Getting Ready for Dakar 2010

Team Rally Australia playing Twitter 'ridoo'

2009-07-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

2010 Dakar Documentary Preview: Freedom Racer (Showing Dec 09)

2009-07-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Freedom Racer

More than the deep uncertainties about participating in the famous Dakar Rally, Christophe provides and challenges anyone with a dream to make it come true.

This documentary -- that will make you think twice about your own life -- is curently being filmed and will be released in Dec 09. You will see great action footage from Christophe's training methods (not for the faint hearted), video diaries, plenty of 2-wheel actions, and a lot more we can't reveal just yet!

Stay abreast of all updates by joining us on Facebook at www.Team Rally Australia.com

For products placement or sponsorship partnering please contact us at www.FreedomRacer.com

Christophe Barriere-Varju on 2SER Radio

2009-07-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

To listen to Christophe's latest radio interview

http://www.2ser.com/podcasts/monday-breakfast-1/Being_Christopher_Barriere-Varju__29_June_2009_.mp3/

To follow Christophe progress, please join the Team Rally Australia community.

2010 Dakar: New Schedule For Bikes Regulation

2009-07-08T15:33:00.000-07:00

Issy-les-Moulineaux, 8th of July 2009.

Further to the numerous discussions that have taken place with the different actors of the motorcycles’ competition (amateurs competitors, professional competitors, preparators, manufacturers and International Motorcycle Federation) and facing the real interest shown by all the interlocutors, the goal of a maximum cubic capacity of 450 cc is maintained.

Nevertheless, so that the competitors can have more time, a new schedule has been set up.

For the Dakar 2010, the ASO Elite pilots must ride with a restrictor reducing the power of their bike, if its cubic capacity is over 450 cc. Or they may use a bike of a cubic capacity under or equal to 450 cc.
The other pilots are free to choose their bike with no restriction.

For the Dakar 2011, the ASO Elite pilots must imperatively ride a bike of a cubic capacity under or equal to 450 cc.
The other pilots must ride a bike of a cubic capacity under or equal to 450 cc, or a restrictor, if the cubic capacity is over 450 cc.

At last, for the Dakar 2012, all the pilots will ride 450 cc’s.

The restrictor is currently being developed and it will be delivered to the Elite pilots from mid July. This restrictor has been designed in order to have a similar weight / power ratio between the different cubic capacities.

The list of ASO Elite pilots who have to compete on 450 cc or more than 450 cc with a restrictor :

BERGLUND THOMAS
BETHYS THIERRY
CAMPBELL JOHNNY
CASTEU DAVID
CHILDRESS MIKE
CODY QUINN
COMA MARC
CZACHOR JACEK
DABROWSKI MAREK
DE AZEVEDO JEAN
DESPRES CYRIL
DUCLOS ALAIN
FARIA RUBEN
FARRES GUELL GERA
FRETIGNE DAVID
GONCALVEZ PAULO
GRAZIANI MATTEO
HENGEVELD STEVE
KENDALL NORMAN
KNUIMAN HENK
LOPEZ FRANCISCO
MACEK MARTIN
MARCHINI MICHEL
PAIN OLIVIER
PLANET FABIEN
ROBBY BELL
RODRIGUES FILHO JOSE HELIO
RODRIGUES HELDER
STANOVNIK MIRAN
STREET JONAH
ULLEVALSETER PAL ANDERS
VERHOEVEN FRANS
VILADOMS JORDI
VINTERS EINARS
VINTERS JANIS

ASO has the right to change that list according to the results on FIM competitions

____________________
Team Rally Australia

Sertoes 2009

2009-07-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Photos from Natal, finish town of the 2009 Sertoes Rally in Brasil

Tough Enough?

2009-06-24T03:07:00.000-07:00

Monday Breakfast with Alexis Roitman. Monday June 29, 6:00am - 9:00am

Monday Brekkie hangs tough this week. OUT: poets and the chi cycle.
IN: busting bellies and motorcycle racing across the Sahara. First up, 10 year old Imogen joins Alexis for a chat on schoolyard hassles and generally being a kid. Then at 7:30am it's all about voodoo, what it's like to be a competitor in the Dakar Rally and finding life's '7th gear' in Being...Christophe Barriere-Varju.

www.2ser.com

Listen to Christophe's previous radio interview

Will the Africa Race replace the Dakar Rally in 2010? The rising mutiny against the ASO says yes.

2009-06-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Article from CycleNews.com

A recent announcement from Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO), promoters of the Dakar Rally, stated that they will enforce a limit of 450cc for single-cylinder motorcycles effective in 2010. Following the announcement, KTM declared complete withdrawal from the race, slated to take place in South America in January of 2010. KTM Austria’s race team manager and rally coordinator Alex Doringer talked more about KTM’s decision to withdrawal from the Dakar Rally – a decision they felt was the only realistic option given the circumstances by Dakar Rally promoters – and what the manufacturer with such a heavy investment in rally racing plans to do next.

“I think it’s easy to explain after the decision [ASO] made to reduce the capacity on the engines down to 450,” Doringer said. “We don’t agree with the decision. The points they gave us as to why they made the decision; we don’t confirm them. They’re talking about safety, they’re talking about money for private riders and this isn’t true that it’s safe or cheaper.”

Realizing that it’s late notice for many, ASO has proposed an allowance for larger displacements in the 2010 Dakar Rally, such as KTM’s 690cc single-cylinder bike, provided they run a restrictor plate which limits top speed. KTM also feels that this option is unreasonable.

