Barcelone, Host Town for the Start

Barcelona, a passion for the Dakar
For the first time, Barcelona and the region of Catalonia will be together on the Dakar. This is no coincidence. Everyone still has in mind the stages linking the Dakar with Barcelona in 1987 and 1989, when a large public lined the roads to salute the rally caravan. At the time, almost one million people showed their interest by coming to support all the participants on their way to Africa.
Catalan riders and drivers have several successes under their belt, the most noteworthy being the victory of Nani Roma in the 2004 Telefonica Dakar, a fact which doubtless spurred Barcelona on to stage the Start of the 2005 Telefonica Dakar. Now, it's done. It is exceptional and rare when an individual exploit allows the winner to drive his country to the forefront of the stage and enables it to organise the event on its home pitch for the following edition.

Barcelona and Catalonia, partners for the Starting Stage

Barcelona and Catalonia have played an important role in European history. Modelled by the Mediterranean over which they look, they are renowned for the quality of the welcome that their inhabitants extend. Catalan culture and society are well-known for their sense of hospitality. Barcelona has a magnificent quality of life, is cherished by those who live there and receives an increasing number of visitors every year.
After organising what were subsequently to be considered the best Olympic Games in history, Barcelona was the focal point for several sporting and social events of international repute. The city has said farewell to the largest world meeting of Cultures and Diversity, the 2004 Forum. Barcelona and Catalonia are intensely linked to the Dakar. The passing through of the 1987 rally doubtless represented the foremost popular sporting movement before the Olympic Games. No other sporting event had brought together so many people out onto the city streets, where almost one million turned out to cheer on the Dakar heroes.
For the first time, Barcelona will be Set-off City for the most emblematic and mythical of rally-raids. The city of Barcelona is delighted to welcome all players and partners to the now mythical Dakar.

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