Sending the sporting world into chaos Covid-19 has especially taken its toll on large scale events , those that span vast regions , multiple countries , and communities . Events like the Tour de France and international rallying were hardest hit yet one sport has come to the fore and demonstrated that it ’ s infrastructure is one that meets most needs to be Covid-19 compliant and as such the world of the rally-raid was back on .
“ Despite the current circumstances , the discipline needs to keep living ,” explained David Castera of ODC Events . “ In Andalucía we will propose a high-quality event to the competitors . The format will fit with the global health crisis .”
The Andalucía became the model for how to run an international motorsport event keeping to standards required to minimise the risk of spread of Covid-19 . Based around a single bivouac near the town of Villamartin in southern Spain , the rallies four stages looped around the area meaning no assistance vehicles were allowed on the course . It would ’ ve been easy to make this a Baja style events and point competitors in the right direction , no , this was a rally-raid with all competitors needing to navigate their own course , and in doing so it allowed ‘ rookie ’ bike competitors a chance to qualify for the Dakar to be held in January . With so many events cancelled this year it would be their only chance .
“ It feels really good to be back and hanging out with the team and also to be with the rest of the rally racers ,” a grateful Ricky Brabec explained , the American Dakar champion explaining that he has taken part in a number of races this year , yet none of them roadbook based .
“ It is really nice to be back riding a roadbook that will be Dakar spec against Dakar competitors to see where we line up . I don ’ t think anyone knows how it is going to be here but we ’ re just excited to be back together .”
Australian two-time Dakar champion Toby Price agreed with Brabec ’ s sentiments and was looking forward to what was believed to be a challenging event and one that he would use to get reaccustomed with the bike and back to navigational rallying .
The first competitive day saw the KTM of Price lead the way , albeit the 9 kilometre prologue is generally considered to be insignificant the Andalucía event was of high importance due to the expected high level of dust , all competitors took it very seriously and set blistering times to get to the head of the starting queue .
Right behind Price was his KTM rookie teammate , and fellow Australian , Daniel Sanders . Yamaha ’ s Ross Branch set the third fastest time .
With the four-stage rally finally underway , it was those outside of the top ten that benefited most . The leaders were faced with setting a route while those behind followed closely , not affected by the dust .
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