Skip to main content

Race in the Desert

FRANCK FIFE—AFP/GETTY IMAGES

On January 4, Belgian biker Walter Roelants speeds across sand dunes in Saudi Arabia. He’s participating in the 43rd running of the Dakar Rally. It’s a world-famous off-road racing competition. Its divisions include cars, motorbikes, lightweight vehicles, and trucks. The 2021 race began on January 3. It lasts 12 days and covers more than 3,000 miles. More than 500 riders and drivers are taking part.