NPO crew unveil the intricacies of the 30th Edition of the Oilybia Tunisia Rally, and answer the questions about safety in Tunisia.
THE OILIBYA RALLY OF TUNISIA WILL BE TAKE PLACE OR NOT? THE SECURITY OF THE RALLY IS INSURED?
These questions, you are hundreds to ask us for several weeks, legitimately troubled by recent events that shook Tunisia, and which propagated across the Arab world.
DON’T WORRY!
We returned this morning from a fortnight trip in Tunisia for reconnaissances of the route: the country has regained his quit and the legendary hospitality of Tunisians has not changed. Instead, first “travelers” in visit after the storm, we were thanked and applauded when we visited in all towns and villages.
The revolution of 14 January marked the spirits but leaves no visible trace: the country operates quite normally: the port, airports, shops, hotels, cafes and restaurants are open and you can walk day and night without worry. The atmosphere is simply more festive and more joyful.
We were also reassured by the support of sports and tourist authorities but also the Ministries of Interior and Defense in charge of ensuring the safety of the rally. Finally, the title sponsor of the rally, Libya Oil Tunisia, has confirmed the long-term continuation of its cooperation. “All indicators are green” for the celebration of the 30th edition of the rally in May!
ALL BEHIND TUNISIANS!
The Tunisian people rose up to install democracy. This fight was heroic, difficult and painful. To help Tunisia to recover, we must encourage economic recovery and in particular the revival of tourism. Tunisians are counting on us, on you. The OiLibya Rally of Tunisia 2011 should serve as an example and a showcase for a new and modern country!
A REVOLUTIONARY RALLY?
The route we have designed will certainly surprise participants!
We will help you discover tracks and ergs have never been explored by the Rally … Those who love the sand, or those who want to learn will not be disappointed. With less than 250 km of tar liaisons and more than 1550km of selective sectors, the OiLibya Rally of Tunisia 2011 will be a rally “pleasure” composed of 6 stages that will take place at 100% in Tunisia.
Note: All bivouacs are accessible by tar road in 2 wheel drive vehicles!
DAY 1:
We forget the warm up by attacking directly a stage of 300 km of sandy tracks and crossing the white dunes of ergs. In the evening we will move to our first bivouac for 3 nights in the heart of a oasis: the time saved for all and comfort for the assistance.
DAY 2:
Before you get too tired, we offer one-day 100% sand, on one loop of 200 km. As much as you admit, the playground is exceptional and 100% unseen with sand as
far as the eye can see: it will be beautiful but the day may seem long to chain the crossings of ergs. To reassure beginners, we inform you that the reconnaissance was performed with a T2 vehicle and a series vehicle: it goes … although shovels and plates are sometimes essential. The arrival takes place directly at the bivouac!
DAY 3:
On the menu, alternative of very fast tracks and areas more spicy: crossing dunes, little dunes with camel grass area for a new loop half sand, half track to 200km. The navigator will be tested: you will have to know how to find the caps in the ergs and especially find the right tracks with some Waypoints to reassure yourself…
DAY 4:
We leave the oasis for a rolling stage over 250km of desert and mountain. Fast tracks, sometimes brittle and often technical. Lots of navigation in afternoon with arrival at the bivouac in the mountains.
DAY 5:
Big day, with more than 300km of special. The fields and the rhythms are varied, from very slow (mountain slopes gullies, little dunes) to very fast (lanes wide plain with no break), among rocks and sand. Everything is still possible for the cliassification: navigation, traps and suspense.
DAY 6:
GRAND PRIX on separate race for motorcycles and cars on a circuit of 60 km to go 2 times.
Finish arch and park closed at the bivouac. By late afternoon, transfer to hotels and a big party to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the OiLibya Rally of Tunisia!
A welcoming new country, an unseen route, incredible ergs, wonderfull bivouacs: Tunisia 2011 expecting you from 1 to May 7.