The ‘BRESLAU 500’ is a new three day event ahead of the Rallye Breslau Poland 2018: an action packed weekend offroad racing with two camps, long days and a fantastic nightstage. It starts on June 29 with a nice and long day near Dretyn, and shares two days with the big Rallye Breslau Poland 2018.
‘After the Baja Deutschland we wanted to offer something to the racing community,’ says Alexander Kovatchev. ‘The combination with the Rallye Breslau Poland was the best option. The BRESLAU 500 is a racing weekend like no other, with 500 kilometer special stage in Poland. It will be something to remember for the competitors – an action packed race with international competition!’
Almost 100 teams from all over Europe arrived today in the camp in Dretyn near Miastko. Bikes, quads, side-by-sides, cars, trucks – all classes are present and with a special roadbook for the Extreme Class we see big names from both Cross Country and the Offroad Trophy scene alike.
Robert Striebe: MAN truck Cross Country, Germany
In the truck category the massive white MAN stands out, the truck of Offroad-specialist Robert Striebe from Gera. ‘It is quite a step from the MAN KAT I race myself, but I have been working on this truck as a mechanic of Mathias Behringer, so I know it quite well. It is my first race with it, so we begin at the bottom!’ Robert looks forward to the competition with the fast Tatra and KAMAZ trucks at the Breslau 500!
Ronald Schoolderman: ORD Toyota Cross Country, the Netherlands
Ronald Schoolderman from the Netherlands, winner of the Balkan Offroad Rallye 2017 and multiple Dutch champion is racing with the famous and familiar ORD Toyota. Competing with the likes of Frank Stensky (Lennson CC), Philipp Beier (Chevrolet) and his fellow Dutchmen Dave Klaassen (Bowler) we expect an epic battle this weekend.
Alex Parpottas: Can AM X3 Cross Country, United Kingdom
Alex Parpottas from the UK has been able to win almost every race with his Can Am Side by Side so far, and he finds a new challenge in the Breslau 500. ‘I never drove a classic roadbook rally like this, only on closed tracks. James Eyre, my co-pilot, has as much experience with roadbooks as I have, so it will be a special event for us!’
Robert Werner: MZ Cross Country, Germany
From the lively offroad scene in former Eastern Germany comes Robert Werner, who races a classic MZ motorbike. ‘Even with a modern bike, I will not win here. So I might just as well do something nice and keep the heritage of the MZ alive!’ A humble rider with a heart for the sport, who we expect to see at the finishline each and every day of the Breslau 500!
Jim Marsden: Gigglepin ORA Offender, United Kingdom
Jim Marsden previously won the Breslau Poland and is racing in Extreme Class Helder da Rocha. ‘We are nervous for the battle, you can be sure about it,’ says Jim. ‘Even if you are on the startline alone, without competition it is a big feat to reach the finishline. And the navigation is really something here, for which we are prepared. Helder and I even swapped places on a few events as I think you cannot be a complete driver if you don’t know how to navigate. Especially here!’
Franck Daurelle & Francoise Hollender: Land Rover Defender, France
Winners of the Balkan Offroad Rallye in Extreme Class, sponsors of the event with Euro4x4Parts and offroad-lovers Franck & Francoise decided to compete together in Poland. Francoise: ‘My previous experience in 2013 was not such a success, but with Alexander Kovatchev as organiser I have confidence we will have a great event!’
June 29 the Breslau 500 will start with 175km special stage for the Cross Country class and 112km special stage for Extreme, in two loops around Dretyn and Bobolice. The first day of the Breslau 500 offers a beautiful insight into Northern Polands’ fantastic landscapes. Sand and forest tracks, the smell of pine trees and the incredible alternation of open and closed spaces – tomorrow the race begins!
Source: Niels Hatzman Dutch Press