“For rally racing, a restrictor is not good because six months before, we don’t have the possibility to test so we don’t know how it will affect the tires, the engine, nothing,” Doringer said. “To race with a restrictor in a rally where you need power, it’s a stupid thing.”

KTM feels that the decision was particularly discourteous to them, considering the manufacturer’s total support of the ASO’s decision to cancel the Dakar in 2008.

“We supported them,” Doringer said. “We told our riders they are not allowed to go to Africa. [For ASO] to work out the things with us in this way is not fair and not friendly. I think that’s the logical answer KTM gave to them and as well to our customers. We told them and also to our customers that we are not going [to South America] with the race team and not with the support team at all.”

So what does this mean for the most famous rally race in the world? Along with a number of other die-hards, KTM is still hell bent on keeping the tradition alive and going rally racing in Africa. Enter the “Race of Africa.”

Dakar Rally originator Jean Louis Schlesser and former ASO race director Hubert Auriol worked with Rene Metge and Jose Maria Servia in creating the Race of Africa which took place – much to the ASO’s chagrin – at the same time and in the same place last year as the Dakar Rally traditionally runs. With one successful year under their belt, Auriol and Schlesser are now in talks with KTM about bringing the factory teams back to Africa in 2010.

The official website (www.AfricaRace.com) has a video featuring Sporting Director, Rene Metge. The video opens with the Frenchman stating, “I am fed up with all this! I can’t wait to be in Africa...” and he goes on to name three reasons why.

“The first and most important reason: Africa is irreplaceable. And I know what I am talking about, having traveled and worked in all corners of the world. But Africa is such a different continent. The second reason is the price. It is much, much cheaper. The third, we are not far from Europe. And the total time between leaving and returning is about three weeks.”

In more information on the race website, Metge promises an original course starting in Barcelona and ending in Dakar, Senegal which will take place from December 27, 2009 to January 10, 2010. Of the second annual Race of Africa, Metge said, “It will not be easy, but those who decide to trust us will not regret it.”

KTM is admittedly a little more than enticed by the opportunity to return to traditional rally racing in Africa.

“We put one and one together and we agree with them that it’s a good idea to go back to Africa,” Doringer said. “Not saying that South America was a bad experience... I think it was a good experience and a great success, but at the moment, it’s a good idea to work out something with [the Race of Africa], and possibility that KTM is coming and that maybe we bring customers with us, as we will also bring the service team. It’s not confirmed and we’re still working on a plan, but it looks pretty good and I think it could be a good adventure and I know most of the customers will for sure follow us.”

While KTM is in meetings with the Race of Africa promoters, they are also in meetings with the ASO to try to reach a middle ground. But Doringer did not seem optimistic about the talks thus far with the Dakar promoters.

“I went on Tuesday to Geneva for a meeting with the FIM and of course, this was a big point of discussion,” Doringer said. “There was someone from ASO as well. The idea behind this that they will open it for different manufacturers and for different smaller teams, but to be honest, I know, and I think everybody knows, that there will not be more companies coming to race Dakar because it’s not a cheap race. Nobody has an enduro bike which is ready for rally and they don’t have a rally bike which they can put a restrictor so I don’t think the big companies will come. Maybe smaller teams will come, small teams with their own sponsors. And this is the idea that they have.

“They also think this will change the competition; they think it’s more open for other riders. They think they can maybe be faster with a smaller bike, or with our top guys on a reduced capacity engine, but I don’t believe that. Marc [Coma] and Cyril [Despres] are the biggest talents on rally bikes and even if they go with the 450 – which we will not do – they’ll still be the guys to fight against.”

Details and entries for the Race of Africa are currently available on the official website, www.AfricaRace.com.

The Origin of the Dakar Rally

2009-06-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

Contrary to public belief, cross-country rallies did not begin with the Paris-Dakar organised in 1978 by the charismatic Thierry Sabine. No, the first ever rally raid began in 1976, from a visionary today forgotten: Jean Claude Bertrand.

Born from the legendary Bandama rally where in one year no paticipants were able to cross the finish line, the rally, Cote d'Ivoire-Cote d'Azur or, Abidjan-Nice, or also named "Cote-Cote" begins on 25 December 1976. The race is 8,600 kms long and 38 motorbikes start the adventure that must last until the 11th of January. The first special, Abidjan-Niamey is 1,725 kms long and must be completed in a maximum time of 31 hours. But this is not the longest stage. Tamanrasset to Fez is 2,700 kms long. All of which without practically any assistance.

Navigation is done with a manual compass!

The dreams for Jean-Claude Bertrand was to create a 10,000 to 15,000 kms race where most of it was through compass navigation, this was The Adventure.

Thierry Sabine participated in one of these races, got lost, and began to understand and appreciate Africa. In 1978 the Paris-Dakar was created.

Dakar Rally - KTM Withdraws

2009-06-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

04.06.2009
“Rally Dakar” – KTM withdraws!
The limiting of motorcycles with a displacement of 450 cc forces the long term dominator of the Dakar Rally to withdraw.

Following the announcement at a press conference on June 4, 2009 of the French “ASO” - the organisers of the “South American Dakar“ that from 2010, only motorcycles with a maximum displacement of 450 cc will be permitted to compete, KTM, after eight consecutive victories, has decided to immediately accept the consequences and announces its withdrawal from the “Dakar”.

