Selective routes and record performances confirm the intensity of the race
The second stage, held today, Tuesday the 18th, lived up to expectations, delivering pure adrenaline across the 324-kilometre route, including 209 kilometres of timed special stage. From the very first kilometres, riders faced an extremely varied course: after an initial liaison of nearly 30 km, the special stages alternated fast tracks, hazardous sections and controlled-speed zones. A short paved segment preceded more treacherous terrain with several critical points, leading to a new “river” of sand and then to a fast section taking competitors to the refuelling point.
The second half of the stage challenged participants with rocky areas, sandy stretches and a particularly selective dune sector. Technical segments with stones and tricky zones came before the final portion of sand and the concluding section on more flowing tracks. A long final liaison brought the teams back to Kasbah Cergui in Erfoud, at the end of a stage that may already have begun to shape the standings. This second race day confirmed the extremely high level of competition in all categories, offering spectacle and tension along increasingly selective routes.
Stage results: today’s times
In the MT1 motorcycle category, Chilean rider Tomas de Gavardo (#119) once again set the fastest time, finishing in 3h25’47”. Behind him were Sara Garcia (#108) in 3h43’00” and French rider Tom Deest (#101) in 3h47’55”, confirming the tight battle among the two-wheel contenders.
In MT2, the day’s podium was topped by Antonio Ubis Diaz (#132) with 4h24’10”, followed by Roc Herms (#136) in 4h47’03” and C. S. Santosh (#118) in 4h48’23”.
In the SSVs, category T3 was won by the crew Adrien Leyreloup/Patrick Jimbert (#317) in 3h45’01”, ahead of Schiefer/Noel de Berlin (#307) in 3h48’37” and Brion/Artaud (#313) in 3h58’48”. In T4, the best time of the day was set by Eric Rohner/Diego Terre (#403) in 4h11’01”, followed by Parpottas/Odink (#402) in 4h13’13” and Wicklow/Armstrong (#406) in 4h47’29”.
The T1 podium rewarded Remy Chapot and Bruno Larroquet (#214) with 4h28’38”, ahead of Hardy/Osborne (#209) and Lopez/Ribas (#222). In T2, the day’s win went to Jonathan Deru and Anatole Fromont (#201) in 4h59’36”, followed by Guerra/Ribas (#206) in 5h09’39” and Rodiles/Tortosa (#210) in 5h16’12”. Close times and race strategies made both categories highly competitive.
Finally, in the Overland category, today’s standings placed Pedro Garcia Andres and Jose Carlos Prats (#601) in first with 163 points, followed by Mas/Canamasas (#603) with 162 points and Filippo Franzini (#602) with 159 points. Here too the competition was tight, with minimal gaps between the top contenders.
Today’s stage reinforced the spectacular nature of the race and the balance among the leading competitors, promising an exciting continuation filled with plot twists.
Statements from the protagonists
Tomas de Gavardo (#119) – KTM 450 Rally Replica
“I am very happy with this stage. It started unusually, as I had a complicated beginning due to rain for most of the day, which required great attention to direction changes and to the tracks on quite rough terrain. In fact, this FenekRally has been excellent training. So far I am very satisfied with my pace, the result and, above all, with the organisation, always ready to help and attentive to every need. I felt very good in the first dunes of the stage, maintaining a strong rhythm. I made a couple of navigation mistakes, but I corrected them quickly and managed to stay on a good race pace. I am very happy and confident for the coming days, aiming to continue improving. The most important thing for me is to build strong preparation for the big goal in seven weeks: the Dakar Rally.”
Sara Garcia (#108) – Yamaha 450 WRF Rally Replica
“Today’s 324 km were a true concentration of adrenaline: rain and sun, dunes, fesh-fesh, fast tracks, stones and numerous waypoints to find. I started with pace and focus, catching up to Tom Deest at km 45 and even reaching Tomas de Gavardo while looking for a waypoint. Then I spun around because I couldn’t find another one and lost valuable time going in circles. After a few more small mistakes, I managed to complete the entire route and bring the bike to the finish. Despite the difficulties, I finished the stage in second place, highly motivated. Tomorrow awaits us with a new 302-km challenge that promises to be just as intense and selective!”
Programme for the third stage
The third stage, scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, covers a total of 302 km, with 71 km of liaison and 231 km of special stage. After a 55.5-km transfer from Kasbah Cergui in Erfoud, the special opens on a fast track with some hazards, then becomes more damaged and complex up to km 77. The route then alternates short off-track sections and limited-speed zones, crossing sand rivers and dunes. Between km 114 and km 140 a road transfer and refuelling stop are planned.
The second part of the special continues with fast tracks, off-track sections, limited-speed areas and rough terrain up to km 230. The stage ends with a 15-km liaison to the logistics base in Erfoud.
