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Fenix Rally 2025 : From the Desert to the Coast: Tunisia’s Ever-Changing Soul
The Fenix Rally 2025 drew closer to its grand finale today with Leg 6, a 404-kilometer stage that carried competitors on an unforgettable journey from the sands of Douz to the Mediterranean shores of Monastir. As the penultimate chapter of this demanding adventure, it marked a dramatic transition — from the golden dunes of the Sahara to the fertile plains and historic heartlands of Tunisia.
The stage unfolded in two distinct parts, separated by a long neutralization of 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Part 1 began with 25 km of fast but twisty chott tracks, where precision and rhythm were key. The route then moved into rocky hills with technical gravel roads, demanding careful handling and endurance. Toward the end, the terrain became slightly sandy, punctuated by double-danger zones and speed-limited sections, where concentration was vital. Competitors also had to pay close attention to main-road and railway crossings — crucial moments that tested alertness and control.
The neutralization provided a brief but scenic pause in the action, leading participants through mountain passes and a stony canyon — a narrow yet breathtaking stretch that showcased the rugged beauty of Tunisia’s interior. Refueling was mandatory at least twice for motorbikes and SSVs, adding a strategic dimension to the day’s navigation.
Part 2 was shorter but demanding, featuring speed limits, bumpy tracks, and heavy dust that put both machines and competitors to the test. Fatigue accumulated after nearly a week of competition, making focus and consistency the keys to success.
While less extreme than the desert marathons of previous legs, Leg 6 brought its own set of challenges. Changing surfaces and variable visibility required constant adaptation, turning the day into a true mental and physical trial. With the final stage now within reach, every second mattered — strategy became as crucial as speed.
The arrival in Monastir was a symbolic milestone. For the first time since leaving Douz, the competitors could breathe in the scent of the sea, a sign that the long odyssey across Tunisia was nearing its end. Teams reached the bivouac tired but elated, aware that just one more stage separates them from the finish line — and from transforming their dream into reality.
Once again, today’s stage embodied the spirit of the Fenix Rally: the thrill of discovery, the diversity of Tunisia’s landscapes, and the resilience of those who dare to go the distance. From rocky highlands to coastal breeze, Leg 6 reminded everyone that this rally is more than a race — it’s a journey of emotion, endurance, and adventure.
After this intense day on Tunisia’s backroads, the results of Leg 6 confirmed the strength and consistency of the leading contenders. With only one stage remaining, every second now counts, and the final battle for victory promises to be unforgettable. Below are the top three performers in each class, who excelled across the demanding terrain between Douz and Monastir, keeping their focus and determination intact as the finish line draws near.
ENDURO_CC
1. Edvard Sokolovski (LTU) – KTM Rally Replica – AG Dakar School – Hiltus – 01:57:40.82
2. Urban Jerkic (SVN) – KTM EXC 500 – Desert Soul Rally Team – 01:58:21.47
3. Christian Pastori (ITA) – Husqvarna FE501 – Compass Racing Team – 01:59:07.38
ATV_CC
1. Antanas Kanopkinas (LTU) – CFMOTO CForce – CFMOTO Thunder Racing Team – 02:09:55.15
2. Gaetan Martinez (FRA) – CFMOTO CForce – CFMOTO Thunder Racing Team – 02:10:16.82
SSV_CC
1. Nicolas Martinez / Loriane Forgues (FRA) – Overdrive OT3 – Aravis Rallye Raid – 01:55:46.90
2. Juraj Varga / Radovan Schneider (SVK) – Polaris RZR Pro R – Varga Motorsport Team – 02:00:19.16
3. Nicusor Duica / Nicoleta Duica (ROU) – Can-Am Maverick X3 – Dumobat – 02:04:50.15
CAR_OPEN
1. Agostino Rizzardi / Claudio Fenati (ITA) – Porsche-Century CR6T – Countrysideways – 01:54:22.77
2. Magdalena Zajac / Blazej Czekan (POL) – Toyota Hilux – Proxcars TME Rally Team – 01:58:26.89
3. Vincent Thijs / Arjan Van Tiel (BEL/NLD) – Toyota Hilux – RT Offroad – 01:58:37.73
CAR_LIMITED
1. Abd El Karim Ben Hssan / Mohamed Ali Drira (TUN) – Toyota GRJ79L – Tunis Automobile Club – 02:11:52.81
2. Abdennour Benabdennour / Gregory Kucipak (TUN/FRA) – Mitsubishi Pajero – Nour – 02:49:56.44
3. Ewald Holler / Markus Bodzenta (AUT) – Toyota Land Cruiser KZJ73 – Hekla Competition – 02:50:11.62
TRUCK_CC
1. Tom Heuer / Christoph Tum / Marco Richter (DEU) – Tatra 815 – Sueptitz Motorsport – 02:14:10.82
2. Gerrit Zuurmond / Tjeerd Van Ballegooy / Klaas Kwakkel (NLD) – MAN TGA 18.480 – Rainbow Truck Team – 02:16:58.55
3. Paolo Calabria / Loris Calubini / Giuseppe Fortuna (ITA) – MAN TGA – Eagle Racing Team – 02:21:43.18
Tomorrow leg 7: Leg 7: The Final Challenge (338 km)
The final 338 km loop around Monastir will be the perfect conclusion to the Fenix Rally 2025.
Divided into three distinct parts, the stage offers a complete summary of everything this rally stands for: challenge, adventure, and discovery.
Part 1 leads competitors through a stunning mountain section, featuring multiple danger zones and strict speed-limit areas. Heavy rains before the rally damaged several roads, forcing organizers to shorten this portion for safety reasons. Despite the changes, it reveals a spectacular and untouched side of Tunisia that no racer has ever explored before.
Parts 2 and 3 are more dynamic and faster, with several small neutralizations, road crossings, and speed-limited segments. The terrain varies constantly — from mountain gravel and valley tracks to brief paved transitions — demanding precision and adaptability from every crew.
Passing through Maktar, Zaghouan, and Enfidha, competitors will enjoy fast sections and breathtaking panoramas before crossing the finish line on the Mediterranean coast. Emotions will run high as teams complete almost 2,800 km of racing across Tunisia’s most beautiful and demanding landscapes.
The awards ceremony in Monastir will celebrate not only the winners but all those who faced the desert and triumphed — true adventurers who embody the spirit of the Fenix Rally.
Official press release





