The third leg of the Fenix Rally 2025, “The Circle of Sand,” will be remembered as one of the most demanding and symbolic stages of this edition. Covering a total of 362 kilometers, the route formed a perfect loop with start and finish in Douz — the gateway to the Tunisian desert — leading competitors through some of the most evocative and challenging landscapes of the rally: Ksar Ghilane, Zmela, El Mida, and Bir Sultan.
From the very first kilometers, the stage tested every aspect of endurance, navigation, and vehicle performance. Fast sandy tracks alternated with rocky passages and long stretches of soft dunes, requiring not only speed but also precision, control, and a deep understanding of desert dynamics. The constant transitions between different types of terrain forced teams to adapt their pace and strategy continuously, highlighting the versatility and experience of the most prepared crews.
As the sun rose high over the desert, temperatures soared, turning the stage into a true trial of resistance. Mechanical reliability and the ability to read the terrain became essential to reach the finish line without mistakes. For many, the return to Douz at sunset marked more than just the end of another leg — it was the completion of a personal challenge, a moment of pride after having conquered one of the most iconic and punishing routes in Fenix Rally history.
Spectacular as it was unforgiving, “The Circle of Sand” perfectly embodied the spirit of the Fenix Rally: adventure, discovery, and endurance in one of the planet’s most majestic environments. Each participant, whether at the top of the rankings or fighting to stay in the race, demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience — qualities that define not only great competitors but true adventurers.
As darkness slowly enveloped the desert and the silence of the dunes replaced the roar of engines, teams gathered in the bivouac to rest, repair, and reflect on the day’s efforts. The rally is now entering its most crucial phase, where consistency, strategic thinking, and a steady mindset will be key to facing the final challenges that still await in the heart of Tunisia.
After such an intense and demanding stage, only the most skilled and determined competitors managed to stand out in the rankings. The day’s results clearly reflected the importance of consistency, navigation accuracy, and endurance over pure speed. Across all categories today’s top performers demonstrated exceptional control, mechanical reliability, and strategic awareness throughout the 362 kilometers of “The Circle of Sand.”
Here are the top three finishers of the day in each class, who conquered one of the toughest legs in Fenix Rally history and earned their place among the standout names of this edition.
ENDURO_CC
1. Duong Nguyen Khoa (FRA) – KTM EXC – France Road Book – ⏱️ 04:51:56.80
2. Urban Jerkic (SVN) – KTM EXC 500 – Desert Soul Rally Team – ⏱️ 05:04:29.49
3. Edvard Sokolovski (LTU) – KTM Rally Replica – AG Dakar School - Hiltus – ⏱️ 05:37:38.84
ATV_CC
1. Gaetan Martinez (FRA) – CFMOTO CForce – CFMOTO Thunder Racing Team – ⏱️ 05:32:30.52
2. Antanas Kanopkinas (LTU) – CFMOTO CForce – CFMOTO Thunder Racing Team – ⏱️ 05:35:00.73
SSV_CC
1. Paolo Scalzotto / Aldo De Lorenzo (ITA) – Polaris RZR 1000 – RZR Racing – ⏱️ 04:10:11.39
2. Nikola Hristov / Nedko Hristov (BGR) – Can-Am Maverick X3 – Synthesia Racing – ⏱️ 05:14:44.61
3. Marcin Graczyk / Artur Kordala (POL) – BRP Maverick X3 – Martin Racing Team – ⏱️ 05:22:02.96
CAR_OPEN
1. Agostino Rizzardi / Claudio Fenati (ITA) – Porsche-Century CR6T – Countrysideways – ⏱️ 04:57:41.71
2. Vincent Thijs / Arjan Van Tiel (BEL/NLD) – Toyota Hilux – RT Offroad – ⏱️ 05:02:46.28
3. Hardo Mere / Joonas Oja (EST) – HM7 Proto – HM Racing Team – ⏱️ 05:07:38.89
CAR_LIMITED
1. Abd El Karim Ben Hssan / Mohamed Ali Drira (TUN) – Toyota GRJ79L – Tunis Automobile Club – ⏱️ 06:22:55.76
2. Ernst Amort / Carmen Borkowetz (ITA/SVN) – Toyota Tacoma – Pircher Williams – DNF
3. Abdennour Benabdennour / Gregory Kucipak (TUN/FRA) – Mitsubishi Pajero – Nour – DNF
?TRUCK_CC
1. Gerrit Zuurmond / Tjeerd Van Ballegooy / Klaas Kwakkel (NLD) – MAN TGA 18.480 – Rainbow Truck Team – ⏱️ 06:30:35.59
2. Paolo Calabria / Loris Calubini / Giuseppe Fortuna (ITA) – MAN TGA – Eagle Racing Team – ⏱️ 11:12:44.58
3. Philippe Roman / Cedric Delmas / Mathieu Tonello (FRA) – Mercedes Unimog – Roman – ⏱️ 17:04:00.00
Tomorrow Leg 4: The Longest Journey Through the Heart of the Sahara, Douz – Douz (520 km)
Today’s stage — the longest of the entire rally — will take competitors on an extraordinary journey across some of southern Tunisia’s most iconic and diverse landscapes. From Douz, the route heads west toward Matmata, renowned for its ancient troglodyte dwellings, before pushing through Kamour and Tataouine, then turning north via the oasis of Ksar Ghilane on the return to Douz.
Covering 520 kilometers, this demanding loop combines fast desert pistes, rocky plateaus, and challenging sandy sections, testing every aspect of endurance, navigation, and mechanical reliability. It’s a stage that blends history, culture, and the pure spirit of adventure — a true marathon through the desert that will push teams to their limits and reward those who can find the perfect balance between speed and strategy.
Official press release
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