Balooshi up for the Dakar Rally challenge

Dubai: Emirati multiple motocross champion Mohammad Balooshi is ready for the 40th anniversary edition of Dakar Rally challenge, which got under way on Saturday.

Balooshi faces the biggest challenge of his career as he returns to South America, seeking to bring the UAE flag to the finish line in Cordoba, Argentina, after roughly two weeks of gruelling racing and battling whatever challenges Dakar may have in store for him. Extreme and always changing terrain and weather conditions, altitude, salt lakes, desert, river beds, high mountains and deep-wadi crossings, all along with severe navigation through three different countries.

The Dakar Rally is well-known all around the globe as the toughest, and most dangerous sporting event on the planet, and it attracts hundreds of participants each year and keeps both amazed fans along the track and supporters in front of their TVs on the edge of their seats.

“I feel grateful for having this privilege and will do my best to represent the values of our people and The Year of Zayed along the way,” said an introspective and excited Balooshi.