12TH STAGE IN SENEGAL: SAINT LOUIS / DAKAR: 230 KM

Last day for all participants of the 10th edition of the Africa Eco Race to honor all those who managed to reach Dakar after more than 6000 kilometers. The Lac Rose welcomed these heroes who have all been able to parade on the podium in front of the public.

One last session
All participants had to leave the bivouac in the early morning even before sunrise to join the start of a final fling. After 230 kilometers of liaison, it is on the beach on the shores of Lac Rose that they started for 22 kilometers. A final boost to celebrate the end of the competition before taking the podium to end this 10th Africa Eco Race. Reward for some, deliverance for others, this last day was celebrated in the middle of a crowd where locals and the entourage of some competitors came to enjoy the show.

Mathieu Serradori and Fabian Lurquin (FRA-BEL / MCM) opened the show by crossing the finish line ahead of all the cars to blow the dust one last time by slipping 360 degrees in front of the public. A final battle with Dimitri Vasilyev and Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS / MINI) on the beach before enjoying their final victory. The big winners of this edition were congratulated by the number one motorbike rider, Paolo Ceci (ITA / KTM) while Gerard De Rooy (NL / IVECO), winner on truck category, congratulated Tomas Tomecek (CZE / TATRA) for his 2nd place.


Smiles and champagne
Everyone had a smile, happy to be reunited one last time to celebrate their adventure. The traditional parade on the podium allowed the drivers to pay tribute to their staff by getting them up for a photo shoot and a champagne shower. Spectators could approach the vehicles queuing, some children have even been able to get inside some cars for a photo.

Jean-Louis Schlesser and René Metge also had a big smile on their faces, delighted that this new race went so well. Jean-Louis was even already focused on the next edition: "we already have registrants, and seeing the joy of the Dutch this year, it should grow fast." As much on the side of the organization as competitors, the slogan was the same despite fatigue: "Heading for next year!".

Overall ranking
Car :
1. Mathieu Serradori / Fabian Lurquin n°202 (FRA)
2. Vladimir Vasilyev / Konstantin Zhiltsov n°201 (RUS)
3. Pascal Thomasse / Pascal Larroque n°206 (FRA)

Bike :
1. Paolo Ceci n°101 (ITA)
2. Luis Miguel Anjos Oliveira n°114 (POR)
3. Rui Oliveira n°115 (POR)

Truck :
1. Gerard De Rooy / Darek Rodewald / Moi Torrellardona n°400 (NDL)
2. Tomas Tomecek n°401 (CZE)
3. Johannes Van De Laar / Ben Van De Laar / Adolphus Huijgens n°406 (NDL)