One of the world’s most gruelling off-road motorsports events for ATV riders has just gotten underway in India.
Riders participating in Desert Storm 2011 left onlookers in clouds of dust as the race got underway at the Grand Cambay hotel in Ahmedabad, flagged off by Jaybarayan Vyas, tourism minister for Gujarat.
This is the first time that Ahmedabad has had the honour of hosting the start of the race, which is now in its ninth year. A grand total of 130 four wheel all-terrain vehicles, 18 off road motor bikes and a host of quad bikes are taking part, bring the total number of racers up to 280.
The 3,500 km long event will first take participants across the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, tackle the desert of Thar and negotiate the plains of Aravali. Those who are able to last the distance will see the finish line in Delhi.
There will be certain sections of the race which will be even more competitive. High speed passages such as the Twister Redux, Mad Max and Twilight Rann will be host to time trials, with the fastest riders being rewarded.
Each vehicle is tracked by GPS, and the teams taking part, such as the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, will be supported by mechanics that are equipped with spare quad bike accessories and parts.
Ahmedabad was in a party mood as the race began, with a display of dancing girls, festivities and hundreds of balloons, putting the pressure on Delhi to go one better when the 9 day event comes to a close.