The company will no longer be represented at the rally in South America either with an official factory team or a KTM-supported team. At the same time, KTM underlines that the company remains committed to rally sport and will now concentrate its efforts on the world championship and other important rallies.

The organiser’s short term change to the rules, designed to end the dominance of KTM, and which comes without any advance warning, hits the KTM factory hard. Today, just six months before the start – and at a time when not only the factory team but also dozens of private teams are deep in preparations for this extremely complex rally, the immediate withdrawal of the worldwide market leader of offroad sports motorcycle is the only possible consequence.

“Every sport regulation needs changes and adjustments to new developments to retain an interest in it, but this also require the appropriate lead times. We have the entire material for the 690 Rally motorcycles for our factory team as well as that for 50 customers’ motorcycles in our storage facility ready to be constructed in June. Riders’ contracts have been finalised and all the team members have been engaged. The financial consequences that results from this decision are enormous. Quite apart from this, we are shocked by the organiser’s lack of loyalty, above all because of the huge efforts we made following the cancellation of the Dakar in 2008 by contributing to the new edition - even during a period of extreme economic crisis,” said KTM Motor Sport Advisor and “Rally Legend” Heinz Kinigadner in a first statement.

Following the decision for the deployment of 450cc motorcycles, which are unthinkably unsuitable for use in long distance rallies, KTM can no longer economically justify a commitment to be engaged in the Dakar in the future. KTM Motor Sport Director Winfried Kerschhaggl: “Rally sport serves to prove the efficiency and stability of our large volume series single cylinder. There is no question that we will remain active in rally sport! Having said that, for KTM, the rally in South America is now history. We will now fully concentrate on the Rally World Championship and we will seek out alternatives. Maybe we will soon again see full KTM Rally engagement on African soil – back to the roots!”

With its commitment to rally sports, KTM naturally takes the obligations to its long term worldwide customers seriously because it is they who have decided to put their trust in the products and in the unique service of the Austrian company for rally sport by choosing KTM motorcycles.
Heinz Kinigadner - KTM Motor Sport advisor

Winfried Kerschhaggl - KTM Motor Sport Director

ASO Limits Bikes to 450cc for 2010 Dakar

2009-06-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

This year, the organisers of the Dakar have decided to balance the sporting aspect by changing the technical regulations in the car and bike classes. Some petrol vehicles will benefit from an aid that will allow them to reduce the gap that grew with the diesel technologies that have been dominating the debates. On two wheels, the decision to build for the 2011 horizon a field only for bikes of maximum 450cc will allow to level all bikers. This measure will partly be effective for 2010.

Bikes: on equal terms

For several years, more and more of the top bikers have won specials or finished in the leading ten overall positions using under 450cc bikes. At the same time, the smaller capacity machines have been more and more present, representing 40% of the registered riders at the start of the 2009 Dakar. Financially more accessible and more reliable than the older bikes of the previous generations and now more adapted to the demands of off-road rallies, the 450cc still have a deficit in performance that prevent them from reaching even higher ambitions. This difference will be totally erased for the 2011 Dakar during which only bikes with engines under 450cc will be accepted.

A bridle in 2010 for the amateurs over 450cc

In order to reach this objective of levelness between competitors that will open the number of potential victory contenders, a transition measure has been taken for the 2010 Dakar. Aware of the important number of competitors already having bikes of over 450cc, the organisers have decided to accept them for this edition with the obligation to set up a bridle reducing the power of the engine. This bridle, conceived to limit the performance to the level of the 450cc, will be provided by the rally organisation.

The champions on 450cc in 2010

This modification aiming to support the amateur riders that want to line up at the start of the rally will not be applicable to a certain number of professionals and semi-professionals for which a list will be established later. The possible winners will therefore be forced to use as soon as 2010 a bike of under 450cc. On equal terms, they will battle it out using the qualities that define champions in the discipline: physical endurance, piloting, navigation.

Autos: A helping hand for the "petrols"

The vehicles propelled by a turbo diesel engine have taken an advantage over their rivals, and have notably built an important gap on most of the amateur crews that take on the rally. In order to reduce this margin and allow the most competitive of the lot to be part of the battle in front, the crews that have an atmospheric petrol engine (over 2 air valve/cylinder) will be authorised to increase the size of the air arrival bridle, from 32mm to 34mm.

The regulation for the turbo diesel engines remains unchanged. The professional teams registered or supported by a constructor will be submitted to the current T1 regulation (art 6P3).

The tracks discovered in Argentina and Chile during the 2009 edition represent for the teams of the rally an invitation to continue the exploration. On a sports point of view, the potential of these territories offers exalting perspectives: by exploring new areas, the 2010 Dakar will offer and intense and renewed challenge. The experience of the first edition in South America having shown some restraints in terms of terrain, several changes have been planned in order to ensure security and equity between the competitors.

More sand

The dune crossings and off-piste navigation are part of the essential elements of rally raid. It is in these key domains that are evaluated the technical capacities of the competitors: in the sand, the performance is also a story of finesse and strategy. During the 2009 edition, the drivers and riders were already able to test themselves on different types of sand. They will have even more dune crossings in 2010.

On equal terms

The two countries that welcome the Dakar present complementary characteristics with enough variety to authorise different types of piloting to be expressed. The course planned for the 2010 race was designed with the will to spread equally the stages and difficulties between Argentina and Chile. The mileage, both in special and liaison, will be more or less the same from one side to the other of the Andes.

