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closeASO hoping to take Dakar Rally back to Africa when security is not an issue
The Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2008
MADRID, Spain – The Dakar Rally still hopes to return to Africa.
Amaury Sports Organization owner Patrice Clerc said Wednesday the race would return there when security is not an issue.
“We’re totally dependent on the geopolitical situation. I don’t know if the situation will be permissible for us to return by 2011 or 2012,” Clerc said.
The 2008 edition of the cross-continental race was canceled 24 hours before the start in February due to security concerns. On Dec. 24, Al-Qaida-linked militants killed a family of French tourists in Mauritania, where eight of the 15 stages were to be staged.
The 2009 edition will be run from Jan. 3-18 in Argentina and Chile, the first time in the race’s 30-year history it will not run its traditional route.
