PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF THE DAY
Motorbike: Thomas Marini
Car: Pol Van Pollaert
SSV: Pierre Lafay
Truck: Gerrit Zuurmond
The third stage of the Africa Eco Race took place today between Tagounit and Assa, covering a total distance of 514 kilometers, including a 440-kilometer timed special. A long and demanding stage, alternating between fast but rough tracks, the dunes of the Chegaga Erg, and very rocky sections at the end of the course. The day tested both competitors and machines, with particularly challenging passages. Navigation proved complex in several areas, trapping multiple competitors and making this special stage as physically demanding as it was mentally.
Motorbike: Thomas Marini claims stage victory and takes the overall lead
Thomas Marini finished in 4:53:26, ahead of Kevin Gallas by 7 min 53 s, and Jean-Loup Lepan by 8 min 54 s.
Jean-Loup Lepan, Alessandro Botturi, and Thomas Marini crossed the finish line together after riding in tandem for much of the day, sharing their impressions :
“Navigation was difficult and the track very rough, but it was a real pleasure on the bike,” said Jean-Loup Lepan. “At the end, I was able to open the track a few meters ahead of my rivals, which gave me a boost of confidence after a tough start to the special marked by a big crash, fortunately without consequences for me or the bike.”
Thomas Marini, the new leader of the overall standings, added:
“A very demanding special, but I managed to stay focused and handle the difficult sections. It’s encouraging for the rest of the rally.”
Thanks to this impressive performance, Marini takes the lead in the overall motorbike standings, five minutes ahead of Kevin Gallas and six minutes ahead of Jean-Loup Lepan.
Notably, Noa Sainct ran out of fuel during the stage. Honda rider David Fretigné stopped to give him a few liters, sacrificing valuable minutes, illustrating the spirit of solidarity that characterizes the desert warriors of the Africa Eco Race.
Car and SSV: Pol Van Pollaert and Pierre Lafay at the top
The four-wheel competition was marked by a tight duel on the stage. Pol Van POLLAERT won the stage in 5:05:27, ahead of Pierre Lafay’s SSV by 1 min 09 s, with Philippe Lambilliotte completing the podium nearly four minutes behind.
In the overall car standings, Pierre Lafay (Can-Am Maverick R) takes the lead, followed by Pol Van POLLAERT (Optimus) just 58 seconds behind, and Philippe Lambilliotte (Optimus) 2 min 18 s from the leader.
In the SSV category, Pierre Lafay also leads the overall standings, 24 minutes ahead of Martin Benko (Taurus T3) and nearly 39 minutes ahead of William Grarre (Can-Am Maverick X3).
Satisfied with his performance, Pierre Lafay said at the finish:
“We had no issues and executed very good navigation despite the many traps, but it was a long stage, very demanding for us and for the machine. We did everything to preserve the vehicle.”
Truck: Gerrit Zuurmond continues his momentum
Among the truck category, Gerrit Zuurmond claimed another stage victory, confirming his dominance and extending his overall lead. At the time of writing, he is the only competitor in his category to have finished the special and reached the bivouac. His four rivals are still on the track, and it is now mathematically impossible for them to surpass Gerrit in the stage or overall rankings.
He noted:
“Navigation was indeed difficult, the tracks very rough, but we ultimately made very few mistakes.”
Historic category Jorge Perez Companc takes a double victory
The competition continues among the 23 crews entered in the historic category. On this third stage, Jorge Perez Companc (HDJ 80) wins again, ahead of François-Xavier Bourgeois (Range Rover) and Pierre Bourdeau (Toyota HJ 61).
Jorge Perez Companc and his son/copilot, Ezequiel Perez Companc, said:
“We are very happy to be here, after dreaming while watching images of vehicles similar to our HDJ80 racing in the old Paris-Dakar. We wanted to traverse these legendary tracks on African soil, and we are living a waking dream in incredible landscapes. It is a family project; we are experiencing this adventure together with the goal of reaching the shores of Lac Rose in Dakar.”
Today’s long and demanding stage confirms the unpredictable and selective nature of the Africa Eco Race. Between dunes, rough tracks, and rocky sections, the race remains wide open. With several thousand kilometers still to Dakar, the rally promises an intense and spectacular continuation.
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.
