From Moscow’s Red Square to Xi’an’s Imperial City, with a rest day in Urumqi, the 2017 Silk Way Rally opens a new chapter in the history of cross-country competition, proposing a long west to east journey and a sporting and mechanical challenge defying the elements like no other.
Last summer it was mission accomplished! At the end of 15 stages and 10,735 kilometers, the Silk Way Rally caravan joyfully arrived in Beijing.The 2016 Silk Way Rally, which was broadcasted in 197 countries, welcomed its heroes in front of the stunning Bird’s Nest Stadium.
In braving the elements and difficulties of a unique and demanding race, comprising everything a major cross-country rally has to offer, the crews from around the world savored an unforgettable adventure.Whether they were factory or privateer teams, professional or amateur competitors, all came to compete in an exceptional rally, in which driving and navigating skills were put to the test, on a journey crossing three of the world’s largest countries and their just as awe-inspiring as varied landscapes, Russia, Kazakhstan and China, but also two continents and the peoples that have been culturally and commercially linked for thousands of years…
Three months later, attention now turns toward the next edition of this extraordinary adventure. Having learned the lessons from a first ‘long format’, Silk Way Rally organisers have chosen Xi’an to host the conclusion of the 2017 edition.
The name of the Imperial City, known for its army of terracotta warriors, which translates to ‘Western Peace’, is the ideal site to serve as the finish line on Saturday July 22, 2017. Among the most important cradles of Chinese civilization, of which it was once the capital, Xi’an is now a growing city. With is more than 8 million residents, the capital of the Shaanxi region gazes over its multitude of monuments with no less than 3000 years of history.
Quotes:
Vladimir Chagin – Silk Way Rally project director:
“I am happy the 2016 Silk Way Rally was a success. The wide open spaces, breathtaking scenery, camaraderie in the bivouac, spirit of adventure and competition in the stages remind me of the unforgettable races of the past.
Organizing such a complex transcontinental rally has brought us invaluable experience. We now know what to do to make the next edition even better and more interesting. Come and participate! See you at the start of the 2017 Silk Way Rally !”
Frédéric Lequien – Silk Way Rally deputy director:
“The 2017 Silk Way will resolutely turn towards sport and exploration. Everything has been thought of, so that the crews can enjoy themselves as much as possible both on the stages and in the bivouac.”
“We have to confirm the excellent 2016 results. We had 102 cars and 23 trucks at the start in Red Square and thanks to them, we were able to offer the media a spectacular race and receive hundreds of hours of coverage in 197 countries.”
Alexeï Miller – Gazprom CEO:
“Our cooperation with China in the Gas sector is developing quickly. The Silk Way Rally, which links the two countries, will become a symbol of our strategic partnership.
Gazprom only sets ambitious targets and in supporting the Silk Way Rally we want this competition to become the biggest rally-raid in the world.”