Thanks once again to Westx1000 for their amazing coverage of the Silk Way Rally and allowing us to publish it to the digital pages of Motorcycle.com.

Begin press release:

Stage 3 (Marathon): Pass the Baton

The Organization Makes the Most of Bad Situation, And It’s Epic

The 411-kilometer morning liaison offered some of the most picturesque landscapes most of the foreign participants have or will ever witness in their lifetime. Even some of the Russian and Mongolian locals haven’t had the chance to travel along reportedly one of the prettiest drives in the world. The low-lying mountains are a velvety green with multi-sized patches of trees in various locations on the cliffsides. The texture and appearance harkened to the felted materials handcrafted in Siberia and Mongolia for centuries. Gazing up, outcroppings of rocks make an appearance through the fuzzy grass pelt on the earth’s surface. Before climbing through the alpine, watery fingertips slid into the valleys making up the hundreds of visible rivers, brooks or creeks near which up to tens of tents edged the waterways at any given interval. This week alone the perfect place to camp. Temperate, beautiful, plenty to do and see. Go far enough away and find regal factions of farm animals breaking the mold on how to free-range. Horses, cows and the occasional goat tribe all fat and indifferent about their luxury lifestyle. Contemporary meets classic as farmers and shepherds gathers their flocks and round the herds with small-displacement motorcycles in place of horses. It’s certainly a cheaper option. But it’s an effective tool in modern-day ranching. Deeper still were glamp sites meant to resemble space pods and traditional Mongolian Gers. Instead of one that’s made of yellow brick and infested with monkey birds, dare the Tin Man not to grow a heart after one pass down this two-lane tarmac, divided by, of course, by a bright yellow line.

The more remote the village, the quainter – with traditional homesteads which are well-maintained and well-loved by the locals who are lucky enough to live here, let alone visit this place. And then the roadway begins to climb. A fillet knife seems to have carved this intricate winding path through the Altai sierras, so smooth and precise and detailed in its curves. Now, perched above the valley, looking down – if you dare – only shows an alternate breathtaking view of the region. An outdoorsman’s paradise. No. A rally racer’s paradise. It’s so abundant in features, activity that it was easy to forget the event should have been crossing the border today. But instead, in response to the country shutting its gates to in-going and out-going travel – an arguably necessary means to try and control a resurgence of COVID-19 cases – the Silk Way Rally opted for a back-up plan which involved moving up the two marathon stages a few days and keeping the competitors on known (to them) routes for a clean, easy, very last-minute transition, which could keep everyone in awe.

Today, the organizers moved the marathon stage forward in order to give the racers a bit of what they would be missing in Mongolia and an opportunity to continue without skipping a beat. Many were grateful for the opportunity to race even just one more special (let alone have four more to look forward to), which at the Silk Way Rally, is where the landscapes, challenges and competitions really “start to get good.” And while all of the participants showed grace while facing these changing circumstances, and even insisted to the organization that they take action to aid the Mongolian people in some way – in light of the difficulties this country is continuing to suffer and their lack of available resources. Already established as a sponsor to their neighbors, the Silk Way organization is working on a plan to raise more money to help them with their fight against COVID-19. Although just about everybody agreed about how to act fast in this time of need, not everyone agrees about what’s a justifiable use of their time now that the race is officially too short to collect. FIM & FIA points. Several teams chose to conserve their energy, parts and time and depart the competition early. Promising American UTV driver Austin Jones, Gustavo Souza Gugelmin (#400, Monster Energy Can-Am) and the South Racing Can-Am team felt it was more advantageous to go relax after two arduous events in a row – the Kazakhstan Rally and now SWR, be with their families a bit before continuing their never-ending schedule of training and testing. Others like Italians Michele Cinotto and Maurizio Dominella (#403, XTREME PLUS), Yazeed Al Rajhi and Michael Orr (#200, Overdrive Helix Toyota) and Evgeny Sukhovenko and Kirill Chapaev (#208, GAZ Raid Sport) also departed early trimming the roster to a few less contenders. However, that’s not to say the brawl will be any less significant.

