Only 24 days to go before I leave for the Sahara Race.
Unlike my previous desert events (Atacama in 2006, Gobi in 2007), the Sahara Race brings an element of security uncertainties but hasn't dampened the growing enthusiasm for the event.
The Sept. 6 landslide in one of the poorest and most densely populated sections of Cairo earlier this month killed hundreds, resulting in anger at the government to boil over.
A couple of weeks later, a group of European tourists and Egyptian guides were kidnapped and taken over the border to Sudan.
Sahara Race competitors did get a "reassuring" email from Racing the Planet on Sept. 23 ...
Dear Competitors and Volunteers,
Per recent news reports, 19 people were kidnapped from a remote area near the Gilf al-Kebir plateau, which is situated some 750 km from Aswan and close to the Libyan and Sudanese borders. The captured group includes five Italians, five Germans and a Romanian, along with eight Egyptians. It is believed that they were all moved into Sudan.
Reports are still unclear as to who is responsible for the incident and information is still filtering in. However experts believe this to be an isolated incident possibly carried out by smugglers or bandits and not a planned act of terrorism. Egyptian officials say contact has been made with the kidnappers in Sudan, and that they are seeking a ransom.
At this stage we do not feel there is any reason to panic or to worry about general safety of our competitors, staff and volunteers to Egypt. As always, we put safety first. All our convoys are secured and escorted by government security personnel and local police patrols -- 4x4 vehicle patrols are with us at all times in the Sahara. This kidnapping is an individual incident that has never before happened in Egypt. We have also attached a map to show you the general location of the kidnapping and where the Sahara Race will take place. Please email us with any questions at all.
Kind regards,
Zac Addorisio
RacingThePlanet, where athletic frontiers begin
www.racingtheplanet.com
Unlike my previous desert events (Atacama in 2006, Gobi in 2007), the Sahara Race brings an element of security uncertainties but hasn't dampened the growing enthusiasm for the event.
The Sept. 6 landslide in one of the poorest and most densely populated sections of Cairo earlier this month killed hundreds, resulting in anger at the government to boil over.
A couple of weeks later, a group of European tourists and Egyptian guides were kidnapped and taken over the border to Sudan.
Sahara Race competitors did get a "reassuring" email from Racing the Planet on Sept. 23 ...
Dear Competitors and Volunteers,
Per recent news reports, 19 people were kidnapped from a remote area near the Gilf al-Kebir plateau, which is situated some 750 km from Aswan and close to the Libyan and Sudanese borders. The captured group includes five Italians, five Germans and a Romanian, along with eight Egyptians. It is believed that they were all moved into Sudan.
Reports are still unclear as to who is responsible for the incident and information is still filtering in. However experts believe this to be an isolated incident possibly carried out by smugglers or bandits and not a planned act of terrorism. Egyptian officials say contact has been made with the kidnappers in Sudan, and that they are seeking a ransom.
At this stage we do not feel there is any reason to panic or to worry about general safety of our competitors, staff and volunteers to Egypt. As always, we put safety first. All our convoys are secured and escorted by government security personnel and local police patrols -- 4x4 vehicle patrols are with us at all times in the Sahara. This kidnapping is an individual incident that has never before happened in Egypt. We have also attached a map to show you the general location of the kidnapping and where the Sahara Race will take place. Please email us with any questions at all.
Kind regards,
Zac Addorisio
RacingThePlanet, where athletic frontiers begin
www.racingtheplanet.com
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