Watch Race to Dakar

Race to Dakar is an exhilarating documentary series that follows the epic journey of British motorcycle racer Simon Pavey and his team as they participate in one of the most grueling races in the world, the Dakar Rally. The show was first aired in 2006 on XiveTV. The Dakar Rally is an off-road endurance race that takes place annually across several countries in South America, Africa, and the Middle East. The race typically spans over 2 weeks and covers thousands of miles of varied terrain ranging from deserts, mountains, and rugged terrain.

The series focuses on Simon Pavey, a veteran off-road rider who had previously competed in the Dakar Rally. In the 2006 edition of the race, Pavey and his team embarked on a unique challenge - to take a group of amateur riders and train them to race alongside him in Dakar.

The series kickstarts with the team's preparations for the race, starting with selecting the amateur racers, getting them suitable bikes, and training them for the rigors of the race. The amateur riders are united by their sheer determination and love of racing, despite facing various obstacles and barriers along the way such as lack of experience, initial injuries, and a language barrier.

As the show progresses, we see the team tackling various grueling stages of the race - from navigating through the dunes of the Sahara to climbing up treacherous mountain passes. The Dakar Rally is an unforgiving trial and viewers get an insight into what it takes to participate in the race.

In addition to Pavey and the amateur riders, the show also features a supporting cast of mechanics, support crews, and the various characters the team meets along the way. We also get to see the challenges and hardships faced by the team while competing in the race, including sleepless nights, mechanical failures, and the mental and physical exhaustion that takes its toll.

One of the most engaging aspects of the show is its portrayal of the cultures and people encountered during the race. Through interviews with locals and stunning visuals, viewers get a glimpse of the rich cultural history of the countries the team passes through, including Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania.

Overall, Race to Dakar is an adrenaline-fueled adventure that takes viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions. From triumph to setback, the series captures the essence of the human spirit, and showcases the sheer determination and perseverance required to compete in one of the world's most challenging races.