PRESS RELEASE - STAGE N°7

Motorbikes: Cerutti Shines, Botturi Holds the Lead

Jacopo Cerutti won the stage in 2h51, ahead of Alessandro Botturi by 8 minutes and 37 seconds. Scott Britnell finished third, 9 minutes and 26 seconds behind Cerutti. It was a strong performance for the Australian rider, competing in the Xtreme Rider By Motul category, who had faced mechanical issues on the opening stage and spent the first night in Morocco repairing his engine.

 

In the general classification, Botturi remains in the lead with a 6-minute and 53-second advantage over Cerutti. Guillaume Borne holds third but is now 2 hours and 6 minutes behind Botturi.

 

4 Wheels: SSVs Steal the Spotlight

Pierre Lafay (SSV Xtreme Race) triumphed in the day’s stage with a time of 54’32’’, followed by Benoit Fretin (+2’15’’) and Philippe Champigné (+5’).

 

In the general classification, Fretin leads by 4h over Martijn Van Den Broek (4th today). Lafay sits 3rd, just 8 seconds shy of 2nd place.

 

Trucks: Zuurmond Extends His Lead

Gerrit Zuurmond dominated the stage in 1h33’, pulling ahead of William Van Groningen by 7’49’’. In the overall rankings, Zuurmond strengthens his lead, now 1h52’ ahead of Van Groningen.

 

Historic Category: Clayes Duo Stays on Top

Eric and Tom Clayes remain dominant, followed by Kurt Dujardyn and René Declercq. Fabrice and Magali Morin hold 3rd. The day offered nostalgic tracks reminiscent of classic Paris-Dakar routes, featuring sand, camel grass, and swirling dust under the Mauritanian sun.

 

Suspense Until Dakar

Close margins among leaders in various categories promise surprises up to Dakar’s finish line. Tomorrow’s stage includes a 356 km loop with 351 km of special, taking competitors across the Adrar Plateau and toward the Eye of Africa.