Marc Coma’s ramp in the start of Plaza Belgrano in San Salvador de Jujuy marked the beginning of the fourth edition of DesafÃÂo Ruta 40. This race will be part of the Dakar Series Calendar this year and counts of a record of entries registrations: 60 bikes, 34 quads, 30 cars, and 1 UTV which means 125 competitors that will start their first stage tomorrow between Jujuy and San Miguel de Tucumán.
A crowd of fans accompanied the vehicles in Jujuy’s downtown all afternoon long. Then they celebrated and waved at crews from the ramp in exceptional celebration environment which was unbeatable thanks to the good weather conditions.
The start ceremony counted on the presence of the Ministry of Tourism, Enrique Meyer and the Secretary of Sports of the Province of Jujuy, Luis Giraldi, together with the Secretary of Tourism of Jujuy. Juan Martearena, David Castera, Dakar Sport Director and David Eli, General Coordinator of Desafio Ruta 40.
DesafÃÂo Ruta 40 will dispute from tomorrow the first out of six stages that will link the city of Jujuy with San Miguel de Tucumán. It will then visit San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Belén, Chilecito, and San Juan. The competition is also valid for the FIM World Championship of Cross Country Rally and grants special points for the Argentine Championship of Cross Country Rally.
Details of the First Stage
The first bike will leave Jujuy’s Bivouac at 7:10 and it will go straight to Guachipas in Salta, where there will be a special start. The first section of the timed stage had to be modified due to matters related to safety and that is why only 202,94 kilometers will be raced during the first day.
Drivers will face a very narrow and winding section during the first section of the stage and after a fast section they will get to a difficult riverbed with lots of loose stones. Towards the end they will go back to a mountain road with lots of turns but with an ideal surface to flat out in search for a better time.
Once competition sections are finished, protagonists will head the liaison of 72,25 kilometers which will end in the hippodrome in the city of San Miguel de Tucumán.
More information on www.desafioruta40.com.ar
Photo credit: @Prensa DesafÃÂo Ruta 40 | Paco Photo
