PRESS RELEASE - PODIUM LAC ROSE

Dakar, January 13, 2025 — The 16th edition of the Africa Eco Race concluded in spectacular fashion at the iconic shores of Lac Rose, continuing the legacy of African rally raids inspired by Thierry Sabine. After a symbolic final stage along the beach with mass starts in successive waves (the final rankings had been locked in the day before at the end of the Mpal stage), competitors were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd celebrating the heroes who braved the desert.

 

Mark Your Calendars: We invite all competitors and rally-raid enthusiasts to join us for the 17th edition of the Africa Eco Race, set to take place from January 24 to February 7, 2026.

 

This year’s competition delivered thrilling action, marked by narrow margins between the leaders in several categories. Until the final stages, nothing was decided, and the twists and turns kept followers and participants on the edge of their seats. The intensity highlighted not only the technical and physical skills of the drivers but also their mental endurance.

 

The closing ceremony was filled with moments of deep emotion, with tears of joy and heartfelt embraces showcasing the participants’ sense of achievement. The podium honored the exceptional performances of this edition:

 

• Motorcycles: Victory for Jacopo Cerutti on an Aprilia Tuareg, after a fierce duel with Alessandro Botturi (Yamaha), who finished just 26 seconds behind the winner after thousands of kilometers of racing. Guillaume Borne (Husqvarna) completed the podium, with close gaps reflecting the intensity of the competition.

• Cars: Triumph for Benoît Fretin with his Century CR6 in a category where every minute mattered. Pierre Lafay and Martijn Van Den Broek (Can-Am) competed fiercely until the final kilometer, delivering gripping suspense.

• SSV Xtreme Race: Pierre Lafay emerged victorious after a tough battle with Martijn Van Den Broek, finishing only 2 minutes and 5 seconds ahead of the Dutchman. The duo Philippe Champigné / Bruno Robin completed the podium.

• Trucks: Gerrit Zuurmond (MAN) won the category, finishing 2 hours, 1 minute, and 18 seconds ahead of William Van Groningen’s Iveco.

• Historic: Eric and Tom Claeys, driving a Toyota Land Cruiser 73, dominated the entire rally, finishing ahead of Kurt Dujardyn and René Declercq in their Bombardier Iltis. Fabrice and Magali Morin, with their Toyota Land Cruiser, claimed third place. A special mention goes to the Brandenburg family, who brought excitement to the event with their stunning Porsches. The crew Peter Lehmann / Tom Brandenburg finished first in the 2-wheel drive category, ahead of the duo Marnie Brandenburg / Eric Brandenburg.

 

During the podium ceremony, driver #58 Andrea Perfetti was in everyone’s thoughts. Jean-Louis and Anthony Schlesser remain in regular contact with his family. The Italian, who suffered an unfortunate accident and was seriously injured during the 7th stage, is now hospitalized in Milan, where he is receiving the best possible care, surrounded by his loved ones.

 

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026

This edition once again showcased the authentic spirit of African rally raids, following in the footsteps of Thierry Sabine, with a traditional finish at Lac Rose. The large crowd celebrated the competitors who conquered the desert, sharing moments of pride and emotion with them.

 

All eyes are now on the next edition. The dates for the 2026 Africa Eco Race have been set: technical inspections will take place on January 24, with the finish line in Dakar on February 7, 2026.

 

For more details on results, race highlights, video productions, and photo selections, visit the Africa Eco Race media website: https://aer.mytele.tv/