PRESS RELEASE - 4 FEBRUARY

For this ninth stage, the Africa Eco Race left Aïdzidine to reach Ouad Naga over a 490-kilometre route, including 426 kilometres of timed special. A stage with a set pace, where pure speed was not enough: everything was decided by consistency and the ability to establish the right rhythm and maintain it until the finish.

Rolling sand, successive small dunes, and continuous acceleration sections imposed a demanding pace, without allowing for any lapse in concentration. Here, navigation remained unforgiving, and the slightest mistake could be very costly.

Competitors unanimously praised the beauty of this special stage, set in the heart of spectacular red and white dune landscapes. The final section particularly left a mark, with long sandy tracks winding through a flat savannah.

Moto: First victory for Lepan, Marini loses all chances

Jean-Loup Lepan delivered a perfect day to claim his first stage win of this edition. He completed the special in 4:16:23. He finished ahead of Kevin Gallas by 6 min 07, while Antonio Maio took the third spot, 12 min 20 behind.

Leader before the start, Thomas Marini was stuck for a long time in the dunes and did not finish the special. He drops to 16th place in the provisional overall standings, 6 h 23 behind the new leader.

In the provisional Moto general classification, Jean-Loup Lepan takes the lead with an 18 min 49 advantage over Kevin Gallas. Gautier Paulin is third, 32 min 09 behind.

Auto: Femont wins, Van Pollaert suffers a heavy setback

Christian Femont won in 4:27:32, ahead of Andrea Schiumarini by 6 min 02. Martijn Van Den Broek completed the podium at 8 min 36.

Pol Van Pollaert endured a difficult day (sand traps + mechanical issues) and finished 26th, 2 h 27 behind the winner. Femont takes the overall lead for the first time.

David Gerard is second, and Vincent Vroninks third, 1 h 38 behind the leader.

SSV: Van Den Broek wins and strengthens his lead

Martijn Van Den Broek won in 4:36:08, ahead of Martin Benko by 5 min 36. Jérôme Cambier finished third, 10 min 04 behind. He remains overall leader with a 44 min 20 advantage over Benko.

Truck: Zuurmond wins and consolidates his dominance

Gerrit Zuurmond claimed the stage in 5:41:17. Mike Panhuijzen finished second, and Franck Coquide third. Martin Roeterdink returned to the bivouac via the road and is a non-finisher of the stage.

Zuurmond remains firmly in the overall lead with a 33 h 50 advantage.