A mass start, a hunt across the plain towards the next note in the roadbook. Chasing your fellow competitors, racing nose by nose, only to forget a marathon rallye is won with patience and lost with haste… Both in Extreme Class and in Cross Country today was a tough nut to crack, with washed out tracks, dust everywhere and for Extreme Class some of the toughest challenges of the week on the ‘Euro 4×4 Parts Special day’! Starting in front of a big winchwall, the Breslau Extreme class has the stage of the week with 120km rough and tough roadbook, extreme sections and dust. After the winchwall, deep swamps and a small but deep river swallowed the teams. Front runners Franck and Francoise lost a lot of time in the deep mud, Jim Marsden broke down and had to do the stage with front wheel drive only and many teams were brought back to the camp on the recovery truck. Smiling from ear to ear, the Hertwig-brothers check todays result. They have won the stage in the Extreme Class with their small Suzuki Samurai, on one of the toughest days of this years’ Rallye Breslau Poland! ‘We overtook Franck and Francoise on the plain, and helped to recover Jims’ car when he broke down. It is so much fun to race in the front here! Our car is good, and if we focus and make the right decisions we can compete properly.’ ”The start on the winchwall this morning was magic, coming directly from the trophy scene.’ Martin could not wait to start, ‘it was fantastic, we have the advantage of our weight and winch when it comes to the most difficult stuff.” Also as a co-driver he is not afraid of special solutions, according to his brother. ”Martin climbed in a tree, to connect the cable at 3m height. Otherwise we would have never made it out of the deep swamps today!” Behind the huge Quad category we find two riders, changing places each day. Andreas Brunhold is one of them, a young rider coming from the same region as Breslau-legend Beat Juen. ‘Of course, when I decided to compete here I called him. First he sent me to the gym, to do even more training then I already do. And when he found out I was preparing he helped me with the bike and with the navigation. ‘Today Aidas Bubinas was the fastest on the stage, but we are so close that anything can happen. It is special to be in front, my goal is to ride every day and finish. I still have to do that, but I never expected this. My stepfather raced the Breslau in the past, I grew up with videos and stories of the race, of the swamps and the adventure. And now I am part of it myself!’ ”We keep an eye on Richard Oguez, Bernd Jaeger and of course the white Dacia,” says Ton Stoker, former winner of the truck class. This year he competes with his yellow Desert Warrior in the Cross Country Class, and he is happy with the change. ‘It is super fun in a car, you really have to work, you can drift and fly over the stage!’ Ton is known for being a steady driver, with a strong team around him. ‘But often I am too fast, like on the stage today. 50 Meter left, 80 meter right – you have to slow down to be fast and that can be so difficult!” Tomorrow the Rallye Breslau Poland moves from Drawsko Pomorski to Gwda Wielda, starting in the afternoon with a fast stage on the Polygon and a second special near Czarne. Tomorrows new camp of the Rallye Breslau Poland 2018 has a view: located on one of the most beautiful lakes in the region it is not just a camp but also a place to relax after racing and dive into the fresh and clear water… Results   

De Breslau 500 is gisteren gefinisht. Winnaar bij de auto’s is Frank Stensky (DE) met zijn Mercedes. Ronald Schoolderman legde toch nog beslag op een 5e plaats, ondanks het tijdverlies in de nachtstage. Benny en Sander Dille moesten iets toegeven op de Schoolderman/Blankestijn, en finishten als 7e. Dave Klaassen en Tessa Rooth konden de route in de tweede special van dag drie niet vinden en besloten de special te verlaten, om in ieder geval op tijd aan de laatste special te beginnen, die wel goed verliep. Uiteindelijk finisht het duo als tiende algemeen, waar ze natuurlijk  op meer gehoopt hadden. Eelco Bekker met Erik Ras als navigator naast zich finishten als 14e. Kijk hieronder naar de reactie van Eelco. Uitslagen Breslau 500      

In het weekend van 3 en 4 november wordt er in de omgeving van Borger voor de derde keer de Roompot Baja Borger verreden. Deze wedstrijd wordt eens in de twee jaar georganiseerd en is geliefd bij de deelnemende teams. Tevens is dit de laatste wedstrijd van het eb NK Offroad Racing Series 2018 waardoor er nog een hevige strijd zal zijn om de laatste punten in het kampioenschap. De Stichting Offroad rallysport Noord-Nederland (SONN) organiseert hiermee de meest noordelijke offroad rally van Nederland op een unieke locatie in Drenthe. Er is plaats voor 55 teams en het bivak is traditiegetrouw terug te vinden op het vakantiepark de Roompot Hunzedal in Borger. Tijdens deze derde editie verwacht de organisatie een gevarieerd deelnemersveld met de bekenden namen uit het NK ORR maar ook internationale deelnemers. De wedstrijd gaat over vijf klassementsproeven van in het totaal 260 kilometer. De ondergrond zal variëren van landbouwgrond, smalle bruggetjes, zand, klinkers, asfalt, bospaden en natuurlijk het campingterrein waar iedere dag de showstart zal plaatsvinden. Programma Vrijdag 2 november: Technische keuring en rijdersbriefing Zaterdag 3 november: Showstart, twee klassementsproeven en een avondproef Zondag 4 november: Showstart, twee klassementsproeven en de prijsuitreiking Inschrijven is mogelijk voor T1, T2, Side-by-side en Specials op: www.roompotbajaborger.nl/deelnemers

Vandaag stonden er twee specials op het programma, met een lengte van 110 en 72 kilometer. Hoewel Schoolderman/Blankestijn als tweede auto aan de finish waren, zijn ze teruggevallen naar de zevende plaats in het algemeen klassement. Benny en Sander Dille kenden staan heel knap nog voor hen op een 6e plaats algemeen. Vooral in de eerste proef was de navigatie lastig. Het tweede deel, met veel zandpaden door een militair oefenterrien was sneller. Eelco Bekker moest de eerste proef uit met een kapotte steekas. Met dank aan de serviceploeg van 4×4 Centrum Ermelo kon de race voortgezet worden in de tweede special. Eelco is nu 30e algemeen. Dave Klaasen en Tessa Rooth zijn 15e algemeen, Tom Peetoom en Harry Groeneveld met hun Polaris zijn 33e algemeen. Bij de motoren en quads zijn het de Litouwers die de dienst uitmaken. Beste Nederlander is Rik van den Brink op een 17e plaats met zijn Can-Am quad. Bekijk hier alle standen.        

De Breslau 500 is vandaag van start gegaan met een eerste proef van 67 kilometer. Bij de auto’s finishten Schoolderman / Blankestijn met een 4e tijd. De winst was voor het Duitse duo Weimer / Trautsch met een Mercedes G500. In het gemengde klassement motoren en quads was de Poolse quadrijder Aleksander Piorczynski het allersnelst. De tweede tijd werd gereden door motorrijder Litouer Eugenijus Petruskevicius met een SWM. Verrassend was de 8e tijd van Benny en Sander Dille met hun verbouwde Toyota Landcruiser HZJ 73. Herman Schaeks werd 18e. (Nissan Patrol) Eelco Bekker verloor veel tijd met tripmeter issue’s en reed een 27e tijd. Dave Klaassen legde de Bowler Wildcat op z’n kant, zonder al te veel schade. Maar met een 30e tijd is hij zeker niet tevreden. Tom Peetoom en Harry Groeneboom finishten achter Klaassen met een 31e tijd in hun Polaris. Bekijk hier alle resultaten    

