Frenchman Despres wins 2017 Silk Way Rally

Despres Cyril won the 2017 Silk Way in Xi’an on Saturday, earning the champion titles twice in a row.

[Photo: china.cnr.cn]

The 43-year-old Frenchman finished 13 legs in 41 hours, 46 minutes and 25 seconds, defeating the runner-up Lavieille Christian by one hour, four minutes and 39 seconds.

China's Han Wei took the third place in the cars' group, creating the best ever result in world-class Rally as a Chinese driver.

"My feeling is great, it's a long and big race, and winning two champions in a row is very important for Peugeot, for me. We did a good job and it's very nice, I am very happy," said Despres.

"I really hope to get back again (in 2018) for the third victory," he added.

When talking about Chinese competitors, Despres told Xinhua that the Chinese drivers are good and fast.

"They are just behind me, they are going faster and faster." 

The second edition Silk Way Rally opened in Moscow on July 7. A total of 90 teams from 35 countries and regions took part in the competition. 

Thirteen Dakar Rally titles owner Peterhansel Stephane's car tuned over in the fourth leg in Kazakhstan, taking the 5th place in the cars' group. The disappointed Frenchman left the ceremony since his car passed the victory ceremony podium without accepting any interviews.

In the trucks' group, Russian Sotnikov Dmitry's team earned the first place in 43 hours, 45 minutes and 38 seconds. Three Russian teams dominated the podium at last.

In ancient times, as the beginning of the Silk Road, Xi’an was one of the transport junctions in China.

"The competition let the people share the safety of peace and benefit from the common development. The spirit of Silk Road will help the nations along the Silk Road reach win-win results, although the year's competition had ended," said Gao Zhidan, vice sports minister of China.