Home » Benichab to Amodjar. An accident leads to the special being neutralized after 241 km

Benichab to Amodjar. An accident leads to the special being neutralized after 241 km

The seventh stage, spanning 468 km, took competitors from Benichab to Amodjar for the second day in Mauritania. The day’s challenges included sand, dunes, and complex navigation under intense heat.

Unfortunately, the 392 km special was neutralized at kilometer 241 for bikes and at CP1, and 50 km from the start, for cars, SSVs, and trucks due to an accident involving a light aircraft and a motorcycle competitor. Rider Andrea Perfetti (#58) was swiftly attended to and airlifted to Nouakchott’s military hospital. Though seriously injured, his condition is stable and non-life-threatening.

Cerutti Shines, Botturi Holds the Lead

Jacopo Cerutti won the stage in 2h51, ahead of Alessandro Botturi by 8 minutes and 37 seconds. Scott Britnell finished third, 9 minutes and 26 seconds behind Cerutti. It was a strong performance for the Australian rider, competing in the Xtreme Rider By Motul category, who had faced mechanical issues on the opening stage and spent the first night in Morocco repairing his engine.

In the general classification, Botturi remains in the lead with a 6-minute and 53-second advantage over Cerutti. Guillaume Borne holds third but is now 2 hours and 6 minutes behind Botturi.

SSVs steal the spotlight on four wheels

Pierre Lafay (SSV Xtreme Race) triumphed in the day’s stage with a time of 54’32’’, followed by Benoit Fretin (+2’15’’) and Philippe Champigné (+5’).

In the general classification, Fretin leads by 4h over Martijn Van Den Broek (4th today). Lafay sits 3rd, just 8 seconds shy of 2nd place.

Zuurmond extends his lead

Gerrit Zuurmond dominated the stage in 1h33’, pulling ahead of William Van Groningen by 7’49’’. In the overall rankings, Zuurmond strengthens his lead, now 1h52’ ahead of Van Groningen.

Clayes Duo Stays on Top

Eric and Tom Clayes remain dominant, followed by Kurt Dujardyn and René Declercq. Fabrice and Magali Morin hold 3rd. The day offered nostalgic tracks reminiscent of classic Paris-Dakar routes, featuring sand, camel grass, and swirling dust under the Mauritanian sun.

Suspense until Dakar

Close margins among leaders in various categories promise surprises up to Dakar’s finish line. Tomorrow’s stage includes a 356 km loop with 351 km of special, taking competitors across the Adrar Plateau and toward the Eye of Africa.

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