On May 18-19, the Latvian town of Talsi hosted the third round of the national championship. From the very start, Eurolamp WRT was considered to be its favorite. Valery Gorban and Sergei Larens came here as leaders of the final standings. The only one goal was to win. There were only few competitors: Latvian Janis Berkis and Lithuanian Benediktas Vanagas. Janis Vorobjovs, being an elder of the race, could tie up in knots as well.

The race was held within one day. Valery Gorban and Sergey Larens made it clear from the first special stage that they’d keep the pace of leaders. After three special stages, it became evident that Gorban’s and Berkis’s crews are going to fight for the “Talsi Gold”.

The fourth special stage casted a long shadow on the race’s intrigue. Janis Berkis was slapped with 10-second fine for a false start. Each next special stage increased the time gap between competitors.

Eurolamp WRT had nothing to do, but to go the distance till its logical victory.
Janis Berkis became the second, exactly as he said before the start.

Ranno Bundsen got the third place, having snatched his victory from Janis Vorobjovs on the last special stage.

Victory of Valeriy Gorban and Sergei Larens in Talsi has strengthened their leadership in the Latvian Rally Championship even further, giving them the 13-point edge over the nearest rival.