“Everything is good, the wheels are not damaged – this is the most important thing. There is a lot of stones, we went very slowly at the beginning. As I understand, trucks will overtake us, they are moving without problems there. Tomorrow will be the second time on the same surface. We drove into one ford very quickly, set a wave on the hood, stopped there, but in general everything is fine. We are happy with the number of fans, this is an achievement of the Silk Way Rally, I saw the same only in Argentina at the Dakar.” – Denis Krotov, #203, MSK Rally Team

With Yazeed Al Rajhi out of the way, it seems like either Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov (#203, MSK RALLY TEAM) who sits in First today or Vladimir Vasilyev and Aleksei Kuzmich (#201, MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN VRT) at second seed could be a sure bet for a victory, haven taken every daily win so far. But their opponents are still talented and driven, and perhaps having cleared the way of Al Rajhi instead gives teams a smoother path to pull up to the dominant Russian duo, rather than widen the gap. Three more heats – another marathon in the same location plus additional kilometers and new obstacles, a loop and a point to point – means three more opportunities to change the standing order. The T3 and T4 classes still have a lot of skin in the game. In the lightweight category, Anastasia Nifontova and co-driver Ekaterina Zhadanova (#222, Anastasia Nifontova) conceded their top step on the proverbial podium to a few of their colleagues with Frenchman Jean-Luc Pisson Ceccaldi with navigator Jean Brucy (#225, PH Sport Team) at the front. Of the SSVs, Sergei Kariakin and Anton Vlasiuk (#404, Snag Racing) have finally let go their firm grip of the title and let, reluctantly, Matthieu Margaillan and Axelle Roux Decima (#407, Matthieu Margaillan) slip onto the throne, at least for 24 hours. Another sad reminder that Jones could have been kind in Ss3 as the official Can-Am team seemed to get into their groove in the previous round. The thought, of course, is bittersweet.

The Autos seem to be an all-out war between the French and Russians, while among the Trucks, it’s so far less about a battle of regions than a massacre by KAMAZ. Whoever’s name is announced last at the award ceremony, a gambling man would wager the recipients will be wearing Red bull blue. Today, it was Andrey Karginov (#507, KAMAZ-MASTER Team) who took the win. He and his comrades Andrew Mokeev and Ivan Malkov left ASS with less than 30 seconds separating them from teammates Eduard Nikolaev, Evgenii Iakovlev and Iskander Romanov (#504). Siarhei Viazovich, Pavel Haranin and Anton Zaparoshchanka (#502, MAZ-SportAuto) are the only men in opposing colors not letting the Russian juggernauts command the rally.

In Bikes, it’s still anybody’s guess who might emerge in the Winner’s Circle by July 6th. No one man or woman has controlled the board for the entire week – with a new champion each day. And that now that the favorite to win, South African with Monster Energy Yamaha Ross Branch (#16), has suffered a mechanical issue which ultimately ended his efforts is “out of the way,” no one can really say which rider is the strongest right here and now in Russia. Red Bull KTM Factory giant Matthias Walkner practical flew to the finish line clearly finding the fast, rolling hills near Mongolia his element. And while USA’s next hopeful for historic triumphs in the rally raid circuit, Skyler Howes (#10, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), admitted he rode a bit conservatively today, he still followed his KTM cousin closely in the pecking order. Yet fishing Second in two rounds still doesn’t place him Second overall. That spot is taken by Franco Caimi (#2, HERO Motosport Rally Team). Surprisingly, the true American hero we’d wanted to come back to Silk Way and triumph is Andrew Short (#29, Monster Energy Yamaha). On a new bike wearing new colors this time around at SWR, Short has been staying consistently in Top Ten, albeit towards the back. And that’s not for lack of effort. In fact, he’s been riding extremely well, with hardly any issues with the roadbook and zero incidents with the ride itself. However, we’re not sure if in this instance what’s keeping success at bay is the man, or the machine.

It was a really nice stage, because it was completely different, but a lot of water crossings and the deepest one, when I go down and my bike would stop, and my Road Book is no longer, it’s just difficult. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad. Today it was bad for me. I’ll try my best tomorrow.” – Andrew Short #29, Monster Energy Yamaha

Special Stage Three made it all worthwhile. Roadways and scenery which could render the most prolific poets speechless. The long journey gave the athletes time to think, reflect on a short but already full event and why they stayed for a now point-less (but not pointless) event. If any good came from this terrible occurrence happening in Mongolia, would be that the participants of the rally have the opportunity to learn, see and understand more of the Russian Siberia. More on its food, traditions, attitudes and ancestors. The terrain alone gives reason to pack up your skis and take up residence. It’s no wonder why almost every statement quoted at the ASS praised the organization for introducing them not to just one epic backdrop, but three: Low-lying marshlands, a densely wooded forest and this, a massive stretch of mountainous tundra echoing engines sounds for miles. If there’s no other message but this, you can find even at fate’s cruelest tricks. As the Russian old adage goes: “When life gives you lemons, make a vodka martini with a twist.” (Or something like that.)

