Bikaner (Rajasthan): Indian National women’s racing and rally champion Aishwarya Pissay from Bengaluru, representing TVS Racing team, is hoping for a strong finish in the country’s major cross-country event, the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018, with the first-leg scheduled to start here this evening and conclude late at night.
After Sunday’s ceremonial flag-off in Noida, the participants arrived here for the start of the first leg that comprises two Special Stages totaling about 70 Km
and scheduled to start in the evening.
Having finished fourth in the Raid de Himalaya rally while becoming the only female rider to complete the grueling course in the ‘Xtreme’ category, Aishwarya has been entered in the Group B (up to 250cc) class for the Desert Storm that has 43 riders in the fray.
Looking ahead to the weeklong event that has 900 Km of Special Stages while covering a total distance of 2,500 Km, Aishwarya, 22, said: “I am better prepared this year unlike in 2017 when I packed on the second day itself after suffering multiple crashes.
“I am happy to have joined the TVS Racing team and it is a huge lift for my career. With the team’s support, I hope to do well this time around.
“As part of my preparations for the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018, I spent a few days in Jaipur, working on my riding skills on desert tracks, thus giving myself more time on the bike and also overall fitness. So, I am as ready as I could be for the challenge.”
This year, the Special Stages are located around Bikaner and Jaisalmer, and the riders will have to negotiate treacherous desert tracks dotted with sand dunes. The event will conclude on March 23 with a gala prize-distribution ceremony.
AP Media Comm. release
