A new diagonal line has been drawn over the map of the South American continent, with angles and detours that give the route for the Dakar 2016 a unique aspect.
To get the measure of this trek from Peru through Bolivia to Argentina, traditional maps need to be put aside to integrate a third dimension: the relief of the Andes Mountains that will punctuate the stages that the riders, drivers and crews will have to tackle next January. Initially, a re-acquaintance with Peru will provide the experts in driving on sand with the opportunity to take advantage of their skills on the dunes. After having completed this long corridor of sand set between the ocean and the mountains, the Dakar will explore Bolivia, which will welcome the rally for the third time, in a completely new manner. Following the limited incursions in the previous two editions, the rally will cross the country and its high plains, with the discovery of Lake Titicaca on the menu. The change in setting will be accompanied by a gain in altitude that will test the competitors’ capacity to adapt physically and technically. Lastly, the extreme endurance phase will take place in Argentina, a faithful host to the Dakar since its arrival on the continent. The journey progressively southwards to Rosario will especially lead the rally through territories with varying characteristics: meeting the challenge will not only require robustness, but also concentration and wisdom.
Dakar Series: A return to the Desafio Inca
Four months before the start in Lima of the 38th edition of the Dakar, for the third time, Peru will host the Desafio Inca in the Ica Desert through which some of the Peruvian stages of the rally-raid will pass. With three days of racing on the programme, this intermediate event is a unique opportunity in first-rate competitive conditions for the riders and drivers who will tackle the Dakar to test their machines’ technical capacities as well as their own skills.
Dakar Series 2015 schedule:
Desafio Ruta 40 (Argentina)
17 al 23 de mayo
17th to 23rd May www.desafioruta40.com.ar
Desafio Guarani (Paraguay)
20 al 26 de julio
20th to 26th July www.desafioguarani.com
Desafio Inca (Peru)
10 al 13 de septiembre
10th to 13th September www.desafioinca.com
More information on www.dakar.com
