Oriented on making people closer

The 15th anniversary “Silk Way” rally commenced on July 12, with representatives from Turkmenistan traditionally participating. For Turkmenistan's motorsport athletes, this event is not only a test of skill but also an opportunity to enhance their collection of sporting achievements.

The inaugural stage of the rally was held in 2009, with Ashgabat serving as the finish point. Since then, Turkmen racers have repeatedly ascended the podium in various cities, and this year, they are once again considered among the favorites in the T2 category.

This year's rally began in Irkutsk, Russia. On the first day, athletes covered a short 13-kilometer section, marking a symbolic start to the extensive journey. Participants then faced more extended special stages: 132 kilometers on July 13, 205 kilometers on July 14, and over 343 kilometers on July 15. The route traverses Baykalsk and then enters Mongolia, where racers will visit Ulan-Ude and Ulaanbaatar. Upcoming points on the route include Bayankhongor in Mongolia, and Altai, Khovd, Kosh-Agach, and Gorno-Altaisk in Russia. For the first time in the rally's history, the course also runs along the shore of the renowned Lake Baikal.

In total, participants are scheduled to cover 4,811.6 kilometers before the finish on July 22. Turkmenistan is represented by three crews in the competition:

Crew number 214 comprises the silver medalists of the "Silk Way – 2024," brothers Merdan and Shohrat Toylyyev.

Crew number 215 includes last year's bronze medalists Maksatmyrat Dangatarov and Didar Orazmedov.

Crew number 216 consists of Meylis Abdullayev and Italmaz Charyyev.

The Silk Way Rally is contested in the off-road vehicle category, with Turkmen crews participating in the T2 class—a category for production vehicles that is considered one of the most challenging and demanding. According to official rally website data, our athletes have already achieved success in the first three stages: Maksatmyrat Dangatarov's crew won the first stage, the Toylyyev brothers won the second, and Dangatarov's team again secured a victory in the third.

The overall winner will be determined at the finish line in Gorno-Altaisk. All three Turkmen teams are competing in time-tested Nissan Patrol off-road vehicles.

The rally route passes through unique natural zones—the Gobi Desert and the Altay Mountains—offering our motorsport athletes not only a contest for medals but also invaluable experience in international competitions.

ORIENT

Photo: turkmenmetbugat.gov.tm