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"Rally Albania" Adventure/ Another chapter begins in the beautiful city of Korça

2025-06-09 10:18:00, Qyteti im CNA

"Rally Albania" Adventure/ Another chapter begins in the beautiful

From the shores of Velipoja to the mountainous heights of Korça, "Rally Albania" continues its 21st journey.

More than a motorcycle race, this sporting activity is an adventure that brings together dozens of enthusiasts from all over Europe, who challenge difficult terrain, unpredictable weather, and above all, themselves.

After a stop in Shkodër, the race has stopped this time in Korça, where the adrenaline of motorbikes meets the hospitality of the Albanian southeast.

One of the Korça racers, Isert Gjatolli, with experience in motorcycle racing since 2010, talks to us about the challenges and beauty of this sport.

"I learned to ride a motorcycle when I was little, then in 2010 I started racing, and now when I have time I train and participate in races. Rally is a very beautiful sport that has its own specifics, it's not just about going with the gas at the end because there is navigation that is difficult. You have to combine speed and navigation to be able to come out first. When there is a lot of mud and stones, it is very difficult terrain and tiring, especially in the heat. Racing for a motorcycle enthusiast is a lot of fun because in addition to racing, the company of people who are passionate about motorcycles also gives you pleasure and it is a great time."

For many others, this is not just a competitive activity, but a passion that was born in childhood. This is what Dario Xharo, another Albanian racer, Moto Rally champion last year, says.

"My passion for motorcycles began in 2004-2005, I was around 7 years old when I saw the first motorcycle racing movies. Participation in races has not been that frequent, but for Moto Rally, which is the Albanian championship race, last year we took first place and became champions, while this year we have not had the opportunity to participate as much as we should. We are passionate about everything that allows us to ride a motorcycle, we will embrace it. It is difficult because there are parts that we cannot pass at all, but we will necessarily bypass some roads to make the experience more enjoyable in general."

Among the competitors there are also new names like Jaleel Ahmad, a boy of Pakistani origin, born in Italy, who is experiencing his first competition.

"It's my first time participating in this event. It's really fantastic. I really like the place and I'm enjoying it a lot. I've only been riding a motorbike for three months, I'm new to this. I like it and I hope to continue it for the rest of my life. I was born in Italy but I'm originally from Pakistan. I haven't seen Korça yet because I just arrived, but I really liked Velipoja where we were yesterday because our hotel was close to the sea."

For many internationals, like Christian Thumm from Germany, this activity has become an annual habit. He is 60 years old and has been riding a motorcycle for 44 years.

"I come from Germany and it's the third time I've visited Albania. It's a very beautiful country, I love it. The terrain is difficult, so far I've done almost 500 km on a motorbike. These events are very important because in Europe there are actually very few places where you're allowed to do this kind of sport. I've also made friends from Albania, we've eaten together and we're a big family. I've been riding a motorbike since I was 16, and today I'm 60, a very long time, a special experience that gets better every year."

Not all participants are competitors. Some of them are part of the technical staff, such as Elia Scannapieco, from Milan, Italy, who helps the competitors with the mechanical side. He shares some of the best impressions of Albanian hospitality and feels very happy to be coming to Albania for the first time and facing this immense positivity.

"It's my first time coming to Albania and I'm happy I came because it's a very beautiful country with very kind and hospitable people. We are a group from Milan, Italy and I help every racer here with the mechanical side of the bikes. So far it's been difficult days but we'll keep going. Actually, I personally wouldn't want to be a professional on a motorcycle, I just like to ride for fun. I like the environment and being part of a group of people to have fun and learn new things as well as explore places everywhere. I walked around Korça for a few hours, it seemed like a very beautiful city. I like the fact that it's like an old city that has been preserved as such, the people are fantastic too and we're having fun."

After the stop in Korça and the race that the participants will also hold on Monday in this city, Rally Albania will continue its journey towards other cities of the country. The race remains a unique combination of sporting challenge and adventure, offering not only adrenaline, but also the opportunity to discover the nature of Albanian cities. The 21st edition of this event confirms once again the growing importance of Albania as a destination for extreme sports./ CNA