Dakar 2021: Covid-19 puts race preparatives in stand-by

If these were normal times, by these days, ASO should be preparing to reveal the route of the next edition of Dakar Rally. But unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic, also the race preparations have been affected and are on hold. Today the organizers revealed a letter to the participants where they explain the current situation:

Dear Competitors,
 
At this time of the year, we usually can provide you with a relatively precise idea of the route for the Dakar of the coming edition.
This year, due to the necessary measures implemented in many countries to prevent the COVID-19 epidemic from spreading, we are unfortunately not able to do so, for now. However, the organization of Dakar 2021 is still going on and we will come back to you as soon as possible.
In the meantime, we would like to offer our sincere and heartfelt thoughts to the great family of the Dakar as well as our support for this one-off situation which is difficult for everyone
We hope that you and your loved ones are in good health and that everyone has been able to find a safe way to go through this tough and unprecedented period.
Respecting the instructions, taking care of yourself and your family comes first.
We must stand together to face and overcome this sanitary crisis as quickly as possible in order to meet each other again on the tracks of our favorite deserts.
In the meantime, take good care of yourselves.
     
David Castera and all the Dakar team.