Unforeseen factors , perhaps not entirely unexpected , were thrown at the race directors and in the name of adventure , all competitors were forced to react and adapt to ensure the rally went ahead .
From the start in Omsk , Russia , competitors made their way to Novosibirsk then onto Gorno-Altaysk , location for what was supposed to the last bivouac in Russia . As competitors were challenged by the landscape and course , organisers too were challenged by a newly re-emerging human disaster , due to Covid , in Mongolia .
Organisers were directed by Denis Protsenko , Head of the Headquarters For The Maintenance and Control of the COVID-19 Mitigation Plan to change the route of competition as soon as possible and were asked to consider only holding the event within the Russia Federation . With the safety of the competitors , organisers , and spectators at heart the decision was made to alter the route and not take in Mongolia .
The changes made ensured the Silk Way Rally could proceed without cancelling midway , competitors had a new route , some stages reappearing . The fight could continue and points towards the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship could be awarded .
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