Marathonrally.com
This year Russia will be represented in Moroccan Baja and Enduro Cup with a strong staff. “Troyka Team” is a new brand which means the combination of Russian power, dynamic style and rich experience. Four talented riders are focused on Africa and will drive 3 bikes – and 1 quad.
Dmitry Pavlov (Honda TRX 700) doesn’t need the additional introduction for those who followed the “OiLibya Rally du Maroc” for the last years. Dmitry was the winner on quad in Enduro Cup last year and in 2007 he won the T2 category on 4×4 vehicle.
“Surely the race in Morocco will be the most exciting and difficult in this sporting season. I am happy to be a part of this race and hope to continue the history of victories. On other side, I wish to keep me and my mechanic in good physical and technical condition before starting in Dakar rally and of course, the important goal is to share our experience with the skilled riders from the new Troyka team which we support.”
Viacheslav Pashchenko (450 Yamaha 2012 WRF), Anton Zubov (Honda 450 CRFX) and Anton Popov (2013 KTM 450 Dakar) will join the Moto-category and will take their first start in African race entering the “Baja du Maroc 2012.” The bikes will be provided and assisted by professional French team “Meca’system”.
“I chose Morocco as the training course before Africa Eco Race 2013 where I plan to take part. The variety landscapes of Morocco are perfectly for checking the sporting and physical possibilities among the experienced rivals” said Viacheslav Pashchenko.
“As it will be my first time in Morocco, I am going to pass the first day of Baja carefully, in order to avoid accidents and falls, and then try to push and finish with a good result. I am worried about sand and dunes, traps and sandy steps, because I don’t have enough practice and had a bad luck with it in Abu Dhabi DC this year. So, let’s the race begin and bring us the great pleasure.”
Anton Zubov said: “I wish to get the unique experience in African sands and to learn how cross the dunes. My main goal is to reach the finish, to feel the atmosphere of this great race and to meet with Marc Coma and Cyril Despres. I came in rally-raids this year, took part in all events of the national championship and classified 2nd in amateur category. I can say that my dream is to start and finish the Dakar and after this, to prepare for flight in space.”
Anton Popov: “Morocco is one of the best known rally-raids. I am glad that this year amateurs like me have the unique opportunity to test their skills in a shorter event, but on the same terrain and with strong rivals.”
“I am going to ride with caution, aiming to cross the finish line and to gain some invaluable experience, because it is hard to find African conditions being in Moscow. “Baja du Maroc” will be my first race on a bike.”
“I witnessed the “Pharaons Rally” 2010 as a journalist and it was a great adventure. Pharaohs basically changed my life, I decided to get on a rally bike after 14 years of long-haul riding on a cruiser. Waiting for a great Moroccan adventure!”
2012/10/10 | 14:17 CET | ARTICLE: MR/HS/MAYOROV
