The international Silk Road Rally has started in Irkutsk

The international Silk Road 2025 Rally has begun in Irkutsk, and it will run from Lake Baikal to Mongolia. This was reported on July 12 by a correspondent of Izvestia.

The competition involves pilots on trucks, cross-country motorcycles and ATVs. The first stage of the race takes place on the Chertugeevsky Peninsula.

"It's only eight kilometers, but this first stage is a real test of strength. A short distance is deceptive: racers need to show maximum speed and skill," Igor Kaporikov, a correspondent for Izvestia, said.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the international rally. 101 crews from 15 countries are participating in the competition. The total length of the race will be 4,792 km.

"Unfriendly countries are closely monitoring the development of our motorsport. They are afraid of our KAMAZ trucks and our racers like fire," Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev said at the opening ceremony.

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a welcome telegram to the participants and organizers of the Silk Road 2025 international Rally, noting the event's contribution to strengthening contacts between Russia and foreign countries. Putin expressed confidence that athletes from Russia and foreign countries would show team unity, a spirit of victory, camaraderie and mutual assistance during the competition.