On 5th of January 2008 morning Dakar Rally were planned to start from Portugese capital Lisabon.

Yestarday all fans of Dakar Rally edition reached bad news. Dakar Rally edition 2008 cancelled, because of security related reasons, informed Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) which is Dakar organisers. Maybe you heard that on 24th of December of 2007 in Mauritania there were killed 4 tourists from France. Through Mauritania were planned also Dakara Rally edition 2008. Mauritania is Islamic Republic in N-W Africa that means that there are terror threat.

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Offical infromation from organisators:

"Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.

A.S.O.’s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.

A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world’s biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.

The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports."

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Ok. All participants, fans take a brake for one year and then again I hope we can keep track of Dakar Rally edition 2009.

In creation of this entry used information from dakar.com