| English |
| 03/2010 |
The Dakar Rally is the world’s known off-road race for motorcycles, cars, quads and trucks. It is also recognized as the most dangerous race world-wide. It is organized by the Amaury Sport Organization, which conducts sporting events such as Tour de France and Paris-Nice professional cycle road races. Usually more than 550 teams from 50 countries participate in The Dakar. It is open to amateurs and professionals.
For the first time the race took place in 1979 outside Europe - from Paris to Dakar (Senegal). Due to many problems regarding political issues and war in some of the countries, the route changes its course almost every year. In 2007, The Dakar Rally moved to South America. This year Dakar took place in January in Argentina and Chile, and had over 5500 miles (9000 km). In that rally competed 161 bikers, 28 quad riders, 140 car teams and 52 truck teams.
The route is always very tough and dangerous, that is why the vehicles must be properly prepared and modified. Special stretches include off-road, dunes, mud and rocks. The distances covered around 900 kilometers per day.
Navigation skills are always very important, in order to win the race,and this year (2010) competitors battled the desert sands as well as high altitudes and mountains.
It is always very impressive for many million people watching that race on TV, but because of its hard circumstances many competitors get in trouble there with health and even die as a result of injuries after a crash or heart attack. Off road is surely one of the extreme sports.
- Off road - (poza drogą) – na przełaj
- The Dakar Rally - Rajd Dakar
- Race - wyścig
- Quads, trucks - quady, ciężarówki
- Due to - z powodu
- Course - bieg
- Compete - rywalizować
- Tough - ciężki, trudny
- Mud - błoto
- Altitude - wysokość