Bringing back to life the hexagonal route of the 1st editions of the Paris-Alge-Dakar, when the competitors took the Nationale 20, this is what “The Route of Legends” offers you.
On Friday, September 27, 2024, fans of the Paris-Dakar of yesteryear will meet in front of the Château de Versailles to take the famous N20 and make the descent to Sète, with, as in the past, stops in Châteauroux and Brive la Gaillarde in Corrèze.
This unique event pays tribute to the legends of the Dakar rally, Hubert Auriol and René Metge, by offering an unforgettable experience for motorcyclists and car drivers on the legendary RN20. This weekend, participants will leave from Versailles and cross France to arrive in Sète, passing through emblematic stages.
At the initiative of Philippe Vassard, former biker of the first Paris-Dakar rally, and Thierry Roger, co-creator of the Enduro du Touquet Vintage, this edition promises many surprises. Jean-Claude Morellet, nicknamed “Fenouil”, pioneer of rally raids and tracer of the first Paris-Algiers-Dakar, will be the sponsor of the event. Fenouil will present a replica of his 1975 rally raid motorcycle, a Kawasaki 450 KZ, at the start of Versailles.
It will undoubtedly be a real spectacle starting from the Château de Versailles on September 28, with a grand finale in Sète. The Route des Légendes – 2024 edition will take place on a legendary road: the Route Nationale 20 (RN20) to the great delight of participants and the public! For all those who will follow in the footsteps of the Dakar pioneers around 8 a.m. in front of the Château de Versailles. Competitors will have as travel companions many cars and motorcycles from the Paris-Dakar of yesteryear.
A 970 km route, with major cities as stages, or passage control or part. Orléans (CP and TT stage), Châteauroux (meal), Compreignac (CP and TT stage), Brive la Gaillarde (Stage 1st day), Montauban (meal), Toulouse (CP), Carcassonne (CP) and the finish in Sète.
A story of exploits and passion, two names that resonate like hymns to adventure and surpassing oneself.
This fantastic idea therefore revives the spirit of the Paris-Dakar on French soil, by associating two men passionate about motor sports, Hubert Auriol and René Metge, two distinguished drivers, two organizers of extraordinary adventures, two legends of rally raids, who have marked the history of cars/motorcycles which, today, endures and continues to thrill all the aficionados of the Dakars of yesteryear.
Hubert Auriol and René Metge, have written an extraordinary sporting epic, inspiring generations of drivers and lovers of motorcycles and cars. Their story is that of intrepid drivers who braved the elements and pushed the limits of human endurance. It is also the story of an unwavering friendship, born in the heart of competition and nourished by a shared passion for adventure that has conquered all continents!
This year, an all-female crew composed of Diane Thierry-Mieg and Martine Renier will be taking part. Diane, the first wife of Thierry Sabine, creator of the Dakar rally, will be driving a replica of her 1978 Toyota. Martine Renier, a renowned motoring journalist and driver, will accompany her. The Club Yamaha Ténéré French Team and the Team Auto Aventure Girousse will also be there, with 15 motorbikes and 8 cars respectively.
Legendary motorbikes
Among the vehicles present, there will be replicas of the Range Rover VSD of René Metge, winner of the 1981 Dakar, the Renault R20 of the Marreau brothers, winner in 1982, as well as the Jeep Willys from the first Dakar. A unique prototype, the DKV 750 4-cylinder, will also be at the start, driven by Pascal Lemonnier.
A solidarity event
Participants will have the opportunity to donate €20 to the association Les Puits du Désert, aimed at financing a well in Niger in memory of René Metge. Renowned partners such as Yamaha Motors France, Honda France, AXA Passion, Motul, BIHR, DAFY, EQUIP’RAID, HEDICOM, VON DUTCH, LIBERT RIDER and Les Puits du Désert and many others support the event.
Registration and Practical Information
Registration opens: until September 15, 2024.
Registration fees: €250 for the motorcycle category (car: €550)
For more information, contact 06 07 15 31 10 – 06 08 53 64 63 or by email at [email protected].
See you on September 28 and 29, 2024 to relive the legend together.
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