STAGE 4: 6TH STAGE: DAKHLA - BENICHAB, ENTERING MAURITANIA AND MAJOR UPSETS IN MOTORCYCLES AND 4-WHEELS
• IN MOTORCYCLES, BOTTURI (YAMAHA) WINS THE STAGE AND TAKES THE LEAD IN THE GENERAL CLASSIFICATION AHEAD OF CERUTTI (APRILIA)
• IN CARS, BENOIT FRETIN WINS HIS 4TH STAGE VICTORY AHEAD OF MARTIJN VAN DEN BROEK IN SSV CAN-AM MAVERICK X3, WHO TAKES SECOND PLACE OVERALL
On January 6, 2025, the Africa Eco Race crossed the Mauritanian border during the 6th stage, connecting Dakhla to Benichab with a total distance of 703 km. This stage was marked by technical tracks, pure off-road terrain, and navigation challenges, testing the competitors' skills.
MOTORCYCLES: BOTTURI WINS AND TAKES THE OVERALL LEAD, JACOPO CERUTTI STRUGGLES ON THE TRACK
Alessandro Botturi demonstrated his mastery by winning the stage, thereby consolidating his position in the general classification. The Italian rider finished ahead of Pal Anders Ullevålseter, who came in 2 minutes and 56 seconds behind, securing a strong result. Rookie Iarno D'Orsogna completed the stage podium just 3 minutes and 34 seconds behind on his Yamaha, impressing with his consistency.
However, one of the key events of the day was Jacopo Cerutti’s misfortune. The Aprilia rider, who was in second place overall, saw his Bib Mousse on the rear wheel burst at kilometer 120. He continued riding until he was forced to remove his tire at kilometer 150, finishing the special on the rim. This heroic performance allowed him to reach the finish, though he ended up in 26th place for the stage.
In the general classification, this incident cost Cerutti dearly, dropping him to second place and leaving 15 minutes behind Alessandro Botturi, now the leader. Guillaume Borne took advantage of the situation, climbing to third place, 1 hour and 36 minutes behind the new leader.
CARS AND SSV: FRETIN DOMINATES, FRETIN CONFIRMS, OUREDNICEK AND LAFAY FALL BACK
Benoît Fretin confirmed his supremacy by winning another stage in this 6th round. He secured the victory thanks to flawless navigation and impressive pace on the Mauritanian tracks. Meanwhile, bad luck struck two major podium contenders: Tomas Ourednicek, who was in second place overall at the start, was slowed down by mechanical issues. He finished the stage in last place, 6 hours and 57 minutes behind the winner, squashing his hopes of victory. Pierre Lafay, driving his Can-Am, also had a nightmarish day, finishing 9th, 2 hours and 37 minutes behind Fretin.
Benoît Fretin increased his gap in the general classification with this performance. He strengthened his position as leader with nearly a 4-hour lead over Martijn Van Den Broek, who moved from 4th to 2nd place. Despite his setback, Ourednicek remains in the top 5 but sees his chances of a podium finish slipping away. Pierre Lafay retains his 3rd place overall, 4 hours behind Benoit Fretin.
In the SSV Xtrem Race category, Martijn Van Den Broek won the stage ahead of the duo Philippe Champigné and Robin Bruno with a 6 minutes and 58 seconds lead. The crew Pierre Lafay and Gilles De Turckheim finished 3rd, over 2 hours behind the winner. Pierre Lafay lost his position as leader of the general SSV classification, dropping to 2nd place, 9 minutes behind the new leader Martijn Van Den Broek. Philippe Champigné and Robin Bruno in 3rd place increased their gap from the leader to 2 hours and 6 minutes.
TRUCKS: VAN GRONINGEN WINS
William Van Groningen and Gerrit Zuurmond have alternated victories since the start of the Africa Eco Race. Today, it was Van Groningen, with his Iveco, who crossed the finish line, taking more than 8 minutes over Zuurmond and his Man. A great stage victory for the Dust Warriors team, but with a 1 hour and 44 minutes deficit to the Rainbow Truck Team, Gerrit Zuurmond retains the lead in the general classification.
HISTORIC: VETERANS STILL IN THE FIGHT
The historic crews continue to demonstrate their tenacity in the face of the tough conditions offered by the Mauritanian sand, but they greatly enjoy the landscapes they pass through. Eric and Tom Clayes maintain the lead in the general classification after a flawless stage. The classification remains unchanged, with Kurt Dujardyn and René Declercq in second place on their Bombardier Iltis, ahead of Fabrice and Magali Morin in their Toyota Land Cruiser.
ONWARD TO THE NEXT STAGES
This 6th stage has shaken up the standings, particularly in motorcycles, where Alessandro Botturi has emerged as the new man to beat. The competitors now head into the Mauritanian stages, with dunes and incredible landscapes that will put their skills to the test. The suspense remains high, the 7th stage will take competitors to Amodjar, near Atar, where the bivouac will be set up for 2 thrilling loops and 3 consecutive nights.