Vandaag vond in Dretyn (Polen) de technische keuring plaats van de Breslau Rallye en de Breslau 500. De Breslau 500 is een nieuw evenement, op de kalender gekomen als vervanging van de Duitse Baja 300 die niet meer verreden kan worden. Aan de start van de Breslau 500 staan diverse Nederlandse equipes. Morgen gaat de Breslau 500 van start met een 132 kilometer lange proef, en slechts 4 kilometer verbinding. De navigatie zal zeer uitdagend zijn met veel korte tussenafstanden in het roadbook. Een van de favorieten voor de overwinning is Ronald Schoolderman van het 4×4 Centrum Ermelo Rallyteam: Bekijk hier de planning van de Baja 500 met de diverse etappes. Interessant wordt ook de nachtspecial van zaterdag op zondag. In totaal zo’n 550 kilometer proef waar alles inzit wat rally-raid zo leuk maakt! Schema Breslau 500

De Rally van Albanië is afgelopen zaterdag gefinisht. Het leek een zekere overwinning te gaan worden voor Slowaak Boris Vlha, die vanaf de eerste dag aan de leiding ging. Maar op de voorlaatste special ging het toch nog mis, en pakte Ferdinand Kreidl (AUT) de overwinning bij de motoren. Beste Nederlander was Jonathan Velema met een fraaie 5e plaats.  Jonathan Velema: ,,De laatste twee dagen hoopte ik wat tijd goed te maken om nog 4e algemeen te worden. Maar die laatste special was zo snel, dat de verschillen erg klein waren. Met een 3e tijd had ik 36 seconden goed gemaakt, maar t was niet genoeg. Maar vijfde algemeen is geen slechte klassering. Boris Vlha is een ravijn in gereden, op vrijdag. In de eerste special was t het een beetje lastig met navigeren, en toen ik aan het zoeken was kwam Cosentino me tegemoet gereden en wist ik dat het ok was. In de tweede special kwam Boris me na twee kilometer voorbij. Later zag ik hem in een ravijn staan, een meter of tien diep. Het was erg smal daar, het ging voor mij ook net goed. Boris heeft geprobeerd een uitgang te vinden, maar dat was zo moeilijk dat hij de organisatie om hulp vroeg. Toen hij er eindelijk uit was en het duurde zo lang voor hij weer boven was dat hij opgaf. Dit jaar was hij buitengewoon snel, maar net als in voorgaande edities maaktte hij toch weer een fout die hem z’n resultaat kostte. ” Bij de auto’s waren de drie eerste plaatsen voor een SSV. Maurice Ubachs is op een nette 5e plaats gefinisht.  Top drie motoren plus de Nederlanders 1. Ferdinand Kreidl2. Marco Borsi3. Andrea Cosentino5. Jonathan Velema23. Ron Bruin28. Peter Groneschild (winnaar quads) 30. Alex Bogerd (2e plaats quads) 32. Bas Rek46. Simon Schimmel65. Guido Drooghaag (3e plaats quads) 67. Alfred van Gelder Uitslag laatste specialOverall klassement [widgetkit id=”279″]

et zijn lange dagen in Albanië. De marathonetappe zit er inmiddels op en de deelnemers maken zich op voor de langste dag van de rally op vrijdag die 420 kilometer lang is. In de uitslagen  (bijgewerkt t/m dag 3) staat Boris Vlha nog steeds aan de leiding bij de motoren. Beste Nederlander is Jonathan Velema op een 8e plaats, ondanks het feit dat hij zeven minuten verloor. Gisteren, met een betrekkelijk snelle dag, reed hij knap de 2e tijd!   Ron Bruin vinden we terug op de 33e plaats, Bas Rek is 37e, Simon Schimmel 46e, Alfred van Gelder 60e.  De eerste quad vinden we op plek 57 in het gecombineerde klassement met de motoren. Peter Groneschild gaat comfortabel aan de leiding. Albanië is altijd erg zwaar voor het materiaal, zeker voor de quads die vooral op de stenen toch wat kwetsbaarder zijn. Bij de auto’s is Maurice Ubachs netjes 5e, al is de achterstand naar de eerste drie aanzienlijk.  Jonathan Velema: ,,Het was best een snelle etappe vandaag, waarbij de verschillen niet heel groot worden. Maar wel weer gewoon 300 kilometer, en dat voel je toch. Ik ben uiteindelijk als 2e gefinisht, dus voor mij was het een prima dag. Iedere dag starten we vroeg, en dat is toch iets wat veel energie kost. We zijn één keer om half negen gestart, de andere dagen om 7 uur. Vrijdag rijden we terug naar Tirana. Deze etappe is niet 500 kilometer lang, zoals vermeld staat, maar 420, met drie specials erin.” In die lange etappe naar Tirana kan er nog van alles gebeuren. Snelle stukken afgewisseld met hele technische maken dit tot een hele mooie maar zware dag.  De standen [widgetkit id=”278″]

Following the cancellation of the last timed section (9) of 2018 Taklimakan Rally, the standings edited after stage 8 were approved today by the Race Director.  Han Wei / Liao Min (Geely) and Armand Monleón (KTM) are the 2018 Taklimakan Rally winners. 59 cars/trucks et 11 bikes/ATVs have completed the 4765,16 kilometers of the rally designed in the Xinjiang province, in the far West of People’s Republic of China. The strong heats felt during the eight days of race, especially in the cross of Taklamakan desert, have pushed competitors and vehicles to the limits. Han Wei claims his third Taklimakan Rally victory after the 2015 and 2016 editions. With his co-driver Liao Min, the driver-manufacturer, owner of Han Wei Motorsport, formed the most consistant crew in winning four stage victories. The top 3 of car category is completed with Lu Binglong / Sha He (BAIC) ranking second, and Christian Lavieille / Jean-Pierre Garcin (BAIC), third. The French crew have done a steady race but they may regret the time lost following a light roll over in stage 1. Geely Auto Coopertires and Run Racing Motorsports went into an intense battle during the eight timed section raced. These two teams placed seven cars in the top 10 of the overall standing. Rémy Vauthier and Jean Brucy finished their first Taklimakan Rally at the fourty first position. It was not the main point for the crew of the Optimus buggy. Day after day, they enjoyed the amazing sceneries of the Xinjiang province. In the bike category, Armand Monleón, already twice titleholder, wins one more trophy. After a difficult beginning, the Spanish rider reacted swiftly to finally dominate the others riders. 2018 Taklimakan Rally is a complete success for Daming KTMR2R Rally team since three bikes of the team are in the top 3. Zhang Min is in second position followed by Zhao Hongyi. Pablo Pascual and Eric Schiano, Zongshen teammates, finished fourth and fifth, in spite of a motorbike still in development but very reliable. The Argentinian rider wins even stage 7 while Eric Schiano grabs an encouraging top 5 for his first cross-country rally in China. Final overall classification 2018 Taklimakan Rally / Car 1. Han Wei (CHN) / Liao Min (CHN), Geely, 23h53’09’’2. Lu Binglong (CHN) / Sha He (CHN), BAIC, + 2’23’’4. Zi Yungang (CHN) / Wang Zengrong (CHN), Geely, + 16’38’’5. Liu Yangui (CHN) / Hongyu Pan (CHN), BAIC, + 22’50’’41. Rémy Vauthier (CH) / Jean Brucy (FRA), Optimus, + 99h5’01’’ Final overall classification 2018 Taklimakan Rally / Motorbike 1. Armand Monleón (ESP), KTM, 25h14’41’’ 2. Zhang Min (CHN), KTM, + 1h33’33’’3. Zhao Hongyi (CHN), KTM,  + 1h47’38’’4. Pablo Pascual (ARG), Zongshen, + 2h28’21’’5. Eric Schiano (FRA), Zongshen, + 4h56’18’’    

