TRIUMPHANT CLOSURE OF THE 17th EDITION AT LAC ROSE
ONE FINISH LINE, ONE STORY, A DESERT CROSSED
The sun rose yesterday over the beach in Dakar with a soft, almost ethereal light. For one final time, the Africa Eco Race competitors took part in a mass start facing the Atlantic for the symbolic "prestige" special stage. While it doesn't count toward the overall standings, it means everything to the heart.
The caravan then reached the shores of Lac Rose. There, after thousands of kilometers through Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, the engines fell silent, giving way to embraces, tired smiles, and sometimes tears. The unique emotion of arriving at Lac Rose remains unchanged year after year: the feeling of having seen it through to the end.
Because the Africa Eco Race is not just a race. It is a crossing, a human adventure, and a challenge against oneself as much as against the desert.
WINNERS FORGED BY ENDURANCE
This 17th edition will go down as one of the most closely contested in recent years, with razor-thin margins and daily shifts in the provisional overall standings.
Moto Bikes
After nearly two weeks of racing and thousands of kilometers, Kevin Gallas (Yamaha) won the 2026 Africa Eco Race with a lead of just 41 seconds over Gautier Paulin (Yamaha), following an exceptional duel that lasted until the very last stage. Jean-Loup Lepan (KTM) completed the final podium (+16 min 08 s), rewarded for his combativeness, his growing navigation expertise, and his striking performances throughout the rally.
Such a tiny gap is almost unheard of in rally-raid, speaking volumes about the intensity of this edition.
Auto
In the Car category, David Gérard (MD Optimus) claimed victory after a solid and controlled race where consistency proved decisive. He finished 1h 29min ahead of Christian Femont (Mini Cooper X-Raid), while Vincent Vroninks (Red Lined Vk56) took third place (+1h 49min 05s). This category was particularly hard-fought, where the slightest error could cost hours and race management made all the difference.
SSV
In the SSV category, Martijn Van Den Broek (Can-Am Maverick 1000R) won ahead of Martin Benko (Mce5 T3m Taurus T3) by 47 min 44 s, with Sander Derikx (Can-Am Maverick 1000R) finishing third (+1h 26min 15s). A victory built on steadiness, navigation, and great mastery of the Mauritanian dunes.
Truck
In the Truck category, Gerrit Zuurmond (MAN TGA) secured a logical win after dominating the field throughout the rally. He finished ahead of Martin Roeterdink (DAF CF), second at +33h 45min 15s, and Mike Panhuijzen (MAN TGA), third at +40h 50min 43s. A victory that rewards reliability, strategy, and experience in a category where solidarity between crews remains a core value.
Historic
The Historic category, true to the original spirit of the great African rallies, once again offered a unique spectacle. The final podium:
Jorge Perez Companc / Ezequiel Perez Companc – Toyota HDJ 80
Dirk Van Rompuy / Jan Rosa – Toyota HDJ 80
Pierre Bourdeau / Bruno Domy – Toyota HJ61
Beyond the rankings, this category embodies more than ever the living memory of rally-raid.
THE AFRICA ECO RACE SPIRIT
Day after day, competitors braved the rocky tracks of Morocco, the vast dune expanses of Mauritania, heat, fatigue, navigation errors, getting stuck in the sand, and sleepless nights. But they also shared mutual aid, bivouacs under the stars, encounters, and those moments of solidarity that make this race so unique. Because here, winning is one thing. Finishing is another. And crossing the line at Lac Rose remains, for everyone, the greatest victory of all.
Click here for stage results and overall standings
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.
