As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the vast Moroccan desert, the competitors of the Africa Eco Race faced another exhilarating challenge. Stage 4, stretching from Touizgui to Laâyoune, offered a stunning 499 km journey, with an impressive special stage of 486 km that truly tested the skills and endurance of each participant.
A Test of Technical Prowess
The fourth stage showcased the dramatic beauty of the Moroccan landscape. Participants navigated through sprawling desert expanses adorned with rolling dunes and tufts of camel grass, all while facing the technical challenges inherent to this featureless terrain. For the competitors, navigation was key, and it demanded the utmost concentration and strategy.
Bikes: Botturi Regains Dominance
In the intense battle for biker supremacy, Alessandro Botturi (Yamaha) emerged victorious, finishing the stage in a commendable time of 5:24:36. Close on his heels, Jacopo Cerutti (Aprilia) finished merely 3 minutes later, while seasoned rider Pål Anders Ullevålseter (KTM) claimed third place, more than 24 minutes back but showcasing a fierce comeback.
Botturi expressed his satisfaction after the race, stating, “It was a long and tough stage, but I’m back in the lead ahead of Jacopo, so today’s strategy and navigation worked well. It’s been a good day.” Ullevålseter, who previously won the event in 2016, noted the nuances of navigation in the challenging terrain, emphasizing that even the slightest miscalculation could lead to significant delays.
As it stands, Botturi leads the overall standings by a narrow margin of just 1’28 over Cerutti, while Ullevålseter is trailing at 1h34 behind. The excitement builds as these former champions continue to fight for supremacy in this legendary rally.
Cars: Benoît Fretin Unstoppable
On the four-wheeled front, Benoît Fretin proved his mettle once again, taking his third consecutive stage victory in a time of 5:17:17. Tomas Ourednicek and Vincent Vroninks followed closely behind, showcasing the tight competition among the leaders. Fretin’s enthusiasm was palpable at the finish line as he recounted the day’s challenges: “A complicated special stage: we got stuck in the sand and lost 7 or 8 minutes getting out. But we’re having so much fun on this Africa Eco Race—way better than being in the office!”
With his consistent performance, Fretin solidified his lead in the overall standings by over 30 minutes, making him a formidable contender for the title.
Trucks: William Van Groningen Bounces Back
In the truck category, William Van Groningen had a remarkable comeback after facing mechanical issues the previous day. He secured the stage win with a lead of nearly 6 minutes over rival Gerrit Zuurmond. Though Zuurmond maintains a comfortable 1h50 advantage overall, Van Groningen proved he still has the skill and tenacity to challenge his competitors.
Historic Category: No Changes Amidst Stunning Landscapes
In the historic category, the standings remained unchanged, with Eric and Tom Clayes (Toyota Land Cruiser 73) holding onto first place. They were followed closely by Kurt Dujardyn and René Declercq (Bombardier Iltis), along with Fabrice and Magali Morin (Toyota). Participants reveled in the stunning landscapes, using this unique opportunity to showcase their classic vehicles.
Looking Ahead: A Journey to Dakhla
Stage 4 was not just a race; it was a testament to the spirit of adventure that defines the Africa Eco Race. As the rally continues its trek southward, competitors prepare for the next leg of their journey to Dakhla. The upcoming 629 km stage promises 431 km of fast, sandy tracks, followed by a well-deserved rest day for mechanical maintenance and physical recovery before entering Mauritania.
With the thrill of competition escalating and breathtaking landscapes as the backdrop, the Africa Eco Race remains an unforgettable experience as participants chase not just victory, but the very essence of adventure. Stay tuned for more updates as this incredible journey unfolds!
