Road rallies – D-1: everything is fine! –

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D-1: everything is fine !

Road rallies - D-1: everything is fine! -

Rallymen, racers and other motorcyclists of all stripes met in Belgium, on the grounds of the Spa Francorchamps circuit, to contest from tomorrow the very first round of the very first FIM International Rally Championship.

Wednesday, May 16, while in France Nicolas Sarkozy settles in his new office at the Presidency of the Republic, rallymen, trackers and other bikers of all stripes and from all backgrounds meet in Belgium in the enclosure of the Spa circuit Francorchamps for the administrative and technical checks of this very first round of the very first International Rally Championship.

And we can already imagine a real rally because even the weather is there: it’s raining! Not too surprising for a country like this, but after doing the recce under a bright sun (read), we expected better…

In short, it does not sadden the "purebred" rallymen that we could meet on Tuesday evening for a reunion meal! And although the separation was short-lived after the Beaujolais rally (read), the pleasure of getting together for a good bike ride is still intact. !

Cancellation of the Italian event !

This International Rally Championship will however remain modest this year, since we immediately learn of the definitive cancellation of the Italian event scheduled for June 21 to 24 (read): a significant delay in the administrative formalities would indeed have constrained the ‘organizer to forfeit…

Among the forces present, we note a large participation on the part of Buell with the presence of Denis Bouan (decided at the last minute) and Emmanuel Siaux, both riding the famous XB12STT (read). The preparations end a bit hastily for Denis, but he will be there with the number 1 plate !

Eric Martin is also there: at the head of the Old G1 category on his rotary Suzuki in the French championship, he is lining up internationally on a Yamaha XJ 650 from 1980.

However, we regret the absence of Serge Nuques: the Grolandais Chevalier not having had an answer (or sponsors!) Soon enough, he had to ignore this event….

At the technical control everything is gone with a (very) fine comb: FIM regulations oblige !

Team Balladins is also present with Jehan D’Orgeix riding a Honda 600 CBR. And the International Rally Championship first edition is still in its infancy but Guy Tournier, the president of the rally commission of the French Motorcycling Federation (FFM) already sees it in a good light (see our video interview ).

Beautiful machines are lining up in Belgium: Marc Granier will drive a shiny Benelli and Michel Maire, who had preferred to ignore Beaujolais to be present at Spa, will ride his usual splendid MV Brutale.

Tomorrow, Thursday, May 17, the start will be at 9:30 am for a loop of about 300 km, probably in the rain according to the weather forecast. Two very technical stages await the competitors and with such conditions they will be particularly slippery, and even muddy for the special 1 of Creppe….

Special 2, that of La Redoute, is according to Emmanuel Siaux "a real ice rink: in the turn to the right at the bottom of the descent, you have to drive at 10 per hour otherwise you will fall !", he confides to Marc Troussard, the Site! Info or intox pilot? Answer tomorrow !

The road route will also be difficult because it is hardly signposted: the precise reading of the road book will be of great importance because of the many changes of direction and the lucky beneficiaries of the Tripy will benefit! And in case of technical problem, the Tripy bus is there with its very helpful staff ready to troubleshoot any problem. !

But in any case, it will be necessary to save: the day, already long, will be followed by the first night special with five laps of the karting circuit per series of ten drivers: there will be a rush. !

So tonight no foolishness, the rallymen will be wise to be in shape tomorrow! Go to the Site tomorrow evening for a first race report. Stay connected !

Marcus HIMSELF

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