The organisers of the Cyprus Rally announced recently that they will run a 'Downtown special' [DTS] this year, when the winding streets of Limassol play host to a unique super-special stage, something that is believed to be unparalleled in the history of the FIA WRC.
The DTS, which will be the 23rd and final stage, is being billed by the promoters as a chance to bring the 'glamour of F1's Monaco Grand Prix to the Mediterranean coast resort'.
"The Cyprus Automobile Association, the organisers of the Cyprus Rally, are determined to keep their event at the cutting edge of rallying, by pushing the boundaries of what has gone before," read a statement from the organsiers. "Therefore, 2006 sees the Cyprus Rally take the special stage concept one step further."
Speaking following the announcement last week, Cyprus clerk of the course, Takis Kyriakides was extremely enthusiast about the concept.
"Taking in Limassol's sea front along with the town's medieval castle, old market, and many narrow and winding streets, the 3.5-kilometre Downtown Special, or DTS, promises to be fast, exciting and unforgettable," he noted. "Held over a three-hour period, including sideshow events and entertainment, the DTS promises to be a spectacular finale to this year's Cyprus rally. The event will be broadcast live to more than 100 million viewers in Europe alone."
A number of choices were available for venue, including stadiums, out of town gravel stages, and other 'usual' venues. However the final decision to organise the in-town special came following a positive response from Limassol's mayor, Demetris Kontides, who is clearly keen to further improve an event which promotes Limassol as a leading holiday destination.
"There's a great sense of pride in Limassol that we host the Cyprus Rally every year, and the opportunity to further enhance the event with a unique stage such as this is just too good to miss. We're sure this will be great fun for spectators and drivers alike," he added.
Photis Photiou, chairman of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation [CTO] - the main sponsor of the 2006 Cyprus Rally - was similarly upbeat: "Once again, we are very proud to host an official round of the World Rally Championship and we congratulate the Cyprus AA for organising consistently excellent events which earn Cyprus considerable exposure in the international media. It is a great privilege for Cyprus to host an international sporting event of this magnitude and the CTO will do all it can to ensure that our rally maintains its reputation as one of the most exciting rounds of the WRC."
Costas Lamaris - well known for his organisation of the successful Acropolis Rally super special stage at the Olympic Stadium - will be a senior consultant for the Limassol DTS.
The Cyprus Rally, the twelfth round in this year's FIA WRC championship, will run from September 22-24.
Just found out about this! Sounds totally cool
