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'

Photo Essay: Emirates Adventure Rally Raid