The two opening special stages of the rally will be an occasion for the public to root on the competitors before they cross the Mediterranean. Several hundred thousand spectators, Portuguese and otherwise, came out to watch on the two preceding editions. The public’s enthusiasm boosted the competitors’ energy level before their African voyage. But in order to guarantee optimal safety conditions for everyone, there are some regulations that will be scrupulously respected concerning the access for the spectators in Portugal. Please find below all the necessary information for viewing the first two stages of the 30th edition, this coming January 5 and 6, 2008.New safety measures have been put in place along the route and on the properties to be crossed in order to avoid dangerous behaviour while the competitors pass by. To avoid congestion on the principal routes of the Portuguese capital and the blocking of access to the “public zones” free public transport will be provided for getting to SS1 – Lezirias. Three meeting points (‘Ponto de Encontro’) have been created with parking areas and activities.For the third year in a row, Portugal is the ‘Great Off’ venue for the Euromilhões Dakar.Find out more about the two first stages of this 30th edition and the access to the public areas.Portuguese Stages 2008As in the previous years, the organisers are expecting a significant influx of spectators for the Portuguese stages on 5th and 6th January 2008. New safety measures will be put in place along the route and on the properties crossed in order to avoid dangerous behaviour as competitors pass and on the private properties crossed.Hence, in order to avoid congestion on the priority routes through the Portuguese capital and blocking of access to public areas, a free public transport facility will be provided for getting to SS1 – Lezirias. 3 Assembly Points (‘Ponto de Encontro’) will be provided with parking areas and activities.The priority access routes to SS1 – Lezirias will be:• Zone 1:Coming from the North: Ponte da Lezíria (A10), A13,Coming from the South: A13These access routes will make it possible to reach the 2 Assembly Points (‘Ponto de Encontro’) at Samora Correia and Canha. These areas will be open as from 12 noon on 4 January 2008.• Zone 2:Coming from the North: Ponte Vasco da Gama (A12)Coming from the South: A2, IC32These access routes will make it possible to reach the Alcochete Assembly Point.The free public transport to the Spectator Zones will start from 4 am on 5th January:Samora Correia Assembly Point: Companhia das Lezírias and Brisa Spectator ZonesCanha Assembly Point: …… Spectator Zone SicalAlcochete Assembly Point: Cofidis Spectator ZoneThe first competitor will leave Lisbon around 8:30 am on 5th January and the last will finish around 5:30 pm.From 12:30 pm, the general public will be conveyed only in the following direction: Spectator Zone  Assembly Point.The priority access routes for SS2 – Portimão will be:• Sítio dos Guenos/Portimão Spectator Zone:From the Alvor roundabout on the A22, take the N532 towards Srª. do Verde or Casas Velhas.• Arriqueta/Monchique Spectator Zone:After leaving the N267 (Portela da Nave), follow the signs, as access is via earth tracks.• Pardieiro/Monchique Spectator Zone:Via Alferce, Fornalha, S. Marcos da Serra or the Caminho Municipal 1077.• Portimão Spectator Zone:Access by free bus only from several car parks in the town of Portimão.