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A course driven only in liaison and in convoy to rally through the Huangya Guan site in front of the Great Wall of China. 38 motorcycles, 1 quad, 29 cars and 14 trucks finally brought this first Transoriental to a close. Victory of the Czech Jaroslav Katrinak on KTM in the motorcycle category, of Spaniard José-Luis Monterde with Belgian Jean-Marie Lurquin on a Schlesser Buggy in cars and of the Benelux trio of Hans Stacey, Charly Gotlib and Bernard Der Kinderen on MAN.

An early wake-up (once does not make it a habit!) was needed in order to reach the Chinese capital. To make the job easier, the Chinese authorities played their role perfectly. They quite simply escorted us on the motorways leading to the capital, or even rerouted part of the very considerable road traffic heading to Beijing. In convoy, the competitors, organisers, press and medical corps were able to fully appreciate the efficiency of this welcoming and marvellous country. Throughout the route, local groups played their parts perfectly, and particularly the FASC, the Chinese Automobile Sport Federation. They therefore deserve all of our thanks for a job well done.

And what enthusiasm from the crowd at the foot of the Great Wall. The valorous heroes were the subject of a magnificent reception. To the sound of their traditional drums and wearing their most beautiful customs, the Chinese experienced an apotheosis on this liaison day.

René Metge had said it before the start of the Transoriental. His wish was for the competitors in the world's longest Rally Trek to live out a dream and to complete this trial by fire in front of one of the world's most visited sites.

Emotions were therefore at their peak when Katrinak, Ullevalseter and Kolomytsyn, at the handlebars of their motorcycles, pulled into the little street of this Chinese village. Flags were everywhere, the crowd applauded and was touched as everyone began to truly understand the efforts of these new Knights of Modern Times. Travelling more than 10,000 km under climatic conditions ranging from atrocious to brutally hot was something that the Chinese had never before seen. A trial deserving of admiration and deep respect.

The car racers were also able to fascinate the crowd that gathered in front of the buggies and other monsters of steel, rubber and noise. It was a strange sensation to see the Chinese Dragon opposite François Delecour's own fire-breathing prototype. Finally, these two extremes were drawn to one another like magnets, to the great enjoyment of the assembled masses.