The last timed section (9) of 2018 Taklimakan Rally, initially planned to be tomorrow, was cancelled by the organization. The standings will only be approved at the end of  the rally by the Race Director. Barring surprises, Han Wei / Liao Min (Geely) and Armand Monleón (KTM) should claim 2018 Taklimakan Rally victory. Stage 8: CHANGJI > CHANGJI : 595,15 km | Liaison : 164,38 km | SS : 375,29 km | Liaison : 55,48 km Stage 8, 595,15 kilometers long, was designed as a loop around Changji. Competitors have crossed the Gurbantunggut desert where they faced small dunes crossing and gravel tracks. The timed section, 375,29 km long, was competed in a very high pace, an average speed of 123 kmh for the best cars. In being fifteen minutes quicker than Han Wei / Liao Min (Geely), only fifth, the Chinese crew of BAIC Lu Binglong / Sha He is getting closer in the overall standing. The third position of the day is for the French duo Christian Lavieille / Jean-Pierre Garcin (BAIC), third in the overall as well. The loser of this final round is the crew Zi Yungang / Wang Zengrong (Geely), second this morning. The teammates of Han Wei and Liao Min in Geely Auto Coopetires abandoned all hope for a win of Taklimakan Rally because of a roll-over luckily without gravity. The goal this morning for the Daming KTMR2R Rally team was to keep its one-two-three position in the overall standing. Armand Monleón, Zhang Min and Zhao Hongyi decided to ride together during the whole stage in order to be more reactive in case of problems. This team strategy of the KTM motorbikes was benefic for Pablo Pascual (Zongshen) who grabs the victory of the stage. The Argentinian rider is still fourth of the overall, before Eric Schiano who will finish the race in the Top 5. Competitors will join Ürümqi tomorrow morning by the road where the winners of each category will officially be celebrated. 

De Rally Albania is goed onderweg na een lange dag. De deelnemers moesten 2 specials rijden, de dag was met in totaal 360 kilometer de op één na langste dag van de rally(in kilometers). Bij de motoren gaat Boris Vlha nog steeds aan de leiding. Jonathan Velema had een goede dag. Na een 8e tijd rukt hij op naar een 6e plaats algemeen.  Simon Schimmel noemde het ‘bijna extreme enduro’ vandaag. Met veel technische klimmen en grote rotsblokken. Ron Bruin doet ook lekker mee, hij is 17e algemeen nu. Belg Martin Fontyn is knap 25e met een zware KTM LC8, een uitdaging om deze motor voor de Rally Albania te pakken. Hij gaat aan de leiding in het 2-cilinder klassement. Peter Groneschild was weer het rapst bij de quads en staat 27e in het gecombineerde motoren en quads klassement.  In het SSV en 4×4 klassement is Maurice Ubachs nu 6e algemeen, met de Hilux.  Algemeen klassement Morgen het eerste deel van de marathon etappe, die maar liefst 420 kilometer lang is met een moeilijke klim van maar liefst zes kilometer. Voor een aantal gaat het weer een hele lange dag worden op de Albanese stenen.  

After taking advantage of a second rest day in Hami, 2018 Taklimakan Rally competitors headed North of Xinjiang province toward Changji, a city close to Mongolian border. The leaders of the overall classification, Han Wei/Liao Min (Geely) in cars and Armand Monleón (KTM) in motorbikes, were the fastest in this transition stage. Upon further deliberation, the stewards have decided the cancellation of the 30’ penalties imposed to the crews Christian Lavieille/Jean-Pierre Garcin (BAIC), Lu Binglong/Sha He (BAIC) and Liu Kun/Wu Dajun (Geely) after stage 6. The short selective section of the day, 103,26 kilometers long, proposed a kind of field the competitors did not encounter yet. Steppes surrounded by mountains and narrow tracks of the North of Xinjiang province have replaced the dunes and sandy tracks of the East of the area. These stony and broken tracks have resulted in many tire punctures especially in car category. The duo Han Wei/Liao Min (Geely) continues to increase his leadership in winning his fourth victory in the 2018 Taklimakan Rally. The crew of the yellow buggy #105 shows that it will be very difficult to take them out the first place of the overall ranking. Christian Lavieille and Jean-Pierre Garcin (BAIC) finished second even though they got stuck in the dust of the other cars during more than twenty kilometers. The French duo is now third in the overall ranking thanks to the cancellation of his penalty. The second buggy Zi Yungang / Wang Zengrong (Geely) is still second after achieving once again a very good performance in finishing third of the stage.  The eighth and penultimate stage of 2018 Taklimakan Rally will take place tomorrow on Tuesday June 12th. Competitors will compete in a timed section of 375,29 kilometers long designed as a loop around Changji. Competitors will cross the Gurbantunggut desert in a very fast stage with some crossing dunes. 68 cars/trucks and 13 bikes/ATVs are still in the race to reach Ürümqi on June 13th. Provisional classification of stage 7 / Car 1. Han Wei (CHN) / Liao Min (CHN), Geely, 1h14’32’’2. Christian Lavieille (FRA) / Jean-Pierre Garcin (FRA), BAIC, + 5’’3. Zi Yungang (CHN) / Wang Zengrong (CHN), Geely, + 1’07’’4. Niu Bandin (CHN) / Fang Mingji (CHN), SMG, + 1’07’’5. Zhong Lei (CHN) / Li Gand (CHN), Buggy, + 1’40’’14. Rémy Vauthier (CH) / Jean Brucy (FRA), Optimus + 11’51’’ Provisional overall classification after stage 7 / Car  1. Han Wei (CHN) / Liao Min (CHN), Geely, 20h35’26’’2. Zi Yungang (CHN) / Wang Zengrong (CHN), Geely, + 9’04’’3. Christian Lavieille (FRA) / Jean-Pierre Garcin (FRA), BAIC, + 11’38’’4. Lu Binglong (CHN) / Sha He (CHN), BAIC, + 16’52’’5. Liu Yangui (CHN) / Hongyu Pan (CHN), BAIC, + 23’30’’42. Rémy Vauthier (CH) / Jean Brucy (FRA), Optimus, + 98h49’34’’ Provisional classification of stage 7 / Motorbike 1. Armand Monleón (ESP), KTM, 1h27’00’’2. Zhang Min (CHN), KTM, + 4’33’’3. Wang Yun (CHN), Husqvarna, + 7’23’’4. Zhao Hongyi (CHN), KTM,  + 11’03’’5. Pablo Pascual (ARG), Zongshen, + 13’14’’8. Eric Schiano (FRA), Zongshen, + 30’31’’  Provisional overall classification after stage 7 / Motorbike 1. Armand Monleón (ESP), KTM, 25h14’41’’2. Zhang Min (CHN), KTM, + 1h35’13’’3. Zhao Hongyi (CHN), KTM,  + 1h53’00’’5. Eric Schiano (FRA), Zongshen, + 4h33’07’’

