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 | Budapest-Bamako 2011: Sensational finish after two weeks in Maili / Africa.
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On Sunday at 3 pm, the sixth edition of Budapest-Bamako officially ended in Bamako, capital of Mali. At the most spectacular finish so far, African drummers and dancers welcomed the teams with Malian and international TV crews also present.
One of the first vehicles to arrive was the rusty Polski Fiat (Rat Polski Team). At the start not many would have bet on they would finish the rally. "This is incredible but we did it" said the two team members enthusiastically. They were followed closely by the Zastava and the Slovenian Renault 4.
In the racing category, Juraj and Daniela Ulrichova (Raid Adventure Team) were the first to arrive, followed by the other rcing crews. Barna Kováry (Hungarian rally driver and TV presenter) covered the last 50 metres on foot, running, to be able to reach the finish line by the deadline, 3 pm. According to the regulations, the vehicle itself doesn’t need to cross the finish line, it’s enough ifone of the team members hands in the task sheet on time.
Only 125 of the 160 crews started arrived to Bamako and 18 of the 40 race category entries finish in the time limit. Competitors were greeted by the Malian Minister of Tourism who expressed his thank for the trust given to his country.
Soon after the finish, the annual Bamako car market started. This is the day of joy for the car dealers of Mali, as at this time they can obtain good quality 4×4 vehicles. Some of the competitors have already sold their vehicles, and the market continues on Monday and Tuesday.
At 9 pm with the closing ceremony the sixth Budapest-Bamako officially comes to an end. A large amount of donations will be delivered from the truck of African-Hungarian Association and Kádár Sped to the local organisations tomorrow.
2011/01/31 | 01:19 CET | ARTICLE: MR/SY/B2B
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