An adapted format

The selection of bikers

Like each year, the registration files will be very carefully examined. Several new measures will be introduced in the selection for the 2010 edition. Indeed, the riders will for example have to have taken part in a rally of the FIM World championship or to a Dakar Series event of the last three years.

Doubled courses

It sometimes occurs that the race configuration makes it difficult to mix different classes of vehicles. Each time the reconnaissance team judges that it is possible and necessary, different courses will be planned in order to limit risks. These devices will also allow taking bikers in more technical portions where they will be able to show their specific aptitudes.

A race for each

Again with the goal to fluidify the progression of the race vehicles, the starting times will be widened between the different types of vehicles. Thus, the first car will take off long after the last bike and the trucks will systemically take off after the last car.

CBV

Team Rally Australia

Dakar in Australia

2009-05-14T23:38:00.000-07:00

“Dakar in Australia”

New South Wales – May 15th 2009.

Campaigning for his 4th participation in the 2010 Dakar, Team Rally Australia and Christophe Barriere-Varju went on the road and traveled more than 1,200kms aboard the incredibly smooth Hyundai iLoad van from NSW to Imbil, Queensland.

The small town of Imbil was hosting the 4th Round of the 2009 FIA Red Devil Energy Drink Rally Queensland on the Sunshine Coast (8-10 May, 2009), round of the Australian Rally Championship. Although a pure rally car round, competitors and spectators gathered around Team Rally Australia stand to talk “Dakar”, take photos, and autographs.

“My goal is to promote the toughest, gruelest, and biggest motorsport event in the world to as many people as possible, even if it means I have to drive more than 3,000kms over a week-end to do so” Christophe jokes. The Dakar Rally captures audiences of more than 300 million viewers worldwide across 187 countries. In Australia, Christophe provides behind the scene views to SBS viewers as well as being a regular host on Fox Sports Television.

“In search of sponsors and partners for my own participation in the 10,000km Dakar Rally, I decided to take this on back in 2005. It is great to see how far people have embraced this event since then. What amazes me is that there is not really an audience group for this event, everyone from young kids to retired people, males and females seem to wait for January and turn on SBS to watch this over two weeks. The feedback we received with SBS says it all” Christophe says.

Alpha Magazine (Mad About Sport!) was also on hand to promote their magazine and joined forces with Team Rally Australia at the Rally Queensland. Promoting their magazine through a fancy caravan trailer with large plasma screens playing Dakar videos, Alpha magazine and Hyundai were keen to replicate the set up for future events from now until the end of the year with another event in Melbourne at the end of May.

Companies and promoters are encouraged to contact us and take advantage of cross-promotional activities and additional exposure. If you are not familiar with the 10,000kms Dakar Rally, follow this link for a short video.

Team Rally Australia is seeking partners to join the “Dakar in Australia” road promotion until December 2009 and become part of this amazing event… to the edge of human limits!

Contact:
Team Rally Australia
Mob. 0403 444 101

KTM 660 Dakar Rallye for Sale

2009-03-17T04:33:00.000-07:00

KTM 660 Dakar Rallye for Sale
Engine used on day 4-8 of the 2009 Dakar (3,350 kms only)
Engine was rebuilt prior to event using special piston (+rings, new valves...)
Fully prep Fork (springs, valves) and rear Shock (valves modification) by Tecnik
Will include brand new set of fairing
Bike is Dakar prepared and Ready to race
Available after 12 May due to expo
Contact: Christophe 0403 444 101
Serious inquiries only please
Price: $25,300

Chile and Argentina again in 2010

2009-02-24T23:36:00.000-08:00

Chile and Argentina again in 2010
25 Feb 2009, 8:00 AM

Chile and Argentina will once again co-host the 2010 Dakar Rally after the success of the 2009 edition of the race, Francisco Vidal, Chilean government spokesman, announced in Santiago.

Your thoughts?

"The Dakar Rally will be held again in Chile and Argentina," he said.

"It's a good thing for the country because the race serves as a showcase for millions of people around the world.

"The decision will be made official in press conferences held by the organisers, in Buenos Aires on Monday [March 2] and in Santiago on Tuesday [March 3]."

Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), organisers of the race, confirmed the announcement via a statement.

"After the success and excitement generated by Dakar 2009, which took place for the first time in Argentina and Chile, ASO and the two countries decided to keep the 2010 race in South America for its 32nd edition," the statement read.

The official announcement should include proposed dates and routes, with Vidal adding that Chile will get more than the five stages it had this year. Nine stages were held in Argentina.

After 29 years in Africa, Dakar 2009, which took place from January 3-17, was the first time the race took place in South America.

Dakar Photos for Sale

2009-02-15T03:38:00.001-08:00

Without any doubt the best photographs on the Rally Circuit, Andre Chaco and his team capture not just photos, but moments. I recommend you visit his website and purchase photos of your favourite rider or team.

http://www.webventure.com.br/dakarphotos

2009 Dakar

2009-01-28T20:43:00.001-08:00

The 2009 Dakar Rally is now over... and it is time to think about the 2010 edition. Please visit Team Rally Australia for all the news, photos and videos from Argentina and Chile. CBV

2009 Dakar on SBS with Christophe Barriere-Varju

2008-12-13T23:55:00.000-08:00

SBS has done it again! This time we are able to put on what we had planned to do last year, that is to give viewers with a behind the scene actions. Stay tuned on the SBS Website, you are going to see, read and hear things that will give you goose bumps.

Less than 19 days...

