We’ve reported on the development of the T.ur brand before, and as they are due to introduce yet more products to their clothing range in 2020 it’s good to see some of their equipment is going to be put to the test on the 42nd Dakar Rally, taking place in the new year and on a new continent.
T.ur have just confirmed their support for UK-based amateur rally rider Simon Hewitt, providing riding gear for the forthcoming Dakar Rally, as the 29 year-old looks to embark on a massive off-road experience. The Dakar Rally is an event like no other and this year the sand of Saudi Arabia will test riders’ courage, endurance and discipline over 7,900 kilometres. Welsh rider Simon Hewitt will face it for the first time wearing T.ur kit and riding a Yamaha WR450F.
T.ur offers a complete range of highly specific products for touring, characterised by high-quality materials, thermal comfort, ergonomics, and the CE certification. The brand is born out of the 20 years’ development of motorcycle clothing by Tucano Urbano in Turin.
Dario Baraggia of Tucano Urbano, commented: “We are very proud to be part of the story for a regular rider embarking on one of the toughest challenges on the planet – a rally that many off-road riders can only dream of being part of. Through Simon’s participation and support from T.ur, we hope his story inspires others to get out, ride explore and challenge. Above all else, we will follow Simon every step of the way and wish him all the best for an amazing first Dakar experience.”
Beginning his journey on Jan 5 2020, Hewitt is hoping to complete the twelve stages from Jeddah to Quiddiyah near the Saudi capital of Riyadh. Facing special stages that will initially take place over a multitude of tracks, testing his navigational skills, he’ll then head to the “Empty Quarter” of the Saudi territory that is home to vast, intense dunes.
“I can’t wait to participate in my first Dakar rally amongst my off-road heroes and rally legends. I know that every aspect of preparation is key for such a challenging race – and my kit is no exception. T.ur is certainly the most technical kit I have experienced so far and I’m thrilled to be wearing it on this new adventure.”
In his day job, Simon is an instructor for the BMW Off-Road School in Wales, working with friend Simon Pavey who has influenced Hewitt’s passion for off-road with his stories of the Dakar that he rode in Africa and South America previously. Hewitt competed at his first international rally raid in Serres, Greece in 2014 and has not looked back since. More recently, he competed in the Merzouga Rally this year and finished 6th in class – qualifying him for the Dakar Rally.
Follow Simon Hewitt’s progress at the Dakar Rally 2020 on Facebook at Simon Hewitt Dakar 2020, on Instagram at @realsimonhewitt, or online at www.simonhewitt.com.
T.ur, the adventure starts.
For more information, please visit t-ur.com