Lisbon, January 2nd 2008
SINGING THE SONG OF THE DAKAR TO THE TUNE OF LISBON
A few centuries ago, the Tagus estuary was already an invitation to travel and discover. In front of the Hyeronimites Monastery, a huge monument pays tribute to the navigators who were the pride and joy of the country, like Vasco de Gama or Ferdinand Magellan. It’s in this environment conducive to adventure that the Dakar has established its first HQ for the last three years, as a prelude to a long journey across the desert. The Dakar will once again take its competitors on a journey to the capital city of Senegal. For its 30th edition, 248 bikes and quads, 204 cars and 98 trucks have been summoned to Lisbon where the start of the race will take place with stage one on Saturday January 5th. Before facing the clock, the pilots and their machines have to abide by the usual formalities during the three days of technical scrutineering and administrative checks. Safety instrument monitoring, handing in of the paperwork, weighing of the vehicles, sticking of the race numbers, booth after booth, the competitors collect stamps in their scrutineering booklet, THE essential document that will allow them to park their rides in the parc fermé before they can enjoy Lisbon till Saturday.