2008-12-13T23:41:00.000-08:00

Less than 19 days to go before the 9,500 kms "exploration." I am getting anxious for the race to get started, explore new horizons and new personal capabilities. I think I should be ok with my current VO2 racing at 3,000 to 4,000 metres, and I hope we keep the temperature down in Chile. Mr. Weather, if you hear me, turn the heater off. Below is a recent text from the official dakar website as well as the logo of my recently launched new team: Team Rally Australia

Christophe Barrière-Varju : «I reset my shoulder by myself»
Christophe Barrière-Varju didn’t take part in the 2005 Dakar, but did get an idea of what awaited him when visiting the evening bivouacs. “In preparing for my first Dakar (in 2006), I wanted to see how everything works. So I went to speak to other riders and watch them up close: how they sleep, how they drink, how they read the road book…” This clever form of preparation paid immediate dividends to this citizen of the world (born in Marseille, raised in Abidjan, Australian citizenship after ten years in the United States). After dropping out in 2006, the Franco-Australian fulfilled a dream, finishing in 64th place. Following this success, the former Ivory Coast and Arizona motocross champion drew a conclusion. “During the race, you have to be sure not to think about anything else; it is the only way to go forward”.
The South American edition of the Dakar has everything to please him. “It will remind everyone that the Dakar is the hardest rally of them all”, he predicts. Bu the challenge suits him to a tee. Christophe Barrière-Varju is an avid rough and ready customer when it comes to extreme situations, ready to sacrifice everything to attain his goal. “During the 2006 Dakar, I rode 200 kilometres with three broken ribs, after having reset my dislocated shoulder earlier. In that same year, on the Brazilian round of the world championship, I continued in the race for 96 hours without eating or drinking, after throwing up with food poisoning. I lost eight kilograms in four days but I finished!”

40 Something Days...

2008-11-15T02:36:00.000-08:00

In 40 something days it will be history in the making. The first time the Dakar caravan explore South America. There are only 40 something days left to get ready and 40 something days to stay away from injury and sickness. In 40 something days, one of the hardest Dakar in history will take place. For us the Dakar has already started. Many months of preparation, many hours of training, all for one goal. Explore our inner limits and get to the edge of human capabilities.

2008-11-08T13:40:00.000-08:00

DATE START FINISH CONNECTION SPECIAL CONNECTION TOTAL

03/01/09 Buenos Aires - Sta Rosa de la Pampa 196 km 371 km 166 km 733 km
04/01/09 Sta Rosa de la Pampa - Puerto Madryn 0 km 237 km 600 km 837 km
05/01/09 Puerto Madryn - Jacobacci 70 km 616 km 8 km 694 km
06/01/09 Jacobacci - Neuquen 4 km 459 km 25 km 488 km
07/01/09 Neuquen - San Rafaël 173 km 506 km 84 km 763 km
08/01/09 San Rafaël - Mendoza 76 km 395 km 154 km 625 km
09/01/09 Mendoza - Valparaiso 80 km 419 km 317 km 816 km
10/01/09 Rest day

11/01/09 Valparaiso - La Serena 245 km 294 km 113 km 652 km
12/01/09 La Serena - Copiapo 88 km 449 km 0 km 537 km
13/01/08 Copiapo - Copiapo 20 km 666 km 0 km 686 km
14/01/08 Copiapo - Fiambala 20 km 215 km 445 km 680 km
15/01/08 Fiambala - La Rioja 4 km 253 km 261 km 518 km
16/01/08 La Rioja - Cordoba 161 km 545 km 47 km 753 km
17/01/08 Cordoba - Buenos Aires 224 km 227 km 341 km 792 km
18/01/08 Buenos Aires - Buenos Aires 0 km 0 km 0 km 0 km
TOTAL 9,574 km

Stage 1 - Saturday, January 3 Buenos Aires > Santa Rosa
Connection: 196 km Special: 371 km Connection: 166 km Total: 733 km
Many have heard of La Pampa, where men are reputed to be “rough, but always courteous”. This first stage will provide the opportunity to discover the length of these vast plains. Dakar competitors have never faced such a long special. With over 400 km of rolling routes, perhaps the fastest on the program, this will constitute a real warm-up. It will be the occasion for everyone to affront a long day that will get rid of all problems in adapting to jet lag.

Stage 2 - Sunday, January 4 Santa Rosa > Puerto Madryn
Connection: 0 km Special: 237 km Connection: 600 km Total: 837 km
The longest stage of the rally will not necessarily be the most difficult. However, it should still be approached with vigilance and, above all, will a complete set of rally equipment. After a rapid first part of the special, a foretaste of sand will be proposed. On the off-roads of this stage, copilots will need to pay careful attention to their course. The more distracted will begin to “turn in circles”.

Stage 3 - Monday, January 5 Puerto Madryn > Jacobacci
Connection: 70 km Special: 616 km Connection: 8 km Total: 694 km
For the third day of the race, the special program is a tough one, ranging over 600 km. It will be a sign that the competitors have reached the heart of the matter, even though big problems are still to come. The entry into Patagonia, which will be accompanied by a significant change in terrain, will need new piloting abilities. The landscape is much hillier, and those who prefer long curves will find what they’re looking for. Here, orientation is done using the lakes that border the route, around ten throughout the day, and numerous pink flamingoes will be the preferred guides for this stage.

