Senegal


There is something magical about the passage through Senegal. Everything combines to make this so. The euphoria of the competitors' arrival never fails to generate enthusiasm among a public that embodies the notion of Teranga, this sense of hospitality particular to the Senegalese people. But Senegal is also a lesson in humility and patience. If the Lac Rose is the ideal spot to end a two-week adventure as tiring as it is unforgettable, the final stretches of the race are not always the easiest. A driving error or a mechanical problem can result in the rally being lost in the very final stages of the race.


STAGE 14: KAYES > TAMBACOUNDA

Friday 14th January 2005
Liaison: 93 km - Special: 529 km - Liaison: 8 km
Total: 630 km

It is from Sadiola, in Mali, that this stage will start, moving directly south along the Senegalese border. The laterite track gradually narrows leading to a savannah landscape near Satadougou. Here the rally will cross the Falémé River, which in the memories of old hands remains a historical spot as it heralds the arrival of the rally in Senegal and the finish. The track that leads to Tambacounda alternates between bush landscape, the crossing of villages and quick splashes in little rivers in Soninké country.



STAGE 15: TAMBACOUNDA > DAKAR

Saturday 15th January 2005
Liaison: 108 km - Special: 225 km - Liaison: 236 km
Total: 569 km

Competitors will be back on a tarmac road for a liaison of approximately 100 km to the start of the Special. This is a route for specialists of expert driving for all those who have the energy left. We leave the tropical forest for the savannah, the landscape lightens along with the kilometres but landmarks are so difficult to find. After the Special, there is a final 200 km stretch of route through Senegal, to be savoured slowly, for your personal safety and enjoyment! No bivouac at night. The Assistance Parc is situated within the perimeter of the hotel Méridien.



STAGE 16: DAKAR > DAKAR

Sunday 16th January 2005
Liaison: 37 km - Special: 31 km
Total: 68 km

Apart from a handful of competitors capable of moving one or two places further up in the “overall” ranking and so interested in gaining a few seconds, the outcome is already decided for everyone else. This year, the finish will renew with tradition. There will be a line-up start for the Special on the beach: in lines of twenty for bikers, in twos for cars and trucks. So be careful on the final route which runs through the dunes, followed by the traditional tour of the Lac Rose in front of the thousands of people who have congregated here to applaud their heroes! After the ceremony on the podium and the prize giving, everyone returns in procession to the hotel Méridien.
A party for all participant will be organized at the Club Med.