars, trucks, quads, SSVs (4-wheeled "side by side" vehicles), but the motorbike has always been the type of vehicle that best represents the true spirit of the competition.

Temperatures even close to 50 degrees, stages that can lead to 4.000 meters of altitude, covering hundreds of kilometers in impossible terrain. Even just reaching the end of the race represents a success for many. Let's remember that, while the big names fight for the victory in front, in the back we find motorcyclists (obviously private) who at the end of the day repair and maintain their motorbike themselves, after having been in the saddle all day. “Malles motos” is the separate ranking for these out-of-time motorcyclists and ours Manuel Lucchese he came third in this ranking in 2017. The last edition attracted 501 registered competitors, of 60 nationalities.

The news of the next edition will be linked to a navigation that wants to return to the origins, when it was perhaps more important than even performance. SSVs will be able to refuel like motorbikes, this is to encourage this type of vehicle which combines 4 wheels with elements of a motorcycle, with an even greater appeal than that of quads. A short presentation then left space for the pilots, who told some anecdotes of their experience. It was the Bergamo native who started it Simone Agazzi, who came first among Italians in the 2017 edition.

The word then passed to the crew who, for the first time after 5 editions, brought the Pandakar at the finish. Iacopo Cerruti is the young promise who, riding a Husqvarna, aims to try the 2018 race again. Alessandro Botturi he is the second official Italian rider present at the motorcycle competition, on a Yamaha, as well as the most experienced. After a not too positive experience in 2017, he wants to redeem himself in the next edition.

Italian participation saw 2017 motorbikes, 11 cars, 5 trucks and 2 assistances registered in the 18 Dakar, with 11 total arrivals. Officers and private pilots, with different budgets, but a passion that unites them all. 1.200 hours of television broadcasts, over 1.500 accredited journalists, an interest around the Dakar that grows to tell this incredible spirit. Last year, 15 journalists and photographers were present for Italy. However, the Dakar is also charity, with projects to offset the carbon dioxide produced by the vehicles in the race and others to build houses for the homeless, as well as a code of ethics that all participants must respect.

It is no longer the Paris Dakar of the first edition, with a unique classification and 180 vehicles involved, but that spirit and values ​​are still the same. Participating and reaching the end makes these pilots heroes, today as then.
The presentation concludes with a preview of the 2018 route.

From Lima through Peru and Bolivia you will arrive in Argentina, where the arrival is expected in Cordoba. Sand returns as the protagonist, especially in the first week in Peru. Two stages with arrival and departure in the same place will make life easier for assistance, while in La Paz a day of rest will lead into the second week, immediately after climbing to an altitude of 4.000 meters.

Part of the Bolivian dunes were sacrificed due to rain in 2017, the hope is to see them in the next edition.
The desire was to return to the spirit of the African Dakar, with lots of sand, stages that also include routes on the beaches and a very tough route. The appointment is from 6 to 20 January 2018 for 14 stages incredible, including some marathons. Registration will be open from 15 May to 15 July, remembering that motorcyclists must demonstrate that they are adequately prepared to be admitted. Good luck to everyone, even to the new main sponsor Motul. BF Goodrich is offering a free registration to the winner of one of their competitions.