(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-01-05 16:53

LISBON: The 2008 Dakar Rally has been cancelled over security concerns, in particular direct "terrorist" threats to the race, organizers announced on Friday.

The gruelling car and motorcycle race had been due to start in Lisbon on Saturday but the murder of four French tourists in Mauritania on December 24 led to the French government advising against any travel to the country.

Nine of the rally's stages were due to pass through Mauritania en route for Dakar and the scheduled finish on January 20.

2007 Rally Dakar winner, French driver Stephane Peterhansel and French co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret steer their Mitsubishi past camels, cows and sheep during the 10th stage of the Dakar rally near Nema, Mauritania, in this Jan. 16, 2007 file picture. [Agencies]

"Following several consultations with the French government - in particular the ministry of foreign affairs - and taking into account its firm recommendations, the organizers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally scheduled for January 5-20 between Lisbon and the Senegalese capital," the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) said in a statement.

The ASO said there had been "direct threats against the race issued by terrorist groups."

"ASO's prime responsibility is to ensure the security of everyone involved, the statement said adding that organizers would never take any risks with safety matters.

"The terrorist menace has wiped out a year's hard work carried out with conviction and passion by the participants and all those involved," it said.

It was the first time in its turbulent 30-year history that the controversial race has failed to go ahead and will cast doubts over future editions.

Scores of competitors in cars, motorbikes and lorries had already arrived in Lisbon for the customary technical checks ahead of Saturday's spectacular start.

But following the killing of the four French tourists in Mauritania on December 24, the French government advised all its nationals, including the Dakar participants, that the country was unsafe for travel.

The rally was due to pass through Mauritanian territory for nine days from January 11-19 before finishing in Dakar on January 20.

   1 2   

   1 2