Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/498661
VOL. 52 ISSUE 16 APRIL 21, 2015 P31 NIGHT WOLVES RIDE TO BERLIN O ne of the world's most no- torious motorcycle gangs, Russia's Night Wolves, will ride from Moscow to Berlin to com- memorate the 70th anniversary of the Soviet's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The Night Wolves have raised the ire of many nations close to Russia, including Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Po- land (not to mention Germany), where they will pass through on their ride to the German capital of Berlin for the commemora- tions on May 9. Tensions have been raised as the Night Wolves have appar- ently altered their original route to include a stop at the Aus- chwitz Museum, the site of Nazi Germany's most notorious death camp, the Gazeta Wyborcza. Poland's Prime Minister has called the ride through Poland "a provocation" in an interview with a Polish radio station, given the current tensions with Ukraine and fears Mr. Putin may hold agendas for other nations close to Russia. The 5000-strong Night Wolves notoriety is partly thanks to a close association to Rus- sian President, Vladimir Putin, with the Night Wolves leader, Aleksandr "The Surgeon" Zaldo- stanov, and Mr. Putin believed to be close friends. The Night Wolves held a rally last year celebrating Russia's annexation of Crimea, which was televised by Russian state television. Zaladostanov's pro Kremiln, anti- western views are well noted, as well as his intolerance towards homosexuality and links to the Russian Orthodox Church. Zaladostanov was interviewed by Radio Poland and stated that "we are not going to [Poland] for a visit, our final destination is Berlin." And that "…any action [against the Night Wolves] will cause a reaction." Another Russian group, the Volunteer Association for the Support of the Armed Forces, will also hold a concurrent car rally for the anniversary. SERT TAKES 24 HOURS OF LE MANS T he Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) won the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, held at Le Mans, France, April 18-19. In front of 70,500 spectators, the SERT team—Vin- cent Philippe, Anthony Delhalle and Mason Eti- enne—took the lead in the sixth hour of the race and never looked back, although Delhalle had to pull out during the night after falling ill following a crash. SERT finished the race a comfortable nine laps in front of second-placed SRC Kawasaki (Gregory LeBlanc, Matthieu Lagrive and Fabian Foret), that also had is- sues when former Supersport World Champion Foret crashed in the early stages of the race and effectively ended the team's chances of victory. "In Endurance, you have to manage the race, see what happens, set the pace according to the issues suffered by the opponents, take the least possible risks, and that is how we are on the top step of the podium at the finish," said SERT team manager Dominique Méliand. Third went to Team Bolliger Switzerland Kawasaki (Horst Saiger, Roman Stamm, Daniel Sutter), 12 laps off SERT's winning pace. Team Bolliger finished half a lap clear of the winning Superstock entry of Junior Team Le Mans Sud Suzuki (Baptiste Guittet, Gregg Black, Romain Maitre). Fifth went to current World Endurance Champions, GMT94 with riders David Checa, Kenny Foret and Mathieu Gines. SERT completed a relatively trouble free run to take the win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.