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Saudi Dakar Rally 2024 to Start in AlUla on Friday

The rally will run until January 19, featuring 434 vehicles across multiple race categories and covering a distance of over 7,800 km. (SPA)
The rally will run until January 19, featuring 434 vehicles across multiple race categories and covering a distance of over 7,800 km. (SPA)
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Saudi Dakar Rally 2024 to Start in AlUla on Friday

The rally will run until January 19, featuring 434 vehicles across multiple race categories and covering a distance of over 7,800 km. (SPA)
The rally will run until January 19, featuring 434 vehicles across multiple race categories and covering a distance of over 7,800 km. (SPA)

The AlUla Governorate will host the fifth edition of the Saudi Dakar Rally 2024 (46th Dakar Rally) that will kick off on Friday.

The rally will run until January 19, featuring 434 vehicles across multiple race categories and covering a distance of over 7,800 km.

The 46th Dakar Rally introduces new routes that traverse diverse terrains, enabling participants to explore the landscapes and archaeological sites of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Competitors will encounter new challenges that heighten the suspense and excitement of the event.

Commenting on the event, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal stated: "As we enter the new year of 2024, the Kingdom continues to host major global sporting events, thanks to the unwavering support provided by our esteemed leadership, particularly Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.”

“The fifth edition of the Dakar Rally will span 15 days, featuring 778 individuals representing 72 countries and showcasing 434 diverse vehicles across multiple race categories,” he added.

The rally route comprises 12 stages and one preliminary stage. Throughout the competition, drivers will be tested to their limits, both physically and mentally, as they navigate the challenging terrain of the Kingdom's desert. The race pushes participants to endure the most demanding experiences in the world of motorsports, showcasing their resilience and determination.

This year, drivers will kick off their journey with a preliminary stage at the starting camp in AlUla. They will then embark on a thrilling adventure that traverses various cities of the Kingdom, including Al-Hanakiyah, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Salamiya, Al-Hofuf, Shubaytah, Riyadh, Hail, and Yanbu.

As one of the longest-standing races in motorsports, the Dakar Rally has earned its reputation for its scale and magnitude of events. The race is organized by the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) in partnership with the Saudi Motorsport Company with close coordination from relevant local authorities.

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Alcaraz Crushes Shevchenko to Reach Second Round at Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain waves as he leaves Margaret Court Arena after his first round win over Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP)
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain waves as he leaves Margaret Court Arena after his first round win over Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP)
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Alcaraz Crushes Shevchenko to Reach Second Round at Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain waves as he leaves Margaret Court Arena after his first round win over Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP)
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain waves as he leaves Margaret Court Arena after his first round win over Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP)

Carlos Alcaraz began his bid to complete a career Grand Slam with an imperfect but entertaining 6-1 7-5 6-1 win over Kazakh Alexander Shevchenko to ease into the Australian Open second round on Monday.

Four-times major champion Alcaraz is targeting his maiden trophy at Melbourne Park to become the youngest man to capture all four Grand Slam titles and the 21-year-old went all guns blazing after a slightly nervy opening game.

"I always say that it's hard work," Alcaraz said.

"I try to bring the best of me every day. That's the secret. Every day I try to be a better person and better player."

The third seed, still fine-tuning a new service motion that he adopted in the off season, fended off a break point and then broke in the third game to take full control of the opening set which he wrapped up in double quick time.

French Open and Wimbledon holder Alcaraz found his range with some devastating winners on both flanks and went up 3-1 in the second set but world number 77 Shevchenko won the next four games as fans on Margaret Court Arena got behind the underdog.

Alcaraz switched back on and struck a fiery forehand winner to set up another break point and drew level in the 10th game as his opponent began to feel the intense pressure again and went on to surrender the set.

With the momentum having swung definitively, 2022 US Open champion Alcaraz reeled off games in the third set and finished it off with a big ace on his fifth match point to book a second-round meeting with Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka.

"He's a really solid player," Alcaraz said.

"I have to be focused on my shots ... Hopefully I can enjoy the match, it's going to be tough. I'll try to produce some good tennis for people to enjoy."