PRESS RELEASE - 29 JANUARY

The fifth stage of the Africa Eco Race took place today between Khnifiss and Dakhla, covering a total of 768 kilometers, including a 396-kilometer selective sector. This long transition stage through the Moroccan Deep South featured a fast, rolling special stage, where long straight lines dominated a landscape of extreme uniformity.

In this “ocean of flat sand” with few visual landmarks, navigation was paramount. Maintaining the correct heading without being misled by existing tracks was the key to this demanding day, both physically and mentally. This stage brought competitors to Dakhla, the gateway to a well-deserved rest day before the rally moves into Mauritania for its second half.

Motorcycles: Gallas Wins, Lepan Takes the Mid-Race Lead

Kevin Gallas won the special stage in 3:19:46, ahead of Jean-Loup Lepan (+1m 29s) and Thomas Marini (+2m 31s).

Upon crossing the finish line, stage winner Kevin Gallas stated:
“I had a lot of fun today. It was very fast, and I had to stay constantly focused not to exceed 150 km/h and incur a penalty. The Moroccan leg of the race was incredible; the gaps are very tight. We have a great lead group with two former winners and very experienced riders like Jean-Loup. It’s a real battle between Yamaha and Aprilia... All the ingredients are there for an exhilarating race in Mauritania, where everything will be decided. I can’t wait, especially as I don’t know that country at all.”

Thanks to his second-place finish, Jean-Loup Lepan made a significant move, taking the overall lead on the eve of the rest day. He leads Kevin Gallas by 25 seconds, with Thomas Marini in third, just one minute behind. These razor-thin margins promise intense suspense and a spectacular show for the second half of the race.

Cars: Housset Takes the Stage, Van Pollaert Remains Solid Leader

In the Car category, Guy Housset claimed victory today in 3:07:04, followed by Philippe Lambilliotte (+23s) and David Gérard (+1m 36s). Today’s podium consisted entirely of Optimus models, confirming the manufacturer’s competitiveness on this type of high-speed terrain.

In the overall Car standings, Pol Van Pollaert maintains his lead over Christian Femont by nearly 25 minutes, while Philippe Lambilliotte completes the provisional podium, 35 minutes behind the leader.

SSV: Lafay Returns to Victory and Regains Control

In the SSV category, Pierre Lafay won in 3:27:45, ahead of Sander Derikx (+9m 48s) and Bob Herber (+10m 21s). This is a crucial victory for the defending champion, who returned to top form after a difficult previous stage.

In the general classification, Pierre Lafay is back in the lead, followed by William Grarre (+2m 32s) and Jérôme Cambier (+9m 34s). Here too, the gaps remain narrow, hinting at an intense battle ahead.

Trucks: Zuurmond Untouchable

Gerrit Zuurmond secured another stage victory in 3:47:30, ahead of Mike Panhuijzen (+42m) and Martin Roeterdink (+52m).

Of note was an incident involving Noel Essers’ MAN truck, which tipped onto its side mid-stage. However, the crew was able to resume the race and reach the finish line. Unsurprisingly, Gerrit Zuurmond significantly strengthens his leadership in the overall Truck standings, with a lead of over 6 hours over Mike Panhuijzen and 11 hours over Noel Essers.

This fifth stage marks the end of the first Moroccan leg of the Africa Eco Race 2026. Competitors will enjoy a rest day in Dakhla tomorrow before tackling the second half of the rally the following day as they enter Mauritania, where new challenges await the crews.

PRESS CONTACT

+33 6 50 70 60 50

presse@africarace.com

About the AFRICA ECO RACE

Created in 2008, the Africa Eco Race is a one-of-a-kind rally raid that follows in the footsteps of legendary African rallies, emphasizing a spirit of adventure and environmental respect. This international rally connects Monaco to Dakar, offering stages through the stunning landscapes of Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, culminating on the shores of the iconic Lac Rose.

The Africa Eco Race stands out for its commitment to responsible competition. The event integrates eco-friendly practices to minimize its environmental impact and implements solidarity actions to benefit local communities. It attracts professional and amateur racers from around the world—competing in cars, SSVs, motorcycles, quads, and trucks—who share a passion for pushing their limits, adventure, and environmental preservation.

For more information, visit www.africarace.com.

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