Op zondag 10 juni is de Rally Albania van start gegaan met de eerste special. Met meteen een mooi resultaat voor Maurice Ubachs die een 2e tijd reed bij de auto’s. Peter Groneschild was de snelste man bij de quads, en Jonathan Velema was beste Nederlander bij de motoren met een 7e tijd.  In de  motorcategorie was de winst voor Slowaak Boris Vlha. De winnaar van vorig jaar, Andrea Cosentino(IT), verloor tien minuten door een navigatiefout. Simion Schimmel: ,,Het was een mooi dagje om er in te komen. De special was zeker in de bossen glad door de recent gevallen regen. Veel stenen en op sommige stukken was het pad erg smal, en dan weer breed. Ik ben in het midden van het veld gefinisht.” Andere Nederlanders in de rally zijn o.a. Ron Bruin, Bas Rek, Alfred van Gelder bij de motoren, en Alex Bogerd en Guido Drooghaag bij de quads.  Op maandag een loopstage van 332 kilometer. En wie Albanië een klein beetje kent, weet dat dat veel kilometers zijn. Er staan twee specials op het programma, en de maximale tijd is 14 uur. Dat belooft dus nog wat!  Uitslag dag 1 [widgetkit id=”277″]  

Vandaag gaat in Tirana de Rally Albania van start. Na de openingsceremonie beginnen de deelnemers aan een proloog van 160 kilometer die de deelnemers naar het bivak brengt in het noodoostelijker gelegen Dibër. Bij de motoren behoort Jonathan Velema tot de kanshebbers op een goed resultaat. Dagelijks zal Simon Schimmel voor ons een update verzorgen en vertellen hoe de rally verloopt. In de autocategorie is Maurice Ubachs van de partij die zich zeker zal willen meten met de snelle lokale rijders die een risico’tje niet schuwen op de snelle paden met heel veel stenen en soms diepe afgronden…  De (helaas niet actuele) startlijst

Competitors of 2018 Taklimakan Rally have raced today the longest stage of the rally (637,89 kilometers) around Hami. While the crew Han Wei / Liao Min (Geely) won the stage, three of its main rivals received a 30 minutes penalty. Zhang Min won a shortened stage in motorbike category. STAGE 6 : HAMI > HAMI : 637,89 km Liaison : 54,12 km | SS : 491,15 km | Liaison : 92,62 km After a stage 5 raced under a strong heat, exhausting for the bodies, the organization of Taklimakan Rally has decided to reduce the lenght of the two wheel’s stage. Therefore, the riders finished the stage at CP2, kilometers 203, while the racing cars raced the 491,15 kilometers as planned. Stage 6 of 2018 Taklimakan Rally has completely changed the overall standing in car category. The stewards have penalized three crews to have missed a way-point at kilometers 438. Another thirty minutes were therefore added to the race time of Christian Lavieille / Jean-Pierre Garcin (BAIC), Lu Bungling / Sha He (BAIC) and Liu Kun / Wu Dajun (Geely). The day was productive for the crew Han Wei / Liao Min (Geely) who won its third victory in 2018 Taklimalan Rally. The yellow buggy #105 is the new leader of the overall ranking before the #103 Zi Yungang/Wang Zengrong, its teamate in Geely Auto Coopertires team. The three BAIC led by Liu Yangui / Hongyu Pan, Lu Bungling / Sha He and Christian Lavieille / Jean-Pierre Garcin are now fourth, fifth and sixth respectively. In the bike category, Zhang Min (KTM) won the stage followed by Armand Monleón. The teamates of KTMR2R Rally team rode together during a big portion of the stage. Now leading the race with a large gap, the Spanish rider adapted his riding and did not take any risk. Thanks to his victory today, Zhang Min increases the gap with Zhao Hongyi in the overall classification. The fight for the second rank is still intense. The two riders are separated by around ten minutes. Provisional classification of stage 6 / Car 1. Han Wei (CHN) / Liao Min (CHN), Geely, 4h29’29’’2. Zi Yungang (CHN) / Wang Zengrong (CHN), Geely, + 2’52’’3. Liu Yangui (CHN) / Hongyu Pan (CHN), BAIC, + 4’00’’4. Niu Bandin (CHN) / Fang Mingji (CHN), SMG, + 12’53’’5. Xu Aili (CHN) / Fu Xinming (CHN), Buggy, 16’54’’9. Christian Lavieille (FRA) / Jean-Pierre Garcin (FRA), BAIC, + 35’14’’ (30’ penalty)11. Rémy Vauthier (CH) / Jean Brucy (FRA), Optimus + 37’33’’|2. Lu Binglong (CHN) / Sha He (CHN), BAIC,  + 38’31 (30’ penalty) Provisional overall classification after stage 6 / Car 1. Han Wei (CHN) / Liao Min (CHN), Geely, 19h20’54’’2. Zi Yungang (CHN) / Wang Zengrong (CHN), Geely, + 7’57’’3. Liu Yangui (CHN) / Hongyu Pan (CHN), BAIC, + 21’04’’4. Lu Binglong (CHN) / Sha He (CHN), BAIC, + 37’00’’5. Christian Lavieille (FRA) / Jean-Pierre Garcin (FRA), BAIC, + 41’33’’44. Rémy Vauthier (CH) / Jean Brucy (FRA), Optimus, + 98h37’43’’ Provisional classification of stage 6 / Motorbike 1. Zhang Min (CHN), KTM, 2h21’48’’2. Armand Monleón (ESP), KTM, + 1’58’’3. Pablo Pascual (ARG), Zongshen, + 8’44’’4. Zhao Hongyi (CHN), KTM,  + 10’36’’5. Wang Yun (CHN), Husqvarna, + 13’06’’6. Eric Schiano (FRA), Zongshen, + 13’47’’ Provisional overall classification after stage 6 / Motorbike 1. Armand Monleón (ESP), KTM, 23h47’41’’2. Zhang Min (CHN), KTM, + 1h30’40’’3. Zhao Hongyi (CHN), KTM,  + 1h41’57’’4. Pablo Pascual (ARG), Zongshen, + 2h24’36’’5. Eric Schiano (FRA), Zongshen, + 4h02’36’’

