Race To Dakar

Infobox Television
show_name = Race To Dakar


caption = DVD cover
genre = Documentary
creator = Charley Boorman Russ Malkin
developer =
presenter =
starring = Charley Boorman Simon Pavey Matt Hall
country = United Kingdom
language = English
num_episodes = 7
list_episodes =
producer = Russ Malkin
executive_producer = Russ Malkin Charley Boorman
location =
camera = Multi-camera
runtime = 45 minutes (approx.)
network = Sky2
audio_format =
first_run =
first_aired = 17 October 2006
last_aired = 28 November 2006
preceded_by =
followed_by =
related = Long Way Round Long Way Down By Any Means
website = http://www.racetodakar.com/html/rtd.html
imdb_id = 0487851

"Race To Dakar" is a documentary series following actor and keen motorcyclist Charley Boorman's entry into the 2006 Lisbon-Dakar Rally. First aired on Sky2 and ABC Television (Australia) during 2006, it was released in book form and is also downloadable from the official website.Boorman, Charley. "Race To Dakar". New York: Time Warner Books. 2006. ISBN 0316027113]

Overview

One of Boorman's lifelong dreams had been to enter the Dakar Rally, which he had discussed with the publishers of the "Long Way Round" book. Boorman felt he had to do the rally and proposed the idea to Russ Malkin, one of the producers of "Long Way Round", who liked the idea. Malkin was concerned that Boorman may not finish the rally should he enter alone, so Boorman approached Simon Pavey to see if he was interested in making the documentary and also training him. A third rider, Matt Hall, was chosen to film their participation and, if necessary, allow his bike to be used for parts if anything happened to Boorman's or Pavey's. They entered the rally riding BMW F650GS Dakar bikes.The team went out to Dubai to train on the dunes so they'd be used to riding on the sand, but Charley broke his collar bone early on in the trip, and had to return home ahead of schedule.

During the Rally, Charley broke bones in both hands when he fell and tried to push his bike up and off his body. He rode on to the end of the stage and had to withdraw. Matt and Simon rode on, but Matt got stuck in the desert for two days and was eventually picked up by the camion balais sweeper truck.

Simon was able to finish the event, and the team were met at Dakar by their spouses and partners, as well as Ewan McGregor who flew out to congratulate them.

Team

*Charley Boorman – An actor and keen motorcyclist, Boorman had partnered Ewan McGregor in "Long Way Round" in 2004 and latterly in "Long Way Down" in 2007. Forced to retire after five stages when he dislocated his left thumb and broke his right hand.
*Simon Pavey – Pavey manages BMW Motorrad's off-road training facility in South Wales. He has entered the Dakar Rally six times and finished four times. Pavey finished the race.
*Matt Hall – Matt has entered many British enduro races and has produced enduro films. Retired during stage 9 due to exhaustion.
*Russ Malkin – He drove the BMW X5 support vehicle for part of the Rally. Previously Producer/Director of "Long Way Round".Boorman, Charley, & Ewan McGregor. "Long Way Round". 2004. ISBN 0751536805]
*Claudio von Planta – Travelled with the support crew as Cameraman/Director of Photography. Previously served as cameraman for the "Long Way Round", riding the third bike. [http://www.longwayround.com/ Long Way Round Official website] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.racetodakar.com/html/rtd.html Race to Dakar - Official website]