Vladimir Chagin took part in the presentation of the «Silk Way Rally - 2013».

On February, 28 the team leader Vladimir Chagin took part in a press conference devoted to the presentation of the «Silk Way Rally - 2013».
The 5th edition of the Silk Way Rally will be held from the July 6th to 13th, 2013 and will connect Moscow and Astrakhan by its route. SWR-2013, begins on the same day as the World Summer Universiade in Kazan, and will pass under the sign of support of this great sports event. Rally-marathon will serve as a go between the world-class sporting events that are soon to take place in Russia – The Kazan Universiade and Sochi Olympic Games! The Silk Way Rally project would not be possible without the support of the Ministry of sports of the Russian Federation.

The history of the Russian race began in 2009. At that moment the route passed through the territory of three countries – Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The adventure gained at once the international dimensions. The leading rally teams consider their participation in the «Silk Way Rally» as a guarantee of successful performance in rally-marathon Dakar and don’t miss an opportunity to test the forces and to use Russian event as an excellent platform for their sponsors, especially as the television audience of «Silk Way» is very big, the race is broadcasted in 190 countries of the world!

The race, which in just four years after the first start became a recognizable worldwide sports brand, associated with famous sports names, and intensive struggle, will bring even more rally stars this year. In January world's leading rally teams announced their participation in the Russian race «Silk Way Rally».

The start of rally will be 6th of July at the Red Square in Moscow. Uncompromising sports struggle at unexplored territory on interesting new routes prepared by organizers is guaranteed! Triumphators of SWR-2013 will be welcomed by famous Astrakhan city. Finish of the rally will be held at the walls of the Astrakhan Kremlin.

Semen Yakubov, Project Director of the «Silk Way Rally» Frankly, even for us, organizers of the Silk Way Rally project, it was surprising how rapidly our Russian race gained in popularity. The core values of the brand are speed, adventure and overcoming of difficulties in extreme conditions. The test will be difficult for both the acknowledged leaders fighting for the victory, and for those who just want to reach the finish line. For experienced crews participation in the Silk Way Rally is the opportunity to test their skills on challenging routes, but for beginners it is a very democratic way to join the increasingly expanding world rally club of like-minded people.

This year we had the great honor to start the race on July 6th at the same time as the opening of the Universiade-2013, to support this major event in the world of sport. Knowing how much effort love and care that has gone into the organization of the competition we are impatient for it to get underway. We are especially pleased to be a part of this forthcoming grandiose event, which will be held in Kazan!

Frédéric Lequien, Deputy Director of the project, the representative of organizing committee in Europe:
«The route of the «Silk Way Rally - 2013» almost for 70 percent is updated in comparison with the previous editions of the race. From Moscow competitors will direct towards the south-east to the vast steppes of Volga and Kalmykia, and to the huge sand massif of Volgograd and Astrakhan regions.
Thanks to the organization of loop stages new desert zones are added to the event program and stages are cut. The total length of a racing route is about 4000 kilometers of which 3000 kilometers are special stages and there are will be only 1000 kilometers of liaisons. Competitors will have interesting and well-balanced route with picturesque landscapes. I am sure, that pilots and co-pilots will thoroughly enjoy the race».

Nikolay Gulyaev, first deputy of the head of the Department of Physical Education and Sport of Moscow, the Olympic champion:
«It is symbolical that the start of such large-scale race will take place at the heart of our country on the Red Square. For my part, I want to assure you that we will do everything possible so that the start in Moscow is organized once again at the highest level. On behalf of the Moscow sports community I wish to all participants of the race to pass the Silk Way Rally successfully and without losses, and I want to wish to the racers to take finally a place in the Olympic family».

Nikolay Bragin, head of public relations department and government authorities of Transneft JSC:
«The professionalism of the organizers, glint in the eyes when they prepare and conduct this rally, how they say: «We will make the race even better! » - All this is worth a lot! Keep it up!»

Ayrat Mardeev, the pilot of «KAMAZ-master» team, 1st place at the Silk Way Rally-2012, truck category:" This is an amazing rally! There is always an interesting route and strong competitors. «Silk Way» sands are very difficult to overcome: chaotically scattered dunes with light sand require from crews of good technique and skill. The navigator also hasn’t time to be bored. After each Silk Way Rally I have lots of positive emotions!"