The world Challenge stage 1 2014

Stage 1 began in Amsterdam and traced a clear line through Eastern Europe into Türkiye. We paused in Istanbul, then turned inland to Cappadocia, Çatalhöyük, and the summit views of Nemrut Dağı before crossing east to Lake Van. From there the route entered Iran for a sequence of cities that carried real weight and welcome, including Esfahan and Tehran, and then dropped south to Bandar Abbas for the ferry across the Gulf to the Emirates and the final run into Oman. The journey closed in Salalah with the quiet satisfaction of a big map taking shape.

This first stage set the tone for the World Challenge as a whole: one continent-spanning chapter each year, a measured pace, and organisation working in the background so the road and the places could lead. It is a memorable part of CarChallenge history for another reason as well. We did not start with 4x4s, but with well-prepared normal cars, and proved that with careful planning and respect for the route, the world opens up.