The penultimate stage of the Morocco Desert Challenge did not disappoint. Today, the competitors finally got what they had been eagerly anticipating for days: dunes, dunes, and even more dunes. The Dutch seized this opportunity with both hands, making their mark across almost every category.
From Foum Zguid, the participants ventured into the vast Erg Chegaga, offering a sandy spectacle of no less than 75 kilometers, split into two impressive dune sections. The route was a true playground for navigators and drivers alike, featuring fesh-fesh, sharp ridges, and a breathtaking backdrop of sand hills and ancient riverbeds.
Van den Brink extends his lead
In the SSV category, Mitchel van den Brink, alongside navigator Bart van Heun, once again displayed their class. With a time of 4 hours, 3 minutes, and 39 seconds, the duo convincingly claimed the stage victory. Van den Brink was visibly pleased afterward: “We really enjoyed the dunes. We blasted through them beautifully and can be very satisfied.”
Their lead over the runners-up, Erik Wevers and Floor Maten, was nearly 20 minutes. Although they also delivered an excellent stage, they couldn’t quite match Van den Brink’s pace. Internationally, Oscar Ral Verdu and Xavi Blanco Garcia completed the podium, finishing over 21 minutes behind the leaders.
For Erik van Loon and Wouter Rosegaar, the day was less fortunate. After strong performances earlier in the rally, they faced serious gearbox issues today, taking them out of contention for the overall standings — a major setback so close to the rally’s end.
Other strong Dutch performances came from Lex Peters and Mark Salomons, who finished a neat fourth, and Gert-Jan van der Valk and Branco de Lange, who secured sixth place. The Dutch competitors continue to feature prominently at the top of the field. The Klaassen brothers are pulling off a stunt reminiscent of the Coronel brothers in this rally, alternating behind the wheel — today, it was Henk’s turn to drive.
Van Eikeren secures podium finish
In the car category, victory went to the French duo Simon Vitse and Martin Bonnet (MD Rallye Sport), who clocked the fastest time of 3 hours, 53 minutes, and 31 seconds. The Baud family (X-Raid) followed in second place, just under nine minutes behind.
The Dutch kept pace remarkably well. Mike van Eikeren and Jasper Riezebos piloted their Toyota to a fine third place, 27 minutes behind the winners. With this, they successfully held off the international competition. While the rest of the Dutch teams faced a challenging day, they are gearing up for a final showdown in tomorrow’s closing stage.
Huzink vs. Van den Brink: a battle to the line
In the truck category, an intense Dutch showdown unfolded today. Kay Huzink, together with Joël Ebbers and Martin Roesink, emerged victorious after an epic battle, clocking a time of 4 hours, 46 minutes, and 41 seconds.
Just one minute later, Martin van den Brink, Peter Willemsen, and Erwin van Voskuilen thundered across the finish line in their Iveco. Van den Brink commented afterward: “We pushed all day long. We’re not giving up. You never know what might happen in this sport.”
Third place went to Egbert Wingens, who, together with his teammates, delivered another solid result to complete the podium.
Baratin wins, Lieverdink holds strong
French rider Amaury Baratin was the fastest of the day in the motorcycle category, with a time of 5 hours, 3 minutes, and 7 seconds, closely followed by compatriot Nicolas Horeaux, just 21 seconds behind.
Dutchman Gerben Lieverdink had a tough day but managed to finish ninth. The KTM rider thus remains in contention in the overall standings amid a strong international field. While the fight for the stage win was largely dominated by the French, Lieverdink shows resilience heading into the final stage.
Final Stage to Ouarzazate
Tomorrow brings the grand finale of this grueling rally. The eighth stage will take participants from Foum Zguid to the finish in Ouarzazate. After a beautiful liaison section, one final challenge awaits: a combination of technical mountain roads, fast plains, and a spectacular finish near Ait Ben Haddou.
There are still plenty of opportunities for the Dutch to solidify their strong rally positions. The game is not over yet, and as Martin van den Brink aptly put it: “You’re only there once you cross the finish line.”
