As a change from racing on two wheels, Cyril Despres accepted the generous offer of sponsors Maison France Confort to compete in the prestigious Tour Auto Optic 2000 at the wheel of a 1971 Chevrolet Corvette C3R.

Cyril Despres

“I somehow always imagined that my first ever car race would be a rally-raid in a 4×4. Instead I found myself in the hot seat of a 600 bhp Corvette in a classic car rally. Clearly a result was never on the cards! That said, show me a chequered flag and a give me a start time and I am a racer, plus I had a moral obligation to my sponsors Maison France Confort, who prepared and entered the car, to give it my all.

In the end a series of mechanical upsets, culminating in a broken clutch on the Pau-Arnos circuit, on the last stage, pushed us down well down the rankings. But despite our mechanical woes it was a truly unforgettable week. As a Frenchman, to find yourself on the start line at Le Mans is a genuinely emotional moment, while the warmth of Dakar fans encountered all along the route was extremely touching.

A big thanks to all the mechanics and assistance crew who worked so hard to keep us going and a huge thank you to Philippe and Antoine Vandromme for making it all possible.

My next competitive outing will be the Sardegna Rally Race at the end of May. One of my favourite events, with great tracks, beautiful scenery and lots of navigation, I have already started my training programme and am looking forward to putting in a good performance.”

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Hola amigos,

End of the Argentinean “Ruta 40” for me, but the race keep going an other week until “La Quiaca…
It was definitely a good trip, and I will never forget the Patagonia region.

But I have to go back to France, in Paris, because I start to race with a Corvette 1971 in the Tour Auto, a week race with Classic cars around France.

A personal sponsors since years, “ Maison France Confort” invite me and enter the car for me.
I will let you know my progress on the rally special and on the French track like “ Le Mans “.

On Monday start an other fun week for me…

See you,

Cyril

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Hola,

I keep going in Patagonia, and today I replace my mechanic who is in Abu Dhabi with Ruben.
I finally found a little particular workshop in Esquel, for cleaning the bad fuel from two days ago on both tank.
Not so easy on an injection bike, pump, filters, injector, all…
But it was funny to share the afternoon, working with fans of Dakar, witch were really helpful to repair the bike.
And of course, before leaving with the brand new bike, as usual in Argentina, a couple of pictures…

Tomorrow, direction Bariloche, the famous ski resort.

Asta luego,

Cyril

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Hola a todos,

I just arrive in “Lake Bueno “ in “ Los Antiguos”, and again really beautifull day.
Except for my 690 Enduro who don’t like the bad fuel I put yesterday night for a jerican.
I had to put the bike in a truck, and finish the day in liason on a car,with 3 nice guys who told me a lot of this mountain region, it was also nice to learn more about Argentinean stories.
Anyway, it’s not a real race for me, it’s for fun, and I enjoy, no pressure…

Ciao,

Cyril

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Normally around this time of year I am in Dubai for the Desert Challenge but following a personal invitation from the Argentinean 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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