Dakar could move to Chile

After 30 yerars in Africa the Dakar may be moved to South America from next year.

The Chilean government has backed a proposal to host the Dakar after the cancellation of this year’s event due to terrorist threats.

The ASO, the Dakar’s organiser, has apparently been considering a move after this year’s event was cancelled at the last minute.

Oscar Santelices, head of the Chilean Tourism service, said that a formal letter will be sent to the ASO expressing their interest to host the annual event.

The reaction was sparked after a Spanish sports newspaper reported that South America was being considered as an alternative.

Chile’s Deputy Sports Minister, Jamie Pizarro, said, “The idea appears on the line with our official policy of hosting important international sporting events.”

If the Dakar does move to South America it’ll probably be routed through the Atacma desert and as Chile has just hosted the international Six Day Enduro Race the infrastructure is already in place.