I’m standing in what could genuinely be the middle of nowhere. Nature’s canvas has sprinkled my surroundings in a beautiful duvet of white, and is ushering me towards the end of the day as the sun drifts below the horizon.
Walking along the dollops of snow, testing the rigidity of the banks and pretending that’s somehow scientifically important, I’m captivated by where I find myself.
I might actually be in heaven.
For a moment, I almost forget there are rally cars in the foreground. For possibly the first time ever, something other than rallying has my undivided attention.
Clearly there’s far more to Rally Sweden than the gorgeous postcards transformed into 3D. The battle we’ve witnessed out there on the stages so far has been nothing short of extraordinary, with five cars covered by just 9.1 seconds at the end of Friday’s leg.
The gorgeous scenery of Rally Sweden captivated Luke
But when you’re on the road chasing a rally, you’d be surprised how little you think about the action. The adventure consumes you as you hop from location to location, and your memories become a concoction of what you saw and where you were rather than who was leading that day.
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some classic, and evocative, rounds of the World Rally Championship: Monte Carlo, Acropolis, Spain and México immediately spring to mind.
But shhh, come this way. I have a secret to share: Sweden is my new favorite. I’m falling in love with this amazing country and unique assault on the senses.
Everyone’s different, but Sweden’s strengths align with my desires. The piercing cold weather is a challenge for all, but it’s one I’m absolutely loving.
Walk out the front door, and it feels like I’ve planted my face into a cold towel after a run on the treadmill. The winter breeze is chilling yet also refreshing. As it hits me it makes me feel alive. Bringing the right clothing is essential, but it’s an invigorating place to be.
We’re now on the move, and round the corner from our stay is the local school – and it’s open. There are mountains of snow swept from the roads that are almost as tall as my head, and yet there are children outside playing on the swings.
Had even 5% of this snow fallen back in Scotland when I was growing up, and I’d have been playing Mobil 1 Rally Championship instead of learning my 8x times table.
Umeå is left behind as we make our way towards Bygdsiljum, where we’ll be filming the ‘start interviews’. It takes a very brave man to interrupt Colin Clark, but I was so awash with affection for what I was seeing I couldn’t help myself.
“It’s just mesmerising,” I offered. “You can tell that by watching it on TV, but it’s so different feeling like it’s actually real…”
Colin, a veteran of almost 20 Rally Swedens, wasn’t so swept up in the moment. But I think somewhere, deep down, he could appreciate where I was coming from.
I was hooked, and am still addicted. Taking my enthusiasm to VAR (video assistant referee), in the shape of McKlein photographer Tom Banks, made me feel justified.
Rally Sweden is a unique event like no other
“It’s the best rally of the year,” Banks offered. “Everyone has to experience it.”
And that’s before even talking about the incredible speed these Rally1 cars are able to travel on roads that offer next-to-no grip. Merely following Takamoto Katsuta down a backroad – the icy road splitting the thick snow like Moses parting the red sea – was a breathtaking sight.
It’s scenes like this that make rallying so utterly special for me. It blends obscene talent and capability with everyday life. Only in this case, there’s nothing everyday about where I find myself. For a Scot on their first visit, it’s indescribably captivating.
Obviously the competition is where my serious focus lies, and the on-stage action tomorrow is going to be amazing with the gaps this tight between the leaders. And the added treat of a fresh bout of snowfall as we left service on Friday will only spice things up even more!
But what’ll get me out of bed in the morning isn’t that thought, rather the chance to be working in the winter wonderland once more.
I’m filled with love on Valentine’s Day. How appropriate?
