Mongolian participants posting dramatic progress
It is just like the Japan Sumo Association.
The machines of the Mongolian participants that appeared at the vehicle inspection site, of course both motorcycles and automobiles
The height of their potential floated around as an unseen aura.
As Baldobaador, who claimed the overall championship for the 4th time at the closing ceremony, said “It is truly no rally, no life”. The enthusiasm of the Mongolian people for this rally raised the rally to a yet higher level.
Another significant factor was the progress of Hino. They achieved a speed completely different from what they had until now and made an unforeseen impression on the top participants. Their trucks dashing through the wilderness reminded everyone of Dakar and held an unfinished dream.
This year was the 19th year for this rally. We have been through such a variety of experiences with this rally. Even so, the accident what happened to the racer Ikeda on Etap 2 this year was a major shock.
After the accident, when we called in help for Ikeda, who was still unconscious, almost all the racers, officials, and everyone else related to the race lined up to contribute money to help. We remain truly touched and moved by how many truly great colleagues we have.
He returned to consciousness quickly and we are waiting eagerly for the day when we can see his healthy smiling face.
It was truly a wonderful rally. We passed over the Sugawara Pass in sunshine for the first time in quite a while. Beautiful Lake Orog and the steppe.
Our overall evaluation is that there were many moving human dramas and splendid competition.
This is the final stage of this rally. We will go from west to east. Coming along the Tula River, eventually military facilities will come into view, we will ride as through making a circuit in front of them, go along ridges that create the illusion of riding the Great Wall of China, then regroup. The last of the SS of this rally ends here and when you make your triumphal return into Ulaanbaatar, you will enjoy a great sense of accomplishment.