It is almost Dakar time again, and Southern Africa will be well represented when the 2020 event blasts off for two weeks of racing through brand new territory across the Saudi Arabian Desert for the first time starting 5 January.
Johannesburg, South Africa (16 December 2019) – No less than ten competitors will cross the Limpopo en route to the Jeddah start, including two car drivers, a side-by-side racer and seven bikers.
Covering over 7800km, of which more than 5000km are racing miles, Dakar 2020 kicks off with 319km of racing over dunes and stones between Jeddah and Al Wajh Sunday 5 January. Then its off to Neom on Day 2 and a romp around the dunes there on day 3 — the second half of the bike marathon stage, before 453km to Al Ula, 353km to Ha’il and 478km to the rest day at Riyadh.
Week 2 starts with the longest 546km run to Wadi Al-Dawasir Sunday 12 January, before a 474km loop on Monday and a 415km race to Haradh. That is followed by the 913km no service car Marathon stage comprising 534km of the finest dunes to Shubaytah and 375km back to Haradh, before the final 374km sting in the tail to the 17 January finish at the new Qiddiya complex near Riyadh.
Topping the list, former car winner Giniel de Villiers races with Spain’s Alex Bravo in Hilux 304 this year in one of four SA-run Gazoo Toyotas out to defend their Dakar title. 2018 rookie winner Hennie de Klerk meanwhile teams up with Johann Smalberger in car 354, his all-new SA-built TreasuryOne Red-Lined Nismo Nissan Navara.
Stellenbosch driver de Villiers won his Dakar when the event first visited South America ten years ago, while his Toyota team won the last SudAm race in 2018 — a good omen, perhaps?
“We are getting closer to the old African Dakars again,” Giniel pointed out. “We will be completely isolated — it’s been ten years since we last did that and the navigation will be interesting too. “Our objective is still victory — we must win!”
Hennie de Klerk took a memorable rookie win on his first Dakar attempt two years back, and he and navigator Johann Smalberger cannot wait to do it all again in Saudi Arabia.
“We’re racing in a new country with new challenges for the first time this year,” Hennie explained. Most people will never see some of the places we will go to — if it was easy, everyone would do it, so we really hope it’s difficult — we want a top 20 finish.”
Another Southern African driver worth keeping an eye on is former SA rally champion and 2017 Dakar car rookie winner, Zimbabwean Conrad Rautenbach driving a Zephyr in the side-by-side class alongside Portuguese navigator Pedro Bianchi Prata.
“The secret to the Dakar is to pace yourself,” Conrad confirmed. “In one second, you can hit a rock, and it’s all over, so the key is lasting the two weeks. “I believe we will be competitive, but I’m not one for second or third place…”
Also of South African interest on four wheels, Dubai-based British Sabertooth Racing pair Thomas Bell and Patrick McMurren will race a similar SA-developed Red-Lined Navara to the de Klerk machine, and there’s also a most interesting dark horse in Frenchmen Mathieu Serradori and Belgian Fabian Lurquin’s SA-built Century Racing buggy.
No less than seven Southern African motorcyclists are entered, with Botswana’s multiple SA cross country champion and 2018 Dakar two-wheel rookie winner Ross Branch leading the charge aboard KTM number 18 this year.
“The challenge is to read the roadbook and ride fast at the same time, and I’ve trained hard for that,” Ross, who ended 13th on his Dakar debut last year, explains. “Saudi is new and exciting terrain — it looks amazing and should be difficult, which plays in my favour.”
Lesser-known Dubai-based SA rally-raid star and 2018 Indian Desert Storm and 2019 Dubai Baja winner, Aaron Mare has been drafted into the factory squad to ride Honda number 26.
“I’m excited and honoured to be part of the factory team,” Aaron confirmed. “This is a dream come true — I’ve worked hard to get here, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”
Of great interest, two South African rookies are set to become the first African ladies ever to race the Dakar on motorcycles. Hard enduro expert Kirsten Landman will ride KTM number 117.
“I’ve had to adapt to my heavier Dakar bike,” Kirsten says. “I will be riding fast, and one small mistake can change everything, so the stars must align.
“Becoming the first African woman to finish on a bike would be fantastic!”
Taye Perry will make her Dakar debut on KTM number 120.
“My goal is to finish my first Dakar, but I’m a competitor, and I must prove myself,’ Taye admitted. “I love long distances and plan to enjoy every second — being the first African woman to finish would be special, but I’m not focusing on that.”
Two SA iron men return chasing a Dakar finish this year, and both will compete in the Malle Moto class, which means that they must service their own machines out of a trommel carried between service bivouacs on the back of a truck and Stuart Gregory is back to do it all again.
“The Malle Moto class is the ultimate Dakar challenge — that is the hardest way,” Stuart admitted. “It was bad luck to retire last year, and I have practised and prepared hard — now I must just get to the finish.”
Former Springbok 110m hurdles record-holder Wessel Bosman (KTM Number 123) also tackles the Dakar Malle Moto class again this year.
“I have been to the Dakar three times, and still I have no finisher’s T-shirt,” Wessel admits. “I am an adventurer trying to better my skills and fitness, but if I finish the Dakar, I will close this chapter.”
Last but not least, Zimbabwean Graeme Sharp makes his Dakar debut aboard KTM 142.
“Being the first Zimbabwean to race the Dakar on a bike is a humbling experience,” Graeme owned up. “It is bigger than just me — riding for my country and doing something positive for Zimbabwe gives me strength.”
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