This years Dakar Rally has been cancelled due to a direct security threat from terrorist organisations.
Earlier today the rally's organisers (Amaury Sport Organisation) announced that there had been "direct threats against the race issued by terrorist groups". This follows the killing for four French tourists in Mauritania on the 24th December.
The Rally has run uninterrupted since 1979 and includes trucks and cars as well as the hundreds of motorbikes. Although individual stages have been cancelled in the past this is the first time the whole event has been pulled.
The ASO said, "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 edition of the rally".
You can listen to the latest news direct from the Dakar camp by tuning into Rally RADio
Video :Dakar cancelled
Meanwhile, enjoy this video from last year
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