The Catalan capital has become the epicenter of excitement and adrenaline with the arrival of nearly 800 vehicles participating in the 46th edition of the Dakar Rally.
Barcelona has assumed the role of logistics base, being the point from where the vehicles will embark to Saudi Arabia, where the competition will take place from January 5 to 19 next year.
Under the initiative ‘Barcelona viu el Dakar’ (Barcelona lives the Dakar), the city enthusiastically welcomed the rally participants in the Fòrum area. Motorcycles, cars and trucks have filled the space from last Thursday until today, Saturday, undergoing the necessary technical verifications to guarantee their participation in this demanding competition.
Access to the Forum, especially today, Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, has been open to the public, giving citizens the opportunity to be close to the vehicles and be part of this outstanding sporting event worldwide.
The Dakar Rally arrives at Port Vell
This return of the Dakar to Barcelona becomes the starting point of a competition that will challenge the competitors in the challenging terrain of the Saudi desert.
Despite the inclement weather, a hundred people gathered at the Port Vell to bid farewell to the Spanish pilots and take the opportunity to take pictures with the vehicles.
One of the most emotional moments was the ovation received by two-time Dakar winner Nani Roma, who will compete in his 27th Dakar with Ford.
Roma, who overcame bladder cancer last year, said that this Dakar is “the most special” for him. His return to the dunes after overcoming illness adds a significant emotional component to this edition.
The Dakar organizers have announced that this will be the most challenging edition of the Dakar held in Saudi Arabia so far. Among the novelties is a 48-hour marathon stage that will close the first week of competition.
A tribute
The event also paid tribute to Isidre Esteve and Albert Llovera, two competitors who defy the odds by participating in wheelchairs. “The sport helps a lot, although I have gone through a complicated situation, Isidre and Albert have lived through tougher situations than mine, but here we are.
Although three of the most anticipated riders, Carlos Sainz, Laia Sanz and Cristina Gutiérrez, apologized for their absence through a video due to their participation in an event in Chile, the presence of 119 Spanish riders in the competition reflects the fervor and passion for the Dakar in Spain.
With France as the most represented nationality (163 pilots), Spain remains a strong contender in this prestigious competition.
