ON MOTORBIKES:JACOPO CERUTTI TAKES THE LEAD IN THE OVERALL STANDINGS
IN CARS: BENOIT FRETIN STRENGTHENS HIS POSITION AS LEADER WITH A SECONDCONSECUTIVE STAGE WIN
IN TRUCKS: THE GAP WIDENS IN THE DUEL BETWEEN ZUURMOND AND VAN GRONINGEN
The third stage of the Africa Eco Race offered competitors a spectacular day of racing, with a 546 km course, including 452 km of timed sections, connecting Tagounite to Touizgui. Riders traversed uncharted tracks through deep sand, fast salt flats, and breathtaking landscapes, notably near the impressive dunes of Erg Chegaga. Last autumn’s rain added an unexpected touch of greenery to the desert scenery, providing a striking contrast.
Motorbikes: Jacopo Cerutti Triumphs, Tightening the Battle for the Lead
In the motorbike category, Jacopo Cerutti (Aprilia Tuareg) dominated the stage, winning the special ahead of Alessandro Botturi (Yamaha), who finished 3 minutes and 19 seconds behind. Francesco Montanari, also on an Aprilia, rounded out the podium over 22 minutes behind the winner. In the overall standings, Cerutti now leads, with Botturi trailing by just over a minute. Montanari climbs to third place overall, less than two minutes behind his teammate.
The battle among these three Italian riders is intensifying, especially as Alessandro Botturi now stands alone representing Yamaha following Pol Tarres' withdrawal yesterday. Norwegian Pål Anders Ullevålseter secured fourth place in the stage and moves up to fourth overall, while Guillaume Borne slips to fifth.
In the Xtreme Rider by Motul category, Guillem Martinez Boronat (Spain) holds eighth place overall, while Joan Pedrero, riding a Harley Davidson Panamerica, remains in the top ten at ninth position.
Jacopo Cerutti commented after his victory: "A good stage for me but very physically demanding, just like last year in this area. With lots of sand and very rocky sections, you can’t sit on the bike for more than three seconds—it’s an extremely challenging terrain."
Guillaume Borne shared his struggles: "I suffered a lot from back pain at the start of the special on very rough terrain. At the refueling stop, the medics helped ease my pain, allowing me to continue with more motivation and enjoyment in riding. However, I made a navigation error, covering 5 extra kilometers for nothing, but still had a lot of fun on the bike despite the back pain."
Cars: Benoit Fretin Strengthens His Domination
In the car category, Benoit Fretin (Century CR6) once again matched his performance from the previous day, winning the stage. During the race, he demonstrated the camaraderie characteristic of rally-raid by stopping to assist a motorcyclist who had fallen. He waited with the injured rider for medical help, then assisted the medics in evacuation efforts. This act exemplifies the spirit of solidarity in this challenging discipline. At the finish line, Fretin expressed his surprise at the speed of the medical helicopter’s arrival, even in the middle of the desert. As per the regulations, the time spent assisting a competitor was credited back to him.
Fretin now leads the general standings with a 25-minute advantage over Vincent Vroninks (Red-Lined VK56), who finished third in the stage, 14 minutes behind the winner. Tomas Ouředníček, driving a Toyota Hilux, took second place in the stage, trailing by nearly 8 minutes, and climbs to third in the overall standings, behind Vroninks.
Tomas Ouředníček remarked: "The dunes were quite challenging, but I particularly enjoyed the Erg Chegaga area. The landscapes were incredible, and my navigator made no mistakes, so it was a great stage for us."
Trucks: Gerrit Zuurmond Dominates Again
In the truck category, Gerrit Zuurmond continued his impressive winning streak, taking the stage by nearly two hours ahead of William Van Groningen, who faced mechanical issues with his Iveco. Zuurmond now leads the overall standings with a 1 hour 56-minute advantage.
Historic Category: Eric and Tom Clayes Still in the Lead
In the Historic category, Eric and Tom Clayes in a Toyota Land Cruiser 73 maintained their lead in the overall standings, ahead of Kurt Dujardyn / René Declercq in a Bombardier Iltis and Fabrice and Magali Morin in a Toyota. This third stage was particularly appreciated by all crews, who praised the diversity of terrains and landscapes.
