Highlights

Dakar organizers promise improved safety

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-05-10 14:26

Dakar Rally organisers have promised improved safety measures to protect drivers and spectators next year.

The move comes after this year's race was marred by the death of Australian rider Andy Caldecott and two African boys who were hit by rally vehicles.

Unveiling the 2007 edition, which will start for the second year in a row from the Portuguese capital Lisbon but with a later date of January 6, organisers said preventing risks was a major concern.

"New measures will be taken to improve the security of competitors and people all along the course," they said in a statement.

"Indeed, the existing measures will be reinforced and adapted to the specific characteristics of each stage."

In 2005 two bike riders, including Italy's former winner Fabrizio Meoni, died in crashes, and motorcycles had tougher speed limits imposed for 2006.

The rally ends in the Senegalese capital on January 21 going through Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and Senegal after crossing the Mediterranean.