Urumqi, 28 May (Xinhua) -- Motorcyclist Nels Terric was born in Marseille, France.
Pleasant scenery on the shores of the Mediterranean. When he was young, Tyrek saw many Chinese tourists in his hometown. At that time, he never imagined that his rally dream would be closely linked to an oriental team.
Tyrek in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Hao Zhao
As a signed driver of Chongqing Kaiyue Off-Road Team, Tyrek first traveled to Xinjiang, China in May to compete in the 2023 China Tour (International) Rally.
"The human environment here is very different from France." "What is the same is the local people's love for off-road rally events," Tyrek said. ”
Like many drivers, Tyrek's love is tied to legacy.
His father, Daniel Terric, began his career as a driver in the 70s and competed in more than 150 rallies in his career, including the Dakar Rally, the world's most famous "Jumanji's game".
Tyrek (front left) participates in the race with team member Qi Zeyu. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Hu Huhu
Whenever he returned home from the race, the elder Tyrek would tell his son about unusual experiences. Sahara, Peru... Distant and unfamiliar place names planted seeds in the hearts of French teenagers.
"I grew up with a challenge, an adventure, and a love of going above and beyond." "I always watch rally races on TV, dreaming of one day being like my father, in the desert and all the magnificent landscapes," Tyrek said. ”
Like his father, from the age of 14, Tyrek stepped onto a motorcycle and began competing in endurance races around the world. In 2022, after successive successive results at the Tunisian Rally and the Moroccan Rally, the doors of the 45th Dakar Rally opened to him.
Above the vast desert of Saudi Arabia, Tyrek galloped freely. In his first competition, he finished 18th overall.
Tyrek in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Hu Huhu
However, off-road rally is an expensive sport that requires huge technical and logistical support. Like most drivers, Tyrek has to work off the track to keep his dreams alive. Originally working as a kitchenware salesman, he worked hard and was still a drop in the bucket.
After showing his potential as a top rider, an offer from the Far East made Tyrek's dream clearer. Earlier this year, Kaiyue Off-Road Team officially reached a cooperation with Tyrek.
As a local motorcycle brand in China, Kaiyue Motorcycle has risen rapidly in recent years. At this year's Dakar Rally, Kaiyue competed and finished under the name of Chinese manufacturers, Chinese teams and Chinese drivers.
Tyrek (right) discusses the route of the second day's race, with team member Qizeyu (center) and teammate Fang Mingji. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Hu Huhu
High-level international racing is the best testing ground for racing, and "the more shortcomings are exposed, the more you gain". In recent years, the team has worked hard to improve the vehicles in order to better improve the mechanical quality and adapt them to the international competition environment. In April, Tyrek drove Kaiyue to the Sonora Rally, finishing fourth in his class.
After continuous running-in, he is very satisfied with the car.
"Without the support of the team, it is impossible to achieve good results. Overall, I like the motorcycle very much. "Of course, we need to participate in more races and optimize and tune the vehicles in more detail." ”
In the ongoing Tour de Tara Rally, Tyrek and his Chinese teammates are doing well and he is expected to stand on the final podium. Like the team, Tyrek always looks right for improvement.
Tyrek in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Hu Huhu
"Like the team, I'm not very old, and I need to focus on reading road books and finding paths in desert stages." He said.
Great oaks from little acorns grow.. This year, Tyrek will also compete with the team in a series of international rally events, and will once again take the Dakar stage to let the world see the rise of China's motorcycle industry.
Looking ahead, the 25-year-old Frenchman is ambitious. He is determined to go out to the world and write a new history with the Chinese team.
"I hope to ride a Chinese-made motorcycle one day and win the championship in Dakar." Tyrek said.