Truck driver Ales Loprais from the Czech Republic has been crowned the champion of the Silk Way Rally.
Russian Firdaus Kabirov thought he had won the Moscow to Sochi race after finishing top of the standings when Saturday’s last stage was cancelled because of flooding.
But the officials have given the Kamaz man a retrospective one-hour penalty after speeding on a road section, meaning he slips to second place.
It was a real disappointment for Kabirov, who came 12th on Friday’s stage, won by fellow Russian Ayrat Madeev, but was still top of the standings.
And it was Krzystof Holowczyc, who took the honors in the car category.
The Pole finished third during the 400-kilometer route from Stavrapol to Maikop. And that gave him a minute-and-14-second lead over nearest rival Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel.
Despite the final stage being cancelled, the competitors are still making their way to Sochi via main roads for the prize giving.