The post Silk Way Rally 2021: Stage 3, Pass the Baton appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Thanks to Westx1000 for bringing coverage of the Silk Way Rally to the digital pages of Motorcycle.com.

Begin Press Release: 

Stage 2: Petrol-Powered Engines and Electric Smiles

The Most Sustainable Energy in Motorsports Is Heart

The event ventured further into the Altai Region down incredible, winding, tree-lined roads. While the previous stage had us exploring a nothingness which was empty, untainted by civilization. Today, took us to a type of nothingness where you discover other cultures in tiny villages and residents affected most by what’s around them each day – mostly unbothered by the world outside of their bubble. Here, we found a mix of unique, DIY structures – the ones built when strict permits and paperwork are ignored or non-existent. And cows wandering about like stray dogs. Here we uncovered the greatest treasure of all… Something hardly anyone has seen a lot of over the last year: spectators. There was even a stage with performances of everything from cultural song and dance to pom-pom squad… Things. And of course, in good ol’ oppressive fashion, a loudspeaker with someone constantly jabbering inaudibly at ear piercing volumes.

The start of Special Stage Two was something spectacular. A sanctuary none of us knew we needed. But for those who spent any significant time within this tunnel of cheers and selfies, especially the racers, quickly realized how Energy’s infectious effect spreads from smile to smile, from wave to handshake to a warm embrace. Humans are truly connected by some electric bond and when you bring a group like this together, to be joyful and supportive and simply happy to stand shoulder to shoulder again, it can replace adrenaline as your body’s natural turbo boost. It doesn’t switch off when the episode is over. The love from fans is the most sustainable form of power for competitors. Complete strangers can provide that sense of ease which helps with overcoming adversity, even if all hope seems lost. And when athletes fly halfway across the world without their loved ones, the extra lift of confidence can be crucial to reaching the finish line if nerves or loneliness start to be a burden.

“In this rally, as in every rally, we fight not only with the distance, difficulties on the route, but also with our weaknesses – the fans help a lot in this. Vigorous cheering, lots of people gathered on the stage. The sight of them comforts you, and these moments lift your spirits. Today, even a few kilometers from the finish line, I had to remove an obstacle…on the road. [Ultimately,] I reached the finish line less than 14 minutes behind Aleksander Maksimov. Keeping fingers crossed! Tomorrow, the third stage is ahead of us.” – Rafal Sonik, #101 SONIK TEAM

Daniel Sanders (#11, GasGas Factory Team) was nothing short of ecstatic about the lineup of locals on either side of DSS. Traffic as early as 7am slowed the liaison but conditioned as many elite rally racers are to the quiet streets and ceremonies since the pandemic unleashed isolation on the world, seeing real, live fans was a sincerely welcome surprise, to everyone. Little did Sanders know he’d have more to look forward to with a solid stage win. Had he not suffered an issue with his Iritrack early on, he’d have likely bested FIM points leader Ross Branch (#16, Monster Energy Yamaha Team) by more than a mere six seconds. Skyler Howes (#10, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory) put in good time as well and slid himself into the third position just under a minute from his “rookie” colleague in First. Aleksandr Maksimov‘s (#102, MARI TEAM) victory wasn’t so sweet. Even if he was the better man on-course today, his only opponent, Rafal Sonik (#101 SONIK TEAM) conceded 14 minutes to him after having to remove some unclarified objects from his way. It’s a blow to both men as it couldn’t feel like a truly fair battle. With only each other to face, every incident can appear a bit exaggerated. But that’s rally raid. And Sonik found solace in the roars coming from enthusiasts all arounds, keeping his head, and his spirits, up. He didn’t have to waste that precious energy necessary to perform at your best by coaching himself through setbacks.