Stage 5 of 2018 Taklimakan Rally proposed a selective section of 323,08 kilometers long designed around Hami. The chinese crew Binglong Lu/He Sha (BAIC) reached the top of the overall classification. Differences are small in car category while five stages have already been completed out of the nine planned. Armand Monleón on his KTM increased the gap with his main rivals by winning his second victory in a row. STAGE 5 : HAMI > HAMI : 512,12 km  Liaison : 86,65 km | SS : 323,08 km | Liaison : 102,39 km The previous night was short for 2018 Taklimakan Rally competitors. The current high heat in the Hami area forced the organizer to change the schedule of the day. Therefore, the first bike left the bivouac at 5AM and the first car at 6.20AM. Competitors faced dunes crossing, fast tracks and still a very precise navigation. Taking advantage of its sixth rank this morning in the starting order, the chinese crew of BAIC team Binglong Lu/He Sha was the fastest today and grabbed the first rank of the overall classification. Liu Kun/Wu Dajun, first car of Geely Auto Coopertires team, finished second before Christian Lavieille/Jean-Pierre Garcin. Every day in the firsts ranks, but not winner yet, the French duo will have a terrific shot tomorrow since it will start third. The former leaders Han Wei/Liao Min had to open the route after their yesterday’s victory. They suffered  and finished fifth of the day. In the overall classification, the gaps are narrows. The four firsts are separated of only eight minutes. After a bad perfomance during the first part of the rally, Armand Monleón grabs his second victory in a row in riding alone during the whole stage. The Spanish rider reinforces his leadership position in the overall classification. The fight for the second rank is intense between Zhang Min and Zhao Hongyi, separated by less than one minute. The two Zongshen riders, Pablo Pascual and Eric Schiano are still in the right places, fourth and sixth respectively. Saturday June 9th competitors will complete the longest stage of 2018 Taklimakan Rally, 637,99 kilometers long including 491,15 kilometers in selective section. This very long stage might increase the gaps between the contenders to the final victory of car classification. Live from the Hami Bivouac Cars Christian Lavieille (FRA/BAIC) | 3rd of stage 5 / 4th of overall ,,We started fourth this morning and we lost time behind the Toyota of Chen Feng because of the fesh dust. We catch up our teamates Binglong Lu and Han Wei. We overtook them in the dunes. Navigation was not easy, and it was hard to create gaps. We drove then 70 kilometers ahead. Things was a bit easier for other competitors thanks to our traces. We are now getting closer in the overall classification. We will start third tomorrow. It’s a good position because the stage will be long.” Rémy Vauthier (CH/Optimus) | 17th of stage 5 / 47th of overall ,,Temperature was a bit fresher today, roughly 45°C ! Actually it is not unpleasant. The stage was very beautiful with so high dunes that we have the feeling we cannot climb it. So steep that we are impressed by the downhill. Navigation was quite tricky and we got lost a bit as in a real cross-country rally” Bikes Armand Monleón (ESP / KTM) | 1st of stage 5 / 1st of overall ,,I rode alone all day long. It was a  physical stage with few tricky windows. I rode in a good pace, not taking any risk but always in high speed. I took good navigation decisions and I had fun on the fast tracks. Now it’s time to rest a bit because tomorrow will be a long day.” Eric Schiano (FRA/Zongshen) | 9th of stage 5 / 6th of overall,,Long and hot day! The stage was varied: bumpy portions, not very easy crossing dunes and fast tracks in closing. My goal was to pace myself. I will now prepare the road-book assiduously and try to get some sleep.” Provisional classification of stage 5 / car 1. Lu Binglong (CHN) / Sha He (CHN), BAIC, 3h08’39’’2. Liu Kun (CHN) / Wu Dajun (CHN), Geely, + 18’’3. Christian Lavieille (FRA) / Jean-Pierre Garcin (FRA), BAIC, + 5’11’’4. Zi Yungang (CHN) / Wang Zengrong (CHN), Geely, + 6’20’’5. Han Wei (CHN) / Liao Min (CHN), Geely, + 6’26’’17. Rémy Vauthier (CH) / Jean Brucy (FRA), Optimus + 42’15’’  Provisional overall classification after stage 5 / car 1. Lu Binglong (CHN) / Sha He (CHN), BAIC, 14h49’57’’2. Han Wei (CHN) / Liao Min (CHN), Geely, + 1’28’’3. Zi Yungang (CHN) / Wang Zengrong (CHN), Geely, + 6’33’4. Christian Lavieille (FRA) / Jean-Pierre Garcin (FRA), BAIC, + 7’47’’5. Liu Yangui (CHN) / Hongyu Pan (CHN), BAIC, + 18’32’’47. Rémy Vauthier (CH) / Jean Brucy (FRA), Optimus, + 98h01’38’’ Provisional classification of stage 5 / motorbike 1. Armand Monleón (ESP), KTM, 4h14’25’’2. Zhang Min (CHN), KTM, + 23’12’’3. Zhaker Yakefu (CHN), KTM, + 26’27’’4. Zhao Hongyi (CHN), KTM,  + 27’43’’5. Pablo Pascual (ARG), Zongshen, + 42’51’’9  Eric Schiano (FRA), Zongshen, + 1h09’59’’ >Provisional overall classification after stage 5 / motorbikes 1. Armand Monleón (ESP), KTM, 21h23’55’’2. Zhang Min (CHN), KTM, + 1h32’38’’3. Zhao Hongyi (CHN), KTM,  + 1h33’19’’4. Pablo Pascual (ARG), Zongshen, + 2h18’50’’5. Zhaker Yakefu (CHN), KTM, + 3h29’00’’6. Eric Schiano (FRA), Zongshen, + 3h51’47’’

Concocted for “top competitors” to continue their preparation but also for amateurs who want to experience the “Dakar spirit”, the 3rd edition of the Dakar Series Desafío Inca will be held from September 14-16 in Peru, which will also host the next edition of the Dakar. A Golden opportunity to toughen up and contribute to the emergence of new competitors in a country that adores rally-raid.  Key points:  – The Dakar Series Desafío Inca will be the 3rd Dakar Series event of the year and will be held from September 14-16.  – It will be a unique opportunity to toughen up ahead of the next Dakar that will be contested entirely in Peru in January 2019.  – Enter on www.desafioinca.com  The countdown has begun. In less than eight months, next January, hundreds of competitors will start edition 41 of the Dakar that will be a ten-stage rally in the heart of Peru. Several competitors will participate in the Dakar Series Desafío Inca in September to fine-tune their preparation and get some valuable time in the dunes, and sandy Peruvian sectors.  Ideal conditions and extraordinary panoramic views The three-stage race will be an opportunity for the “top competitors” to fine-tune their set-ups on their machines and get acclimated to the conditions they will face on the Dakar. In addition to the extraordinary panoramic views – the Dakar Series Desafío Inca will be held in the Ica region, which is bordered by the Pacific Ocean – the competitors and assistance teams will benefit from a stationary bivouac, which will offer them an ideal setting for multiple exchanges and completing their preparation.  Alongside the “top competitors”, amateurs from the five Dakar categories (car, motorcycle, quad, Side by Side and truck) will get a chance to experience “the Dakar spirit”. An initiation held in the best possible conditions. The Dakar organiser will offer its experience in terms of organisation, logistics as well as constant support to these competitors.  Following in the paths of Hernández and Fuchs  The third running of the Dakar Series Desafío Inca (after the 2013 and 2014 editions) will be the final Dakar Series event after the Afriquia Merzouga Rally, held in Morocco last April and the Desafío Ruta 40 that will be contested in Argentina from August 25-31.  Prior to the 2019 Dakar, which will be run exclusively in Peru, the Dakar Series Desafío Inca has what it needs to seduce the numerous Peruvian competitors who also aspire to compete in the toughest rally-raid in the world. Like their compatriots, quad rider Alexis Hernández, who finished 5th last time out on the Dakar and rally driver Nicolás Fuchs who is a regular in WRC2 and who finished 12th in his first participation in the Dakar, there are many who want to represent the Peruvian colours.