Stage 4 - Tuesday, January 6 Jacobacci > Neuquen
Connection: 4 km Special: 459 km Connection: 25 km Total: 488 km
At the start of this stage, the rocky passageways will make heavy demands on the arms of motorcyclists, while those who are accustomed to “wadis” will be obliged to negotiate the Argentinian “rios” with the same careful attention. Next, the first sandy portions and the long kilometers of off-road will thrill those who love driving them. Careful now! Mistakes can begin to be costly: the stage toward Neuquen has all the ingredients of a trap. By taking on more or less of a lead, the favorites can begin to show themselves and provide indications of a ranking that just might last.

Stage 5 - Wednesday, January 7 Neuquen > San Rafael
Connection: 173 km Special: 506 km Connection: 84 km Total: 763 km
The major test of the first week of the race will perhaps be fought on the road to San Rafael. The long distance will oblige teams to remain concentrated at all times. The pilots will also be confronted with real dune passageways, including a range nearly twenty kilometers long. Long off-road stretches will alternate with much more technical sections in the track following the “rios”. The Cordillera can be seen on the horizon, but taking time to sightsee is out of the question: a too-late arrival at the bivouac always leaves a mark.

Stage 6 - Thursday, January 8 San Rafael > Mendoza
Connection: 76 km Special: 395 km Connection: 154 km Total: 625 km
The day’s program is once again full of crossings, since the special begins with around sixty kilometers of dunes. The trail becomes easier in the second part, but competitors might well be slowed down by a wide ford that must be crossed with exceeding skill to avoid an extended bath. On arrival at Mendoza, the rally will penetrate the foothills of the Andes mountain range.

Stage 7 - Friday, January 9 Mendoza (ARG) > Valparaiso (CHL)
Connection: 80 km Special: 419 km Connection: 317 km Total: 816 km
The variety of terrains and landscapes, a constant given for the Dakar 2009, is evident once again on this stage, where, in addition to a change of country, most of the competitors will get to know the Cordillera of the Andes. Before measuring themselves with the mountains, they must cross over a series of dunes and endure a session of fesh fesh, which is identical to Saharan sand, but which the inhabitants of the region call “guadal”. Concerning the mountains, this will be the only special to include passageways at 3,000 meters on technical routes that will sometimes allow a glimpse of the Aconcagua, the highest point in the Andes (6,959 m). Then, competitors will cross the border on the link section to reach the sea at Valparaiso.

Stage 8 - Sunday, January 11 Valparaiso > La Serena
Connection: 245 km Special: 294 km Connection: 113 km Total: 652 km
After a day of rest on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, an easier restart has been programmed. On mid-range mountain roads, driving hotshots should be able to really strut their stuff. The experts in car positioning, trajectory and sudden braking will show how it’s done. But for the rally leaders, there is certainly more to be lost than won during this stage.

Stage 9 - Monday, January 12 La Serena > Copiapo
Connection: 88 km Special: 449 km Connection: 0 km Total: 537 km
We are at the first step of a decisive trilogy. The reputation of the Atacama Desert, known as the world’s driest, will be tested by the competitors. Those who hope to find dunes will be rewarded. But they will also be fed a generous helping of rocks. This stage is typical of the Dakar 2009, with numerous changes of terrain. The positioning of difficulties, with long stretches of dunes at the end, will require pilots to conserve their strength. They must show themselves to be both multi-talented and with a firm sense of how to manage their efforts.

Stage 10 - Tuesday, January 13 Copiapo > Copiapo
Connection: 20 km Special: 666 km Connection: 0 km Total: 686 km
The day’s special is simply the longest and most difficult of the rally. As on the previous day, the competitors will face a series of dunes at the end of the day that stretch over a hundred kilometers. And in this area, even the leading specialists will be faced with something new. The Chilean dunes are veritable mountains of sand, and pilots must learn to climb and descend their sides over more than one kilometer. Another unknown: due to the extreme heat of the region, no one knows exactly how the sand will behave. In any case, remaining clear-headed will be imperative all the way to the end.

Stage 11 - Wednesday, January 14 Copiapo > Fiambala
Connection: 20 km Special: 215 km Connection: 445 km Total: 680 km
On this most majestic stage of the rally, the talents of copilots will be at the strategic center. In the morning, vehicles will leave the Pacific Ocean behind and head toward the border. In the meantime, it will be necessary to constantly choose which valley to take. The return to Argentina will be through the enchanting surroundings of the Paso San Francisco, at an altitude of nearly 4,700 meters. To close this long “day of colors”, the link will lead competitors to a sandy landscape that resembles Mauritania. And if fate lends a hand, the rally could even experience a “Bolivian winter” there, a rare phenomenon that sometimes provokes snowfalls in the middle of summer!

Stage 12 - Thursday, January 15 Fiambala > La Rioja
Connection: 4 km Special: 253 km Connection: 261 km Total: 518 km
As concerns crossings, the day’s special is a concentrate of technique. Various types of dunes will be encountered, including the very formidable “white dunes”. Just three days from arrival, this stage can scramble rankings, especially because the assistance vehicles will not have access to the Fiambala bivouac. The Golden Rule is still: “know how to economize your machine”.

Stage 13 - Friday, January 16 La Rioja > Cordoba
Connection: 161 km Special: 545 km Connection: 47 km Total: 753 km
After having swallowed thousands of kilometers, participants will face a first-class physical challenge in this next-to-the-last stage. State-of-the-art pilots must maintain their position, while amateurs must avoid an excess of confidence. Errors can leave bitter memories, since this will be the day of cacti. At the bivouac, doctors will no doubt be called on to wield the tweezers. Finally, for the experts of traditional rallies, certain routes are part of the patrimony of the World Cup that takes place every year in Cordoba. Here, aficionados will guarantee a large popular fiesta.

