Dakar Rally cancelled over security fears

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

LISBON (AFP) — The 2008 Dakar Rally has been cancelled over security concerns, in particular direct "terrorist" threats to the race, organisers announced on Friday.

The gruelling car and motorcycle race had been due to start in Lisbon on Saturday but the murder of four French tourists in Mauritania on December 24 led to the French government advising against any travel to the country.

Eight of the rally's stages were due to pass through the northern African country en route south for Dakar and the scheduled finish on January 20.

"Following several consultations with the French government - in particular the ministry of foreign affairs - and taking into account its firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008...