Jan 1, 2001 CE
Rally Start in Paris
The 2001 Dakar Rally began in Paris, France, with competitors embarking on a grueling journey that would take them through France, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and finally Senegal.
Chronological Storyline (8 Milestones)
Jan 4, 2001 CE
Crossing into Africa
After completing the European stages through France and Spain, competitors crossed the Mediterranean Sea by ferry from Algeciras, Spain, to Tangier, Morocco, marking the official start of the African stages of the rally.
Jan 10, 2001 CE
Kleinschmidt Takes the Lead
German driver Jutta Kleinschmidt, driving a Mitsubishi Pajero, took the overall lead in the car category during the stages in Libya and Egypt, establishing a competitive edge over her rivals, including Jean-Louis Schlesser and Hiroshi Masuoka.
By Martin Lindner - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11772553
Jan 13, 2001 CE
Meoni Dominates Motorcycle Category
Italian rider Fabrizio Meoni, riding for KTM, solidified his lead in the motorcycle category during the grueling Egyptian desert stages, positioning himself for his first Dakar Rally motorcycle title.
Jan 17, 2001 CE
Schlesser Penalized
Jean-Louis Schlesser, who was competing closely with Jutta Kleinschmidt for the overall lead, received a time penalty for missing a waypoint, which significantly impacted his chances of winning the rally and secured Kleinschmidt's lead.
By Máth Dávid - Mdavid89 - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29148835
Jan 21, 2001 CE
Loprais Wins Truck Category
Czech driver Karel Loprais won the truck category driving a Tatra, adding another Dakar Rally title to his already impressive record in the truck competition.
By Richenza - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17250077
Jan 21, 2001 CE
Historic Victory for Kleinschmidt
Jutta Kleinschmidt became the first woman to win the Dakar Rally in the car category, finishing ahead of Hiroshi Masuoka and Jean-Pierre Fontenay. Her victory marked a historic milestone in motorsport.
By Martin Lindner - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11772553
Jan 21, 2001 CE
Meoni Wins Motorcycle Category
Fabrizio Meoni secured his first Dakar Rally victory in the motorcycle category, riding a KTM. This win began KTM's long period of dominance in the motorcycle category of the Dakar Rally.