The deserts of Saudi Arabia are in the spotlight at the start of the season. As was the case in 2024, the Dakar Rally was the opening round of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, and it’s the turn of the Saudi Baja to open the FIM Bajas World Cup.
Dubai native Mohammed Al-Balooshi will sport the number one for the third time after his success in the 2024 FIM Bajas World Cup. Rafic Eid, Sultan Al-Balooshi, and Marwan Al-Rahmani are also registered in the colors of MX Ride Dubai, the defending champion’s team.
Saudi rival Abdulhalim Al-Mogheera will be keen to get the better of the Emirati on home terrain, as will the young wolf Alex McInnes, amongst others.
Thirty-three riders will line up for the first Baja of the season, including two women – Sarah Kuraibet and Sarah Kashyap – and Juniors, Alex McInnes and Hanno Geyser. Eight riders in the Veteran class will also take part.
In the quad category, six riders will start the event, including the Saudi trio of Hani Al-Noumesi, Abdulaziz Al-Shayban, and Abdulaziz Al-Atawi. They finished first, second, and third in the 2024 FIM Bajas World Cup, respectively.
The Millennium Hotel in Hail will be the nerve center of the event, while the service park, start and finish, and parc fermé will be located at Hail University.
Competitors will carry out administration and scrutineering checks on Wednesday, January 29th. After the ceremonial start on January 30th, riders will tackle a five-kilometer Prologue to determine the starting order for the first special stage of 260km on January 31st.
The second special of 160km will take place on February 1st, ahead of the prize-giving ceremony and podium finish in nearby Al-Maghwat.
Results and further information are available on SPORTITY code SB25FIM
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