Cyril Despres takes a break from the old routine and heads to Buenos Aires, after a request for his presence from the Argentine government, as he reveals in his latest blog.
Normally around this time of year I am in Dubai for the Desert Challenge but following a personal invitation from the Argentinian Minister of Tourism, I am instead heading off to Buenos Aires to take part in the Desafio Ruta 40, named after the famous road that bisects Argentina from north to south.
This is the event’s second year and obviously with the announcement that the Dakar will again be starting in Argentina in 2012 it can’t do any harm to spend some time there on a bike.
To be perfectly honest however it isn’t my only motivation. You see the Desafio Ruta 40 isn’t a race against the clock, but rather what they call a ‘regularity trial’, where instead of riding as fast as you can you have to respect an average speed. Clearly the pressure is off and for the first time in my 10 year career I will at last be able to take the time to have a look around at the incredible countryside.
And just to make sure I don’t get remotely carried away with the competitive element I have asked KTM Argentina to lend me one of their less race orientated models, a 690 Enduro. Due to prior engagements I won’t actually be able to stay until the end of the 12-day event, so even if I do get the hang of the slightly complicated-looking rules there’s absolutely no chance of a result!
Instead of keeping you informed of my progress via very serious press releases, I will send you the occasional virtual postcard!
All the best
Cyril
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