Han Wei/Liao Min in car, and Armand Monleón in bike category are the main winners of the fourth stage of 2018 Taklimakan Rally. The new leaders of the overall classification have perfectly managed a very tricky stage.  STAGE 4 : SHANSHAN > HAMI : 454,91 km   Liaison : 82,86 km | SS : 301,72 km | Liaison : 70,33 km Stage 4 of 2018 Taklimakan Rally between Shanshan and Hami, 454,91 kilometers long, did not propose any dunes crossing unlike the three last racing days. However, difficulty remained high despite the lack of sand. The field of this selective section was covered of an incalculable number of tracks and change of ways. The route was very hard to read even for the most experienced navigators. Under an extreme heat, usual in Xinjiang province in this period of the year, the crew Han Wei/Liao Min performed the best. With victory in stage 4, the leading car of the Geely Auto Coopertires team grabs the first rank in the car overall classification. The yellow buggy #105 claims its second victory in 2018 Taklimakan Rally. It finished ahead of its nearest competitor, the first BAIC car of Liu Yangui/Hongyu Pan, despite its stage 3 misfortune, and the Toyota Hilux of Chen Feng/Wang Yicheng which complete the podium of the day. The French duo Christian Lavieille/Jean-Pierre Garcin, fourth of the stage and fourth of overall, stays on the lookout and gains time from most of his main rivals, even though they had to open the route during a big portion of the stage. In contrast, the day was way more difficult for the second European duo of the Keepower team, Rémy Vauthier and Jean Brucy, who did not achieve to reach the finish line in the limited time. In the motorbike category, Armand Monleón let his rivals to open the route from the first part of the selective section. While the other riders was trying to find the right way, the titledolher pushed hard to reduce the gap he collected since the start of the race in Ürümqi. The operation is excellent for the Spanish rider since he is becoming the new leader of the 2018 Taklimakan Rally after stage 4.  He has now a comfortable lead on his two main rivals, the Chinese riders Hongyi Zhao and Zhang Min. The Zongshen riders, Pablo Pascual and Eric Schiano, are now fourth and fifth in the overall classification. On Friday June 8th, competitors of 2018 Taklimakan Rally will compete in the first of the two loops planned around Hami, 512,2 kilometers long. The Dunes will already be back for stage 5.  Live from the bivouac in Hami (Xinjiang China Cars Han Wei (CHN/Geely) | 1st in stage 4 / 1st in overall ,,Today’s stage was pretty tricky, it was easy to make mistakes, We managed to finish with another stage win, and we are also back on top in the overall classification now. We have to stay focused. 2018 Taklimakan Rally is a long race. Everything can happen.” Christian Lavieille (FRA/BAIC) | 4th of stage 4 / 4th of overall,,A very nice stage with very hard navigation today. The stage had plenty change of tracks! We had to stay focused. Jean-Pierre did a great job. We lost roughly 3 minutes to find the right track 20 kilometers before the finish line, it seems the other cars did the same mistake than us. Our goal was to be faster than the firsts in the overall classification. We will start 4th tomorrow. We will do our best to have a good day and get out first of the stage.” Rémy Vauthier (CH/Optimus) | 66th of stage 4 / 49th of overall,,I thought there were only dunes in China ! We were warned during the briefing that the temperature was going to be very high, roughly 70°C ! Conditions are very difficult, but we love that ! At kilometers 100, the car finished on the roof because of a hole I did not see. We are OK. There are only material damages. We finished the stage, but ouf of the limited time. We  got the time penalty. It’s not the end of the world, we will try to negociate as much as we can the next stages.” Bikes Armand Monleón (ESP / KTM) | 1st of stage 4 / 1st of overall,,I finally did a stage without any problem! I started 5th this morning, and I took advantage of my position on the track to observe the other riders. I followed them, until they made a mistake in a oued. I took the right track, and then I pushed hard. The stage was very physical. All the job I have done these last weeks makes perfect sense in this kind of stage. I think I did the right thing today.” Zhang Min (CHN/KTM) | 8th of stage 4 / 3rd of overall,,Stage 4 has been very challenging. I made a mistake on kilometers 57, and got lost. It costs me one hour to get back on the right track. It’s good that I made it to the finish today.” Eric Schiano (FRA/Zongshen) | 12th of stage 4 / 5th of overall,,A very hard stage today. I got lost at kilometers 60, it costs me roughly 30 minutes. I had decided to ride slowly today anyway. Some days things are going well, some others everything is a bit harder. I’m in a good shape. My motorbike is fine. Tomorrow will be another day.” Provisional classification of stage 4 / car  1. Han Wei (CHN) / Liao Min (CHN), Geely, 3h14’22’’2. Liu Yangui (CHN) / Hongyu Pan (CHN), BAIC, + 16’’3. Chen Feng (CHN) / Wang Yicheng (CHN), Toyota, + 1’20’’4. Christian Lavieille (FRA) / Jean-Pierre Garcin (FRA), BAIC, + 1’23’’5. Liu Kun (CHN) / Wu Dajun (CHN), Geely, + 5’22’’66. Rémy Vauthier (CH) / Jean Brucy (FRA), Optimus + 100h0’0’’ Overall provisional classification after stage 4 / car  1. Han Wei (CHN) / Liao Min (CHN), Geely, 11h36’20’’2. Lu Binglong (CHN) / Sha He (CHN), BAIC, + 4’58’’3. Zi Yungang (CHN) / Wang Zengrong (CHN), Geely, + 6’20’’4. Christian Lavieille (FRA) / Jean-Pierre Garcin (FRA), BAIC, + 12’20’’5. Liu Yangui (CHN) / Hongyu Pan (CHN), BAIC, + 13’47’’49. Rémy Vauthier (CH) / Jean Brucy (FRA), Optimus, + 108h59’44’’ Provisional classification of stage 4 / bikes  1. Armand Monleón (ESP), KTM, 3h53’36’’2. Zhaker Yakefu (CHN), KTM, + 43’19’’3. Shi Yong (CHN), KTM, + 49’16’’4. Zhao Hongyi (CHN), KTM,  + 52’40’’5. Dem Jiang (CHN), Yamaha, + 1h08’28’’11. Pablo Pascual (ARG), Zongshen, + 1h54’03’’12. Eric Schiano (FRA), Zongshen, + 2h02’21’’ Overall provisional classification after stage 4 / bikes 1. Armand Monleón (ESP), KTM, 17h09’30’’2. Zhao Hongyi (CHN), KTM,  + 1h03’44’’3. Zhang Min (CHN), KTM, + 1h19’24’’4. Pablo Pascual (ARG), Zongshen, + 1h38’30’’5. Eric Schiano (FRA), Zongshen, + 2h49’48’’  

Van 25 augustus t/m 31 augustus wordt de 2018 editie verreden van de Serres Rally. Een uitdagende en afwisselende rally, op hoog niveau georganiseerd. Van der Velden Motoren biedt transport en service aan en heeft nog een paar plaatsen vrij!  De Serres Rally is open voor motoren, quads en SSV’s, maar is een echte enduro rally. Er wordt alleen op roadbook gereden, zonder gps. De actieradius moet 150 kilometer zijn. De routes zijn heel divers, en technisch zeer uitdagend. Gravel, stenen, zand, modder, doorwadingen, single tracks, een marathon etappe, werkelijk alles zit erin. Met een professionele tijdwaarneming, goed tracking systeem, nauwkeurige roadbooks, een zeer ervaren organisatie en een hele scherpe prijs biedt de Serres Rally zeer veel waar voor je geld. Dit jaar o.a. met Dakar 2019 deelnemers Wesly Pittens, Paul Spierings, Martien Jimmink en Marcel Piek. De voorlopige deelnemerslijst Tot 1 juli kun je nog gebruik maken van het tarief van 900,- euro. Daar komen de kosten voor de accomodatie, maaltijden, brandstof en een licentie nog bij. Van der Velden Motoren is al jaren actief in de wereld van de rally-raids met een professioneel team. Iedere dag wordt je motor goed bijgehouden en kun je beschikken over de best mogelijke faciliteiten en voorzieningen. Het team weet wat er vereist is om jou zonder zorgen maximaal te laten genieten. Meer weten? Neem dan contact op met Bart van der Velden.  E-mail: info@veldenmotoren.nlOf bel: 06 412 66 324