At the foothills of the Altai Mountains, the racers took the event to the next level, some literally leaving their adversaries in the dust. When Cars leader Vladimir Vasilyev and co-pilot Aleksei Kuzmich (#201, Mini Cooper Countryman VRT) hit even a moderately deep patch of silt, a wave would splash over the front of their Mini Cooper, as if they jumped into a puddle with rubber boots on. The color of the earth here is so dark, when sent airborne, it appears to be soaking wet. But you can imagine whatever pile they plowed through they were doing so at the sort of speeds we lie about when we brag to our friends. Before the Cars could even make it significantly into the alpines, #201 firmly sat in the Overall winning seat. That’s not to say Saudi Arabian Yazeed Al Rajhi and British navigator Michael Orr (#200, OVERDRIVE HILUX TOYOTA) aren’t giving the Russians hell. But if you can’t blame #201’s success on heart or skill, blame it on familiarity. Perhaps all three are what put the all-women Ruskie T3 team on the top step. Piloted by Anastasia Nifontova and Ekaterina Zhadanova, the lightweight CAN-AM Maverick XRS has put in work, and it paid off at the end of SS2.

It’s no surprise Sergei Kariakin and Anton Vlasiuk (#404, SNAG RACING) nabbed another stage title, but the #400 SSV is making its way up the ranks, finishing just behind the pair in an hour-forty. Austin Jones and Gustavo Gugelmin (MONSTER ENERGY CAN-AM) weren’t coming here to lose. In fact, they’ve been to the Silk Way Rally before and were strong contenders before mechanical issues ended their efforts with massive displeasure. But Jones says that it was a learning period then, as it is now. And the incredible terrain, people and traditions of Russia are what keep him coming ‘round. Lucky for him, he’ll be seeing more of the Siberian countryside than anyone had expected, because the organization has decided that instead of crossing into Mongolia, the teams will run the two marathon stages as planned (ish), double back and do it yet again.

The drastic, last minute modification – announced at the 8pm briefing in the bivouac – was a contingency in case any large-scale issues arose during the rally which called for such action. And while the organization often considers alternatives for the unforeseen occurrence, this time, COVID-19 was always looming over their heavily burdened shoulders. By the afternoon July 2^nd, a nationwide order was put into place restricting all travel to and from Mongolia. And while we will miss that unique and beautiful place, it was no question the organization would comply immediately to the mandate, while also trying to maintain value and a fair playing field for the teams, especially participating in the FIM & FIA World Championships. More about this at www.SilkWay.com/en. It may be a disappointment for some, but most have accepted the change without question. Others are even glad to be back-tracking – reliving their experiences over the last few days. Possibly revealing more of these new and interesting (and a little bit similar) things.

“Upon the decision of rally organizers, all bivouacs and infrastructure, prepared for the Mongolian stages, will be provided to state and local authorities to set anti-COVID-19 stations and to help the locals to fight the pandemic. Mongolia will also receive humanitarian supplies, delivered on behalf of the Rally Directorate.” – Vladimir Chagin, Rally Director

Everything is everything. It’s human nature to liken things to each other, find familiarity in the foreign. This technique, even unconsciously, is meant to keep us safe, alert, aware of how our new surroundings remind us of past experiences to ensure if we see a swamp, we don’t wander aimlessly into the jaws of a crocodile (or something). But in this instance, traveling through the center of Siberia, déjà vu offered comfort, warmth and a connection to a people and place the media wants us to fear. There’s more to talk about when we’re afraid or frustrated. More reason to glue ourselves to the little black mirror trying to hyper consume sensationalism sandwiches, a hunger which is never truly satiated. But, if we took the time to detox once in a while, maybe look up long enough to make new friends, we’d see that the drama usually dwells among the rich and powerful, but hardly represents the masses they command. The second night in Omsk, a passion for JDM drift cars led to a late-night encounter with a local Drift Pro who chose an Ikea parking lot to burn figure-eights into the tarmac, then high-tail it before the “militsiya” could fine us for reckless such-n-such. Sound familiar? If life comes with six degrees of separation, engine folks have something like two. Had we not seen that something recognizable to connect us, sincerely, especially if we’d been too afraid of what our electronic babysitters drill into our psyche, we may never have known how the same balance of kind, curious and screwed up we all are.

“Our countries say a lot of bad things about each other. But when we come together, we realize that we are quite the same.” [A profound statement made entirely on Google Translate.] – Pro Drifter, Omsk Local Gleb Saab [Глеб Шааб]

The post Silk Way Rally 2021: Stage 2, Petrol-Powered Engines and Electric Smiles appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.