Team Dome BMW ready for the desert

As many people are planning to celebrate the New Year in style, spare a thought
for Team Dome BMW, whose own New Year celebrations have been put on hold as
they prepare to contest the world's toughest rally - the 2003 Telefónica-Dakar
Rallye from 1-19 January.

The race starts on New Years Day in Marseille , France, where BMW F650 GS Dakar
riders Simon Pavey and Nick Plumb are now carrying out final preparations for
the event.

"Everything seems to be in order so far," said 35-year-old Pavey. "Tomorrow is
a scrutineering day, where we'll have a safety briefing and receive stamps for
all check-points, water tickets, meal tickets, pre-paid fuel tickets, and a
medical check-up. Then we'll take the GS Dakar machines for technical
scrutineering, where they'll check the GPS system, all survival equipment and
water rations on the bike, before issuing us with our rider numbers - once
they've inspected and approved our rider equipment. Our preparations have been
thorough, so we're not expecting any problems."

To Dakar veteran Pavey and newcomer Nick Plumb (25), personal fitness is as
important as the reliability of the BMW motorcycles they will be using. An
intensive training programme involving swimming a mile each day, as well as
plenty of motorcycling will ensure that both riders have the stamina to cope
with up to 12 hours in the saddle on some days, racing through some of the
world's harshest environments over the next three weeks.

The first stage of the 2003 Dakar will consist of a night prologue within
Marseille's Parc Chanot which, according to Pavey, will start the rally off in
some style at 6pm on New Years Day. "It's a bit of a showcase really, but good
fun for spectators. We've been down to have a look at it this morning and it's
a man-made track of about one kilometre with loads of jumps, lots of mud and a
big water splash. I just hope the water's not too deep, as we've then got to
ride 300 kilometres down to Narbonne!"

This was a view shared by team mate Nick Plumb, who is looking forward to his
first Dakar rally with some anticipation. "I'm very nervous but confident at
the same time because I've got a lot of belief in my ability. Our plan is to
ride as a team and help each other as much as possible. We do it all the time
in the UK and know each other's riding style inside out, so the supporting role
will be an important one because I can imagine that the desert can be a pretty
lonely place. I'm up for the challenge though and can't wait to get started."

Television viewers can follow the progress of the 2003 Telefónica-Dakar Rallye
on British Eurosport every weekday at 9.30pm (repeated at 11.45pm) while
weekend coverage will be at 10.15pm on Saturday and 9.30pm on Sunday. Internet
users can follow Simon and Nick's progress by visiting www.worldofbmw.com for
daily updates, where they can also leave messages of support for the Team Dome
BMW riders. Alternatively, visit www.dakar.com for extensive coverage of the
rally, including a map of the route.

For more information and high-resolution photography, call Andy Dukes on 07775
683673