Afgelopen weekend konden rally raid liefhebbers hun hart ophalen tijdens de ELE-rally. De ELE-rally, welke voorheen alleen voor de ‘gewone’ straat rally equipes was had tijdens deze 54e editie een nieuwe toevoeging. “Wie dacht dat het ELE-weekend niet completer kon, komt dit jaar bedrogen uit. We doen er gewoon nóg een schepje bovenop!”, lacht ELE-wedstrijdleider Radboud van Hoek. Vijftien deelnemers uit het NK Offroad Racing stonden vrijdag aan de start in Veldhoven. Rick Aarts finishte als 2e overall achter Joost Hofmans, en won de T1 klasse: “Vooraf wist ik niet zo goed te verwachten, maar achteraf ben ik blij dat ik gegaan ben. Het was erg leuk. We hebben twee dagen de tijd gehad om de routes te verkennen. Het evenement is goed georganiseerd, en met zo’n 15.000 toeschouwers is ook de belangstelling gewoon hartstikke goed. Er zat nog redelijk wat onverhard in, maar de remmen hadden het zwaar te verduren op het asfalt. Ondanks de speciale remblokken en andere remvloeistof die bestand is tegen temperaturen tot 360 graden. We reden allemaal op slicks of wegbanden, dat is een eis. Joost met zijn buggy kan ik onder dit soort omstandigheden nooit bijhouden. Dave (Klaassen red.) maakte een navigatiefout, wat hem kansloos maakte voor een topklassering. In de laatste twee proeven heb ik het iets rustiger aangedaan, omdat het motorblok dit soort omstandigheden niet zo fijn vindt en flink te lijden had. Ik verwacht niet dat ik naar de Baja Breslau ga, want er is nog wel wat werk te doen en de tijd is nog maar kort.’’ NTA-voorzitter, en deelnemer, Eelco Bekker heeft het flink naar zijn zin gehad. “Onze auto’s zijn natuurlijk niet gemaakt om op asfalt te rijden, en dat breng soms flink kapriolen met zich mee.” Net als bij Rick Aarts heeft ook de auto van Bekker het zwaar te verduren gehad. “Onze auto’s zijn toch een 1000 kilo zwaarder, en dat gewicht moeten we wel tot stilstand krijgen bij een bocht” Naast de remmen hadden ook de banden hadden het zwaar. Bekker reed op dezelfde soort band als waarop hij afgelopen Dakar reed, maar het profiel aan de zijkant en de wangen zijn behoorlijk afgesleten. “De organisatie van de ELE-rally staat als een huis en ik denk dat alle offroad rijders het naar hun zin hebben gehad. We hebben het publiek flink kunnen vermaken” De nummer een van de eerste dag, Dave Klaassen en Tessa Rooth, hadden een geweldig eerste dag. En dat ondanks de fout in de eerste proef waar zij een ronde te weinig reden. “We reden verkeerd achter een ander te proef uit terwijl we eigenlijk nog een ronde hadden gemoeten” verteld navigator Tessa Rooth. Aan het einde van de dag stond de equipe van Klaassen 24 seconden voor op Rick Aarts. Op zaterdag ging het helaas mis, bij een Y-splitsing namen zij de verkeerde afslag en kwamen daarbij een deelnemer uit een andere klasse tegen welke zij voor moesten laten. Hierdoor waren zij het ritme kwijt en maakte achter de andere deelnemer nogmaals een navigatiefout waardoor ze te vroeg bij de finish waren. Maar al met al hebben ook zij het naar hun zin gehad, “Voor de rest hebben we echt supersnel gereden” sluit Rooth haar reactie af. In november staat de laatste wedstrijden van het eb-NK Offroad Racing op de kalender. De Baja Borgen zal plaatsvinden op 3 en 4 november.

In the extreme heat of the Xinjiang province, the crew  Han Wei/Liao Min won its first victory in 2018 Taklimakan Rally. The Geely Auto Coopertires team let the first place of the overall classification to its rival BAIC. Shi Yong took advantage of the bad fortune of the other riders to win the stage in motorbikes category. STAGE 2 : SHANSHAN > SHANSHAN : 390,74 km | Liaison : 52,93 km | SS : 297,75 km | Liaison : 40,06 km With some fast tracks, an oued and many dunes crossing, this second stage of 2018 Taklimakan Rally, designed around Shanshan, offered to competitors a varied route. The high temperatures, approaching 50°C on the tracks, made the stage even a bit harder. The driver-manufacturer Han Wei offers a second win in a row to his team Geely Auto Coopertires, his first personal victory. The yellow buggies claim a one-two finish thanks to Liu Kun/Wu Dajun, but let the lead of the overall classification to the BAIC of Liu Yangui/Pan Hongyu. Christian Lavieille/Jean-Pierre Garcin aimed to put things right after the first stage they finished below their expectations. The French duo finishes fourth, just behind their BAIC teamates  Binglong Lu/He Sha. In the motorbike category, Shi Yong on his KTM won the second stage after an uniformly perfect day. Armand Monleón encountered problems with the functioning of his GPS. But, thanks to his teamate Zhaker Yakefu, the Spanish rider achieved to reach the finish line without losing much time. The French Eric Schiano finished eighth. His performance is encouraging after his crash during stage 1. Tomorrow, on tuesday June 5th, the service teams will stay in Shanshan bivouac while the racing vehicles will take part into a second loop of 426,8 kilometers long. Navigation will be the key factor to make a good performance during the stage 3 of 2018 Taklimakan Rally. Live from Shanshan biviouac (Xinjiang / China) Cars Han Wei (CHN/Geely) | 1st in stage 2 / 3rd in overall“Today’s stage was pretty difficult but we managed to handle it. Everything went well! I started the sixth and was the fourth to reach the finish. Our pace was very good. It is our first victory in 2018 Taklimakan Rally. I’m really confident for the next stages.” Binglong Lu (CHN/BAIC) | 3rd in stage 2 / 4th in overall,,The BJ40 had no big problem today. The sound of the radio was just constantly a bit too loud. There are still many desert portions coming soon.  BAIC team is now playing team strategy. So far so good!” Christian Lavieille (FRA/BAIC) | 3rd in stage 2 / 6th in overall”We started 11th and were very quickly in the dust of the other cars. It was very hard to overtake with a strong headwind. Our mechanics have changed our shock absorbers which are now more appropriate for fast tracks like we had today. The team has worked during the whole night and we did not want to bring back a damaged car for the second day in a row. Our goal was to finish the stage in the right place, it’s done!” Rémy Vauthier (CH/Optimus) | 16th in stage 2 / 13th in overall ,,Like yesterday, the scenery was amazing with very beautiful dunes without grass or stone. Chinese drivers are very good. This desert is their playground. Our engine stopped in the sixth gear 5 kilometers after the DSS. Big fright! We made some tests. Luckily, the engine restarted again and we finished the stage without any problem. We lost two or three ranks due to this misadventure.” Bikes Armand Monleón | 2nd in stage 2 / 2nd in overall,,I had a problem with the power supply of my GPS. In the first part, I did my best to keep a right pace while triying to no to make navigation mistake. Then I sticked to my teamate to be sure to follow the right path. In these conditions, my goal was only to reach the finish line. 2018 Taklimakan Rally has seven stages left. Everything can happen.” Eric Schiano (FRA/Zongshen) | 8th in stage 2 / 6th in overall,,Things did not work as I hoped. I had to turn around few kilometers after the DSS to replace my safety device. I had appealed to the organization to count down the time I spent to fix it. The crossing of the dunes was very beautiful. I decided to ride slowly because the racing cars overtook me. My small crash yesterday did not affect my shape. My shoulder is fine!”  

