The Dakar 2021 maintained, special arrangement to arrive in Saudi Arabia

Clearly, the preparation for the Dakar 2021 (January 3-15) is experiencing many ups and downs. The first wave of coronavirus had prevented Amaury Sport Organization from carrying out the first reconnaissance in the summer of 2020, then a series of terrorist attacks targeting French symbols (embassy, ​​November 11 ceremony) in Jeddah added a layer of tension .

But on the night of Sunday December 20 to Monday December 21, covid-19 and its new, more contagious form knocked again on the door of the rally-raid, through the complete closure of Saudi borders (maritime and land) as well as international flights to the Arab country.

Saudi Arabia's decision applies to the week of December 21-28 but "may be extended for an additional week." Concern has thus grown among competitors, the vast majority of whom live in Europe or South America, the vehicles having already arrived by sea.

Fortunately, Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) published a letter addressed to athletes on Monday December 21 and it is intended to be reassuring. “Given the health protocol put in place to supervise the arrival of the Rally, the Ministry of Sports of Saudi Arabia, with which the Dakar organization works in close collaboration, wishes to do everything possible to welcome all participants in the best possible conditions. terms. Additional chartered flights will therefore be put in place for all those who have booked tickets to Jeddah on regular airlines. »

Everyone should be able to reach Saudi Arabia, before observing a mandatory quarantine period. A minimum of two negative PCR tests will be requested by the organizer before entering the bivouac.