Ever wandered what it would be like to take part in one of Europe’s very best rally events while also enjoying the company and support of a rider that’s unquestionably one of the greatest rally racers ever?
Four-time Dakar Rally winner Cyril Despres has recently announced that he will be running Team KTM Cyril Despres Sardinia Rally – a race assistance package that will give eight riders the chance to compete in the Sardinia Rally under Cyril’s guidance while also offering much, much more…
In 2010 Cyril Despres and his team took seven amateur riders to Cyril’s favourite rally, the Sardinia Rally Race, and with their advice and encouragement all seven riders made it to the finish. Following on from that success Team KTM Cyril Despres have decided to repeat the experience in 2012.
“From a riding point of view the Sardinia Rally Race is my favourite event of the year,” explains four-time Dakar winner Cyril Despres. “The people are friendly, the scenery is stunning and the tracks are sensational. In addition, it is perfectly suited to the amateur riders. You don’t need a big rally bike, just a standard enduro machine with a bigger tank and a road book reader. The days aren’t too long either and you don’t have to be super fit or a top-level rider. There’s no GPS or other expensive navigation equipment and at night you sleep in a hotel and eat great Italian food. What more could you want!”
Perfectionists that are keen to share their expertise, the team has created a high quality package. “I think a lot of people are put off entering rallies because they think they are too complicated, so we have put together something that takes away all that stress,” adds Despres. “The eight riders will be looked after by three mechanics and my Dakar Team Manager Chris Evans. Before the event they will spend a day with me learning how to set up their bike, navigate and manage their race. Then every evening during the race we will brief them on the following day and take the time to answer their questions.
“In 2010 we didn’t know what to expect, but the whole thing worked out really well. There was a great atmosphere and both my team and I really enjoyed passing on some of our knowledge and helping the seven riders realise their dream,” concludes Despres.
For 2012 the KTM Cyril Despres Sardinia Rally assistance package will cost 4’200 Euro, and includes entry fees, mechanics, assistance vehicle, spares, training day, riding shirt and half board hotel accommodation from 22 – 27 June.
The hire of a fully prepared KTM 350 or 450 EXC, equipped with road book reader, ICO trip meter, large capacity fuel tank, bib mousses, bash plate, rally guards, etc is 2300 Euro. This equals the cost of equipping a standard enduro bike without the cost of transport or depreciation.
For further information contact Chris Evans at chris.evans@sport-adventure.com or by telephone on +33 662 48 71 90.
