French writer Jules Verne (1828-1905), was a pioneer of the science-fiction novel. The young Verne is pictured on the left and on the right, shortly before his death.
French writer Jules Verne (1828-1905), was a pioneer of the science-fiction novel. The young Verne is pictured on the left and on the right, shortly before his death.
AFP/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Verne's novel "Around the World 80 Days" has provided the inspiration for a number of sporting events. Sailing has its own Jules Verne trophy where sailors race around the globe in the fastest possible time.
Verne's novel "Around the World 80 Days" has provided the inspiration for a number of sporting events. Sailing has its own Jules Verne trophy where sailors race around the globe in the fastest possible time.
And now a car race inspired by Verne's novel will be staged in 2020.
And now a car race inspired by Verne's novel will be staged in 2020.
FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images
The 80 Day Race is the brainchild of Dutchman Frank Manders.
The 80 Day Race is the brainchild of Dutchman Frank Manders.
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images South America/Getty Images
One of the 80 Day Race backers is former Dakar race director Hubert Auriol, who is pictured driving his Predator during the second stage Borj Bel Freissat to El Mdouara in the third edition of the Africa Eco Race on December 30, 2010.
One of the 80 Day Race backers is former Dakar race director Hubert Auriol, who is pictured driving his Predator during the second stage Borj Bel Freissat to El Mdouara in the third edition of the Africa Eco Race on December 30, 2010.
FREDERICK FLORIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Manders was also a fan of the Dakar Rally. "I was 12 years old when I first saw the Dakar," said the Dutchman. "It was only on TV at midnight and obviously I wasn't allowed to watch so I'd sneak into the living room in the night when everyone was asleep and watch it."
Manders was also a fan of the Dakar Rally. "I was 12 years old when I first saw the Dakar," said the Dutchman. "It was only on TV at midnight and obviously I wasn't allowed to watch so I'd sneak into the living room in the night when everyone was asleep and watch it."
FRANCK FIFE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Personal effects of writer Jules Verne (1828-1905), are displayed at the "Jules Verne: Extraordinay Voyages" exhibition 26 August, 2004, which was held in Mexico City's Jose Vasconcelos library.
Personal effects of writer Jules Verne (1828-1905), are displayed at the "Jules Verne: Extraordinay Voyages" exhibition 26 August, 2004, which was held in Mexico City's Jose Vasconcelos library.
HECTOR GUERRERO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Alain Ducasse's "Le Jules Verne" restaurant is based at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Alain Ducasse's "Le Jules Verne" restaurant is based at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images