2018 Taklimakan Rally left Ürümqi this morning to reach Shanshan bivouac, located at the north of the Xinjiang province. The winners of yesterday’s prologue had contrasting fortunes during this first stage. Christian Lavieille/Jean-Pierre Garcin lost much time and left the leadership of the rally to Zi Yungang / Wang Zengrong. Zhaker Yakefu took the lead to Armand Monleón, second of the stage, in motorbike category. STAGE 1 : ÜRÜMQI > SHANSHAN : 462,25kmLiaison : 188,95 km | SS : 214,4 km | Liaison : 58,9km This first stage of 462,35 kilometers long between Ürümqi and Shanshan included fast portions in its first part, and a sequence of dunes crossing of 40 kilometers long to reach the finish line. Temperatures above 40° were encountered on the track. In charge to open the route since their victory in the prologue, Christian Lavieille and Jean-Pierre Garcin have been through a difficult first stage. A roll over, without gravity, during a dune crossing cost more than 20 minutes to the french duo of the Run Racing Motorsports team. Victory fall to the crew of the SMG buggy Zi Yungang / Wang Zengrong.  Yangui Liu / Pan Hongyu are the first representatives of BAIC team. The chinese crew finished second of the stage and proved once again they are very comfortable in the sand.  In the bike category, Zhaker Yakefu wins the first stage. The chinese rider launches his 2018 Taklimakan Rally in the best possible way. Only fifth yesterday, he is now leading the overall classification. The Daming KTMR2R Rally team took the second and third ranks with Armand Monleón and Zhang Min. Eric Schiano finished sixth and fell without gravity few kilometers before the finish line. On Monday June 4th, competitors of 2018 Takimakan Rally will compete a first loop around Shanshan. Stage 2 will contain a selective section of 297,75 kilometers long for a total stage of 390,74 kilometers.   Live from the Shanshan bivouac (Xinjiang / China) Cars Binglong Lu (CHN/BAIC) | 4st in stage 1 / 4th in overall,,After kilometers 170, it was all desert landscape, top level difficulty. The surface of the desert is super soft. Our BJ40 works very well and is more powerful than last year. Today is the first special stage of the Taklimakan rally 2018. Most of the competitors do not push yet the cars to the limit, because nobody wants to break the vehicles. Everything is under our control. The plan of the team is to run a steady race.” Han Wei (CHN/Geely) | 6th in stage 1 / 6th in overall,,We lost much time today because of a tyre puncture. A navigation mistake cost us few seconds as well. Apart from that, everything is going well. The car works very well, and the collaboration with my co-drivers is perfect. The race has just begun.” Rémy Vauthier (CH/Optimus) | 9th in stage 1 / 9th in overall,,Good stage for us from start to end. We drove very fast in the first part of the stage, but always with the proper pace. I usually do not feel comfortable in the dunes, but I enjoyed it very much today. This desert is huge, without traps. We even drove a little bit slower to enjoy the landscape. Breathtaking scenery. We are very happy.” Bikes Armand Monleón | 2nd in stage 1 / 2nd in overall“Stage 1 was very difficult. Very fast in its first part, It became more technical when we arrived in the dunes. The navigation was not easy, with very tricky caps and tracks not always visible. Chinese riders are very fast. We are now fully in the competition.”  Pablo Pascual (ARG/Zongshen) | 4th in stage 1 / 4th in overall,,It was a good stage for me. Tracks in China are really amazing. Navigation was very tricky. I decided to not take any risk today. I will keep this pace during the next stages because dunes are too much different of what I usually meet in Argentina.” Eric Schiano (FRA/Zongshen) | 6th in stage 1 / 6th in overall,,Very nice stage today with much off-road navigation. I’m a bit surprised by the road-book which is perfect. I fell down 5 kilometers before the finish line. This is my fault, I was not focused enough. Of course, i will be there for stage 2. I feel OK. Today was a very good day for the team.”    

After the opening ceremony which officially launched the 2018 Taklimakan Rally, 106 vehicles competed in a prologue designed around Ürümqi. Christian Lavieille / Jean-Pierre Garcin in cars, and Armand Monleón in motorbike category, win this short timed portion. They will consequently open the route tomorrow during the stage 1. The prologue of 2018 Taklimakan Rally, 16,02 kilometers long, did not contain any significant difficulties. This first time section was a perfect way to make a first test for the 90 cars/trucks and 16 motorbikes/ATVs which enter the rally. On very dusty and windy tracks, this prologue was mainly an opportunity for competitors to adapt themselves quickly to their vehicles, and revive their competitive spirit.  Christian Lavieille and Jean-Pierre Garcin win the prologue, and will have the hard task to open the route during stage 1. The french crew, 2017 Taklimakan Rally winner, starts the 2018 edition in the best possible way on board of his BAIC BJ40 colored in blue, white and red. The two Toyota Hilux of Longxing team, led by Wang Hai/Chen  Qiongkai and Chen Feng/Wang Yicheng, complete the podium.  The title holder also won the prologue in motorbike category. Armand Monleón on his KTM was the fastest in front of the argentinian Pablo Pascual and the chinese Zhang Min. The fight will be intense during 2018 Taklimakan Rally between the teams Daming KKTMR2R Rally and Zhongshen. The two teams monopolize the four first ranks of the day. Tomorrow, on Sunday June 3rd, 2018 Taklimakan Rally leaves Ürümqi and head North towards Shanshan. This first stage of 462,25 kilometers long, including 214,4 kilometers in selective section, will already be a major test.  Live from the ÜRÜMQI bivouac (XINJIANG / CHINA) Cars Christian Lavieille (FRA/BAIC) 1st in prologue / 1st in overall,,Everything was fine today. We had a good feeling with the cars. We did not take any risk because the prologue was tricky due to many holes on the track. Our goal was to manage our pace to not open the route tomorrow. We finally win the prologue. We are a bit surprised of our ranking.” Han Wei (CHN/Geely) 12th in prologue / 12th in overall,,We did not have any particular problem today. We tried to preserve the cars. Our buggy works very well! Taklimakan Rally is a long and difficult rally.” Rémy Vauthier (CH/Optimus) 23rd in prologue / 23rd in overall,,The prologue did not contain any particular difficulties. We are lucky because we realized that our shock absorbers have a manufacturing defect.  We will change it by tomorrow and replace it by new ones coming from France. The rally did not start yet. This race is very long.” Bikes Armand Monleón (ESP/KTM) 1st in prologue / 1st in overall

Kenderly (Kazakhstan) : Four Minis dominated the classification after the opening 280.35km of competitive action in Rally Kazakhstan, round five of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, between Aktau City and the Caspian Sea resort of Kenderly on Monday. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah had been the fastest driver through the opening 90km section of the stage by 12 seconds but his demise with a second successive engine-related issue paved the way for Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al-Rajhi to move into an overnight lead of 2min 04sec in his X-raid MINI John Cooper Works Rally. The Saudi said: “It was a very fast first stage and everything was okay. The first part was fast and smooth and it became more technical on the second part to the beach and then fast to the finish. I started the stage from eighth place and overtook several cars including Nasser and (Boris) Gadasin.” Frenchman Luc Alphand was his closest rival in second place with the new MINI Buggy and FIA World Cup leader Jakub Przygonski held third overall, 2min 38sec further behind, in his MINI John Cooper Works Rally. Przygonski said: “From the first stage we were opening all the day and it was a nice day. We enjoy it. Sometimes there was some tricky navigation but we were trying to push.” “We just have to pass Harry Hunt on the first stage. It was the first stage in Kazakhstan after the break and everyone was a little nervous,” added Alphand. “The navigation was not so easy and it is quite dangerous to overtake in the dust. I hope that Nasser can come back tonight and continue the race. We want to fight with them.” Russian driver Vladimir Vasilyev missed the event in 2017 through injury and he was classified in a solid fourth overall in his MINI Cooper Countryman, while Czech driver Martin Prokop was fifth in a Ford F-150 Evo. Vasilyev’s navigator Konstantin Zhiltsov said: “Everything was okay and we were happy to finish this stage. It is a new race for us. We have to take security. We need to be careful. We treat today like a Prologue.”