First edition of the Central Europe Rally about to start!
 It's
been almost four months since the cancellation of Dakar 2008,
but finally the start of the Central Europe Rally gives the
competitors their first chance to race again.
Of course the KTM team is also happy to be at the start of
this new event, which has been organized by ASO in a very
short time. KTM has worked very hard on the development of
a "Light Version' of the rally 690. A smaller fairing
and front fuel tank and a slightly different geometry should
give the bike a better handling and higher speed in the corners.
Marco Coma and Cyril Despres will be riding this new bike
during the Central Europe Rally. This conversion kit will
be available for KTM customers as well in the near future.
Hans Trunkenpolz
"It's a bit early in the season, but organizing such
a new event in two for ASO unknown countries is not easy and
we totally understand this. The stages are short, which doesn't
necessarily mean we're topfavourit. But off course we will
ride aggressively as we always do.
ASO still has the biggest impact by far when it comes to media
coverage, which means a lot to us. 2008 is an interesting
year, because everybody is curious what will happen. For us
rally is still as important as ever."
Marc Coma
"It's a good thing we have a race in front of us. This
rally and the conditions are new for everybody, and we have
to see where we are. We have a modified bike, which should
give me more speed in the corners. "
Jordi Viladoms
"I have trained a lot, and physically I'm a lot better
than last year when I head to recover from my injuries. This
rally is a good training, we have to adapt to the new terrain
and the new conditions. This also means chances are more equal,
but I'm very motivated to stay on top."
Francisco Lopez
It's the first race in the new Dakar series, which is very
important for the sponsors. For me it's my second rally for
KTM, after my fifth place in Dubai last November. After this
rally I go to Sardinia, Brazil and Dubai, to prepare for Dakar
2009 which will be held in my backyard. "
David Casteu
"We all want to win, but some of the best enduro-riders
of the world are competing here and the conditions are not
like we're used to in rally-raids. I will compete in all the
races of the world championship rally-raid, the main goal
is to get ready for 2009. "
Cyril Despres
I'm feeling great; it's good to see everybody here as rally
is such a big part of my life. One month ago we've been testing
a prototype of the Rally Light. The bike is very stable, and
offers good traction and acceleration. Now we have to find
out who's competitive and who's not, riding lighter bikes.
"
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