by Roberto Chiodi
May 23 – Push Starts
First week of racing and here we are next to car number 1, a 1907 American la France powered by a 14.500cc engine. We were the first to reach the finish line of the stage, having avoided the special tests on dirt roads at 3.500 meters above sea level. The first day of rest awaits us now, we will try to repair the broken starter motor that forces us to push start every time. But if the inconvenience occurs on sand or uphill it is a problem to get it going again.
The two Americans racing in the zebra-striped Datsun were “released” after checks on board and in their luggage. They should be able to rejoin the group for the restart on the 25th.
In the picture, the Giant the Little Girl. But today we can boast of having arrived first! Of course, choosing another itinerary, but leaving on time at the start and finish. We have been in the hotel since 14 pm, it is just after 18 pm and only two other competitors have recently arrived.
May 25 – First overall at the stage finish
Forced once again to push start due to the starter motor failure, we decide to skip a couple of special tests in the second part of the stage and so we arrive at the camp first. Routine checks carried out calmly, correspondence, video-call home.
The stage took place entirely along the southern tracks of the Gobi Desert, incredible expanses where you can't see anything and so if you pass a cyclist you quickly write it down. And it makes you think about the crest to see another one in contemplation with a tricycle transformed into a mini-camper. Then we happen to reach the American la France 14.500cc, towed on a truck. Stopping next to take yet another photo of the giant and the little girl, hugs of solidarity, see you soon. Maybe in four days in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where the arrival of the starter motor should conclude our push-start crossing of all of China: every morning and every stop.
