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01.05.2008
Optic 2000 Tunisia Rally 2008 - Stage neutralised between Idri and Sinawin … Wednesday 30th April : IDRI /SINAWIN 635 Km Liaison : Bivouac – DSS Idri 10 Km The final stage on Libyan soil, between Idri and Sinawin, was neutralised for safety reasons. The competitors followed the route laid down for the longest special stage of the ral ly (502 km), but without timing. An opportunity to enjoy the scenery, without too much pressure. Christian Lavieille and François Borsotto reached the Sinawin bivouac wi thout problems, the day before their return to Tunisia. During the night, the organisers of the Rally of Tunisia took the decision to neutralise the final Libyan stage between Idri and Sinawin. As many competitors were still stranded on yesterday’s special stage, the helicopters t ook off this morning at dawn in order to make sur e that all those stuck in the sand had been located. Therefore, it was impossible for the security patrol of today’s stage to be undertaken by the same helicopters. The competitors followed the route as planned, but with no timing. A good opportunity to enjoy the scenery without too much pressure. The classification remains unchanged. Christian Lavieille and François Borsotto, currently 4th overall, took their time over this 502 km ‘promenade’ : « We set off at a relaxed pace this morning. It’s always a shame to cancel a special stage, but you can never take risks with safety. We stopped under a tree, in the shade, to inflate our tyres and to have a quiet snack. Further on, we helped a biker, who needed more oil. Nothing special to not e, except that the heat is overwhelming. Tomorrow, we will return to Tunisia, heading for El Borma, one of this event’s real classics. » For the assistance crews, it was a long, 922 km stage, between Idri and Sinawin. Most of the teams took to the road yesterday evening, and chose to set up a bivouac in the middle of the countryside. A convivial moment … and a typical rally raid atmosphere! Tomorrow, the rally caravan will head for El Borma, in the south of Tunisia. Another border to cross, and a return to well-known territories. The competitors will have a very early start, as the first bikers will leave the Sinawin bivouac at 4 am. They will be able to enjoy the sunrise during the 162 km of liaison before they reach the border. No sooner than they arrive in Tunisia, they will set off for 70 km of timed stage, both winding and technical, giving the drivers plenty to do along a route punctuated by military forts. They will then rejoin the main route, aiming for a Tunisian pipeline that they will follow over fast terrain. The competitors will then head off-road, including the famous pass over the El Borma Erg. The competitors will have to watch out for their tyre pressures, as the next 115 km will be sandy and offtrack… They will cross small dunes and valleys surrounded by great walls of dunes. Back on the marked track, they will finally reach Chouech, close to El Borma, the biggest petrol base in Tunisia, which includes a splendid palm grove, a haven of peace for all the competitors.
- André DESSOUDE - Géraldine DESHAYES- also photos
Author: maggy (admin2)
Last modified: Thursday, 01.05.2008 - 01:15 More reports from this category all copyright automobilsport.com.
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