Stage 14 - Saturday, January 17 Cordoba > Buenos Aires
Connection: 224 km Special: 227 km Connection: 341 km Total: 792 km
The adventure began on La Pampa. After having explored two veritable nation-continents, the competitors will find a more familiar type of landscape. On long, rolling routes, concentration remains necessary. Those who arrive with a ranking in Buenos Aires will have achieved the most impressive loop ever undertaken in rally-raid. And they will remain forever first.

Getting ready for Dakar with a 24 Hour MTB Race

2008-10-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

Anticipating tough things to come in the 2009 Dakar, Christophe Barriere-Varju and ZacSpeed (the Australian Quality manufacturer of Action sport protector packs and motorcycle clothing) have been testing new products in once again extreme conditions, this time in a 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race.

Supported by ZacSpeed, Christophe competed in the Solo category from 12 noon Saturday to 12 noon Sunday. "Someone mentioned this race to me, and although I am not the fastest person on a mountain bike, the challenge is what interested me. When I knew that I could compete Solo, I signed up for it... and worried about it later!"

Contacting his usual Dakar sponsors about this event, ZacSpeed was keen to support Christophe in this challenge. "It is important to test products in difficult situations" says ZacSpeed boss, Shaun MacKenzie. "The heat in this year's Dakar is going to be extremely difficult for us, so we (Zac Speed) are trialing new products now that will help regulate body temperature. We have made modifications to the Exotec SP3 to that effect and it worked great in the heat of last week-end 24 Hour race."

"The Exotec SP3 feels inexistent once on you, it is so well balanced and ergonomically designed that you forget about it. Plus you can quickly convert it in a Mountain Bike unit. It is great to communicate with people that have the right spirit and want to go to the next level" says Christophe.

ZacSpeed will once again back up CBV Racing in this year Dakar Rally.

For additional information on Zac Speed: www.zacspeed.com
To follow Christophe preparation for the 2009 Dakar: www.freedomracer.com
To support Christophe's charity work: www.dreamsdocometrue.org.au

What have I done noooooooow....!!!?

2008-09-16T04:59:00.000-07:00

On the 11/12th of October I will be trying my luck at a 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race down in Canberra, I will be 1 of 4000 riders. I did try to
convince a few of you to split the task with me but.... you ALL LET ME DOWN!!! ...or perhaps you are still "thinking about it"... ah ah ah LOL.

No worries, I will be doing it SOLO then...!

Team Name (you guessed it): 2009 Dakar Rally

But please HELP! Anyone with great bicycle experience please let me know now :-) I am in dire need of finding out how to protect my "booty"
for a straight 24 Hours of riding day/night/day.

I am not the greatest bicycle rider, and I definitely never pedaled more than 4 hours straight without a break. Adding a 20 to that, which is
the equivalent of my 2006 motorcycle riding record in Brasil while food poisoned. I better pull out my old African pyramid fitness program!
Don't ask, top secret!

Oh well... there is only one way to find out, get in there and adapt. What a great way to get forced-fit for the 2009 Dakar!

"think positive Christophe, think positive..."

:-)

Sand Dunes...

2008-08-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

Today, it was RWCSDES... short for "Run.Walk.Climb.Sand.Dunes.Empty.Shoes" all two-hours of it. Running and simply being in the dunes is something that I enjoy as your body gets a much better work-out going up and down and up and down. On the way back my poor dog had the tongue draguing despite emtying the 3L camelback. Two hours will turn into 3 very soon and toward the end of the year I will push that to half day at the office (4 hours). But for now, I am knackered... and i am not the only one ;-)

Sertoes Photos... Brasil!

2008-07-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

Sertoes Rally: Final Results

2008-07-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

That’s it! After another 4 days of racing all the way up north to Natal, I crossed the podium in 25th position (scratch) and 6th in the production category. The Final Results were:

1st Ze Helio; 2nd Cyril Despres; 3rd David Casteu
4th Marc Coma; 5th Ruben Faria
24th Jordi Viladoms
25th Christophe Barriere-Varju
27th Ludovic Boinnard; 33rd Oscar Polli

This race is definitely a milestone for me as I managed to race the 4,975kms without a fall. The Honda CRF450 ran beautifully and was extremely reliable.

But most important than the final result is the experience gained for the upcoming 10,000kms Dakar in January – both from a racing and from a physical perspective. I can now concentrate on 6-month of intensive preparation for the grueling Dakar Rally.

We received a lot of positive feedback from the work the Dreams Do Come True Foundation did with Acao Social (Social Action) during the Rally. A lot of people came to speak with me during the race to tell me how touched they were about the bicycles we provided to the schools. The bicycles represent not only a memorable milestone in any children’s life but open the doors to the “feeling of freedom” being able to travel, it also teaches the importance of physical activities, maintenance, and repairs. All of us as kids loved to dismantle and put a bicycle back together.

This was the first charitable initiative of the Dreams Do Come True Foundation and we look forward to having a bigger impact in the 2009 programme.

Sertoes Rally... After day 5 of 10!!!

