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 | Africa Race 2013: Daily more competitors, Scania to compete against Kamaz.
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With little more than a month left for the inscriptions, and as René Metge with the Road opening team from the "Sonangol Africa Race" are in Africa effecting the last minute touches to the road books, the reservations continue to flow in to the Desert Adventures office desk.
As for all cross country rallies, so as to have the minimum of changes during the race, the Road Books are finalised as late as possible. Manfred Kroiss, José Manuel and Fina Servia (who make up the Rally's reconnaissance team), under the guiding hand of René Metge, are actually present in Africa at this moment making the Road Book.
So, even being too early to disclose the Race itinerary, which will be at Saint Cyprien in the first 2 weeks of November, René confirms that the Morrocco stages will be really pleasant and will be made up of more sand than the previous editions.
When the announce was made that 2 Kamaz trucks were participating in the 2013 Africa Race, a shiver went along the ranks of the Giants of the desert. Even to the point of stimulating certain competitors. Among them, the Hungarian Miklos Kovacs, present from the start and winner of the 2010 edition, has just confirmed his participation.
"In January 2012, my new Scania V8 of 1100 HP wasn't ready, so I missed the 2012 edition. Although I was amidst all my friends and colleagues for the scrutineering at Saint Cyprien, it was really gut wrenching to see everyone leave and stay behind" Kovacs said.
"The truck was finally ready in May and after a short trial period, I entered the "Silk Way Rally" in July. Since finishing the race, we have been following an intensive development program alongside the Qualisport Racing Team. This year though, I shall be on the starting line of the Africa Race with real enthusiasm, being that this race is special to me."
"The atmosphere is always incredible and nothing beats a race in Africa. I'm really confident and I think that we will have a real chance in this large Truck category that I also think will be raising the level this year. I'm extremely impatient to already be at Saint Cyprien, this 27th December."
Another regular participant is Norbert Dubois. Astride his KTM 690, the Parisian Biker has finished second twice in this race already. Planning on 2013 to be able to complete his trophy cabinet with the first place, in this, the big African race.
Sadly a motor cross accident on the 1st April this year was not on the program. A small fall during training while trying out a new bike, led to a broken pelvis that took nearly 4 months to heal. Since, he has got back in the saddle and done a few training circuits. Thus confirming for him his participation in this next Sonangol Africa Race 2013 :
"I had sent my inscription in, way before I even knew if I would be physically able to compete or not. As it stands today, I don't see my Doctor again until 21st November, but I know for sure that I'll be ready for the 27th December" he told.
"I'm already pushing 100km pushbike rides and I've lost the excess weight that I gained while injured. At the start of November, I'll start serious training on the bike, followed with an intensive 4 day training mid December with friends. And then, even if my doctor doesn't give me the Go ahead, I'll still be going on the rally, but as team manager, because we've put together a small contingent as assistance for 6 other bikers."
"But of course, given the choice. I'd prefer to be in the saddle, trying for that victory that has eluded me twice now. But it has to be said, just participating in this rally, with it's amazing unique atmosphere and it's breathtaking African scenery, is something memorable in itself, things like this you miss when back in Paris."
2012/10/19 | 12:27 CET | ARTICLE: MR/HS/SAR
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