The 2012 Dakar Rally is still about 8 months away, but riders in this year’s rally just got a look at the new route. The 2012 Dakar Rally will start in Mar del Plata in Argentina, and travel more than 3000 miles to end the race in Lima, Peru.
One big change to this year’s route is that it will not be a loop. For the last few years the Dakar Rally has started and ended at the same spot. In 2012, the Dakar will start in Argentina and end in Peru.
Here are some of the highlights of the 2012 Dakar
- The Dakar will touch two oceans. It will start on the coast of the Atlantic, and end on the coast of the Pacific.
- The route enters three countries along its journey. (Argentina, Chile, and Peru.)
- Nearly the entire race will follow alongside the Andes Mountains.
- There will be 14 days of racing this year, and 1 rest day.
Here’s a map of the new Dakar Rally route.
There will also be new bike limitations for the 2012 Dakar. Every rider that lines up on January 1st will be on a 450cc machine.
