History 2000s

2004 Cyprus Rally (Cyprus)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2004 Cyprus Rally (Cyprus)

Date: May 14–16, 2004

Start Location: Limassol, Cyprus

Finish Location: Limassol, Cyprus

Total Distance: 1,116.09 km

Competitive Stages: 326.68 km

Surface: Gravel (rocky, slow, and technical)

The 2004 Cyprus Rally presented drivers with brutal conditions — intense heat, sharp rocks, and some of the slowest and most technical gravel roads in the WRC. Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena remained calm and consistent, avoiding the mistakes and retirements that plagued others to secure another major victory in their 2004 title campaign.

Route

Monagri: A winding ascent with heavy gravel buildup and narrow switchbacks.
Asgata: More flowing but covered in loose rocks — required confident tire placement.
Kellaki: Rugged terrain with elevation shifts and exposed corners — any slip could prove costly.

With twisty mountain roads, blind crests, and deep ruts forming after the first pass, Cyprus demanded endurance and concentration. Key stages included:

Dry and dusty conditions led to severe wear on both cars and tires, favoring those who could manage pace without compromising reliability.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën Xsara WRC
2nd Place
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3rd Place
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Loeb’s smart tire management and ability to avoid damage over rock-strewn tracks allowed him to build a gap and maintain it with minimal risk. Mechanical issues and retirements decimated the rest of the leaderboard, elevating Loeb’s clean run to a commanding triumph.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Extreme Heat: Drivers and cars endured cockpit temperatures above 50°C — hydration and concentration were vital.
  • Suspension Damage: Rocks and ruts destroyed many rally hopes — Loeb’s light-footed approach preserved vital components.
  • Pacenote Dependence: With low visibility in dust and countless corners, co-driver rhythm made the difference — Elena delivered flawlessly.

Loeb’s Cyprus victory wasn’t about raw speed — it was about survival, intelligence, and world-class execution over some of the WRC’s toughest terrain. It marked yet another step on his road to the 2004 world title.

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