LISBON (AFP) - French government safety warnings over racing through Mauritania seem to have fallen on deaf ears just days before the start of the Dakar rally.
The warnings came after four French tourists were gunned down in the African country on December 24.
But the Mauritanian government has offered assurances that the country is safe for the rally, which passes through Mauritania from January 11 to 19.
"We will wear bullet proof jackets!" joked 60-year-old Jean-Claude Auert, who will race in the quad bike category. "No, we will go without the jackets. I am not worried. I know Mauritania. I have been there during more dangerous times.
"I have been there every year for the last six years. You have to take a little bit of a risk when you compete in the Dakar rally, you have to be a bit crazy, lets stay crazy until the end!" said the defiant veteran rider.
"I am going despite the government warnings. We are 2,500 to 3,000, with 4000 security force members to help us. I don't see what could happen. Zero risk doesn't exist. Me, I am prepared to take the risk."
Dakar rally organisers last month gave the green light for the 30th edition of the race to proceed as planned through African state despite the security fears.
"It is out of the question not to go if the organisers have not cancelled it," said 41-year-old Christophe Brochot, who has registered in the motorbike category.
"Even if the French government advises me not to go I am going. If the organisers decide to go, it is because they have measured the risks. Obviously the risks are there but they are not as serious as that.
"They wouldn't take the risk in going there (for financial reasons) because if it ever went wrong they would really be in a mess. If there really was a threat ASO would not risk taking us there.
The professional competitors were more reluctant to comment on the matter.
But Stephane Peterhansel, who has won six bike titles and three car crowns simply joked: "I am Swiss, recommendations by the French government do not concern me."
Meanwhile Mitsubishi stable chief Dominique Seriey advised his competitors to abstain from commenting on the subject in fear of feulling the controversy.
"We are going through a worrying situation. The foreign office does not give out warnings lightly. We have total trust in the ASO, to the organisers.
"In the past they have proved themselves by making the correct decisions whatever they may be," said Serieys, who added that the government's warnings were "hereby noted."
"Now, we have to leave the organisers alone. You have to let the organsiers work and give them time to make a decision. We don't want to feed the controversy."