2008-06-22T16:52:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, just a quick mid-race update. All going well, i managed to stay on the bike for the first half of the rally :-) Tomorrow we have a 682km day. I am slowly moving up in the standing, currently 8th in my category and 34th overall on a 450cc production bike. Great to see people coming up to say thanks from the bicycles they (schools received - one school per day during the route of the rally. Off to sleep for a 5am start tomorrow. CBV

Baja 1000... Thinking about it

2008-06-07T03:38:00.000-07:00

In May 2005, out of nowhere I started thinking about racing in the Dakar Rally. Guess what now? I am thinking about racing the Baja 1000 (1600 kms). But not as you think. Most team have 3-4 riders and only a handful of riders have attempted the race alone.

Guess what? this is what I am thinking. Going for 1,600 kms straight, on my own, to be completed within 33 hours!

Next week I am off to race the Sertoes Rally in Brasil, I am not ready physically like I was for the 2007 Dakar, but I used to think during the race that I was out there for 1,000 kms per day. In Brasil, I will think Baja 1000 (miles per day). I am thinking about it... and the more I think ;-)

Sleeping in... water

2008-06-04T03:45:00.000-07:00

Ok ok ok... I haven't been very good at posting my training routine. Here are a few things that have happened over the last 2 months:
- moved house (pretty much on my own), this must count for iron lifting!
- currently doing a weird sort of training, which involves commuting 500kms per day 4 day per week to go to work (managing fatigue and dealing with attention levels, in Australia we call that... don't hit the Kangaroo
- working out in the car!
- looking for Dakar sponsors
- making a living to feed the dog
- and last but not least, going for a 2-day trip in a canoe camping in the bush

The last bit was supposed to be fun and a good exercise, and it turned out to be of one these Dakar day when things go from bad to worse. Early in the evening, the rain came, and the tent started dripping water inside. Drips turned into little streams running down the waterproof bottom. Streams turned into little pond... then a few hours later, with pounding rain, I was sleeping in a completely "sponged wet" sleeping bag, wet clothes, feeling water going down my back. In the morning I had 5 cm of water everywhere and pretty stiff articulations.

Now this is what you MUST NOT DO 2 weeks prior a major race, that is weaken your body by getting sick. I managed to weaken the body but I think I have fought away the cold.

In the morning, under the rain and fairly cold weather, still completely wet, I paddled my way back to human land wearing a trash bag around my neck to keep warm, guessing where the land on the other side was!

More Leeches... and more Abs

2008-03-09T01:38:00.000-08:00

The blog sucking leeches had another fest today, what a motivation to keep you moving in the damped forest areas. The annoying part is when you get back in the car and you start feeling them crawling up your leg while driving!!!

The new "Gostoso" mountain bike is going great ;-) it would be better if I stopped hanging on to it until the last seconds while trying to clear obstables and not being able to "unclip" the pedals. There have been some funny falls lately, way too many though.

Tonight, another 1,000 abs down the roadbook, why 1,000? well it is simple, it is a nice round number but more important is the distance I prepare myself mentally to race while preparing for the Dakar. Since every day are a little less than 1,000kms, the left over are a bonus.

Abs, Abs, ... more Abs

2008-03-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing like strong abs to hold you bike and save energy on the bike. The "new regime" has started again with 1,000 abs per day. For the 2007 Dakar I started doing those in October. This year I am starting in March!

That's right, one thousand (1,000) per day, no fail.

Interval Training

2008-03-02T00:25:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, the heavy duty training has begun! With the base conditioning out of the way, this year i am able to focus more on interval training to increase the size of my heart and lower my heart beat. This will allow me to have a better concentration while racing and ... a clearer head.

I like to keep things fun so I use a walking and climbing trail to do all that, which means I spend 1/3 of my time climbing rocky hills carrying the mountain bike, and or running down rocky hills.

The trick is to keep on moving to avoid leeches getting me ;-)

2008 Dakar Cancelled...

2008-01-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

For the first time in the 30 years history of the Dakar, the race has been cancelled. 300 millions viewers worldwide and 500 racers are let down costing more than than 12 million Euros (excluding TV rights) to the organisation and a life of savings to the competitors. But no amount of money can make up for the loss of a Dream for those who might never get a second chance to experience Africa. Watch the video on CBV Racing and click on the SBS logo.

I couldn't do it...

2007-12-25T21:36:00.000-08:00

After bringing my 2007 Dakar rally bike back from Europe waiting in my 'Dakar Prep' living room for her new buyer, Paul M. (VIC) to come pick her up , I came to the realisation that I couldn't do it (selling it that is). Paul, thank you for your understanding of what this bike has brought to me and allowing me to keep it.

2008 Dakar Radio Update...

2007-12-23T17:23:00.000-08:00

Tune in to 2GB radio between 7pm and 9pm on 873 AM today (Monday 24th December) to listen to Christophe Barriere-Varju interview on the upcoming 2008 Dakar Rally. For overseas listeners, simply follow this link

7hrs with Miss Aprilia...

2007-12-21T22:09:00.000-08:00

A nice and faultless 7hrs ride today with the Aprilia RXV 550cc today. The Italian beauty behaved through fast flowing trails, riding down a rocky river, and nearly being submerged entirely. Even then she started straightaway. The testing continues to transform this amazing bike into a full blown desert racer.

Dakar Rally Radio...

2007-12-20T22:16:00.000-08:00

Tune in to ABC Radio (Sydney Frequency 702 AM) on Sunday 23 Dec at 4:15pm to listen what Christophe has been up to since the 2007 Dakar Rally. To listen online, just follow this link