Enter THE SARDEGNA RALLY with TEAM KTM Cyril DESPRES

The Sardegna Rally Race (27 May – 1 June) is the third round of the FIM rally-raid world championships and the perfect event for ‘first timers’ to make their rally debut. The cheapest of all the FIM rounds to enter and requiring only a lightly modified enduro bike to be competitive, the event has inspired three times Dakar winner Cyril Despres to put together a package allowing 10 amateur riders to race alongside him on one of his favourite rallies.

Cyril Despres, “I first raced the Sardegna Rally Race two years ago and fell in love with the event straightaway. The people are friendly, the scenery is stunning and the tracks are just sensational. In addition it is extremely accessible. You don’t need a specialized rally bike, just a standard enduro with a bigger tank and road book reader, the days aren’t so long, so you don’t have to be super fit, or a top level rider to finish, there’s no GPS or other expensive navigation equipment and at night you get to sleep in a hotel and eat great Italian food. What more could you want!”

Being a perfectionist and a natural teacher Cyril wanted to create a package that was both top quality and educational. “I think a lot of people are put off entering rallies because they think they are too complicated, so we have put something together that takes away all that stress.” To this end the 10 riders will share three experienced race mechanics and be managed by Cyril’s Dakar team manager Chris Evans.

Before the event they will spend a day with Cyril learning how to set their bike up, navigate and manage their race. Then, every evening during the race, he will brief them about the coming day and take time to answer all their questions.

“On this year’s Dakar I helped my friend, ex-French rugby international, Christian Califano to finish the race. Early on I saw he was struggling so we took him under our wing and made him an integral part of the team. Admittedly he came dead last, but getting him to the finish was almost as satisfying as my victory. You would think it would be a distraction, but the opposite is true, having him there was great for me and great for the team. If we can do the same in Sardinia and help get all 10 riders to the finish of the Sardegna I will be delighted”.

Team KTM Cyril Despres members will have the possibility of either entering their own current model KTM EXC (400, 450 or 530) which can be transported to the start of the race, or leasing or buying at a preferential rate a brand new EXC fully prepared and delivered to the island – a complete ‘fly and race’ package. Either way team members will have access to a complete stock of spares and tyres at standard KTM dealer prices, as well as two dedicated assistance vehicles.

Prices start at 3900 Euros including race entry fees, mechanics, spares package, training day and half board hotel accommodation from 24 May to 1 June inclusive.

For further information contact Chris Evans at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone on +33 662 487 190