Photo Essay: Emirates Adventure Rally Raid

  • A competitor tears through the wet in the Emirates Adventure Rally Raid's opening event. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    A competitor tears through the wet in the Emirates Adventure Rally Raid's opening event. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Gravel flies into the air as a rider beings his campaign
    Gravel flies into the air as a rider beings his campaign
  • Contestants gather for a briefing before the racing begins
    Contestants gather for a briefing before the racing begins
  • Rider Carl Du Preez makes some last-minute adjustments to his Yamaha Tenere as the sun rises on race day
    Rider Carl Du Preez makes some last-minute adjustments to his Yamaha Tenere as the sun rises on race day
  • Each competitor is issued with a GPS set-up that shows the race route
    Each competitor is issued with a GPS set-up that shows the race route
  • Wadi paths are a key element of the event
    Wadi paths are a key element of the event
  • Competitors need to negotiate some tough obstacles
    Competitors need to negotiate some tough obstacles
  • Those taking part need to follow a predetermined GPS set-up
    Those taking part need to follow a predetermined GPS set-up
  • A rider takes a breather in Shawka
    A rider takes a breather in Shawka
  • When the going gets tough...
    When the going gets tough...
  • Each rider is issued with a transponder that tracks their progress and route along the race
    Each rider is issued with a transponder that tracks their progress and route along the race
  • Each rider is officially registered and given a pack with transponder, tracks, plus information on safety and water stops
    Each rider is officially registered and given a pack with transponder, tracks, plus information on safety and water stops
  • Race day starts early as competitors fill up their bikes with fuel ahead of leaving them in the secure Parc Ferme area
    Race day starts early as competitors fill up their bikes with fuel ahead of leaving them in the secure Parc Ferme area
  • Some of the obstacles bring a new meaning to the phrase 'water hazard'
    Some of the obstacles bring a new meaning to the phrase 'water hazard'