The real adventure began today. While the Enduro and ATV competitors set off early in the morning, the SSV, Car, and Truck classes launched into action at 1:00 PM, diving headfirst into the heart of the rally’s most challenging terrain.
Covering a demanding 125-kilometer course, Leg 1 marked the true beginning of the Baja Europe challenge. It was a stage that tested not only speed and mechanical reliability, but above all, the navigational skill and resilience of every crew. Fast stretches, tight technical sections, shifting surfaces, and hidden traps kept everyone on edge from the very first kilometer.
After the energy and spectacle of yesterday’s Prologue, today’s leg pushed the pace even further. The rally shifted into full gear with an atmosphere of intense focus and adrenaline. From the early morning starts to the final vehicles returning to the bivouac at dusk, each class—Enduro, ATV, SSV, Cars, and Trucks—faced its own battle against both the clock and the unforgiving terrain.
For some teams, it was a day of survival—navigating errors, mechanical issues, or penalties that reshaped the standings. For others, it was the perfect opportunity to gain ground and prove their preparation. Leg 1 didn't just set the tone—it raised the stakes.
Navigation played a decisive role, adding a layer of strategy that proved costly for those who underestimated it. Even minor mistakes meant major consequences. Meanwhile, the Truck class delivered a spectacular performance, their roaring engines and sheer presence drawing cheers from spectators along the route.
Leg 1 was a clear reminder that in off-road racing, nothing can be taken for granted. Every turn, every waypoint, every decision counts. And while anything can happen, one thing is certain: the excitement has only just begun!
Leg 1 Shakes Up the Rankings with Speed, Surprises, and Strong Performances
Today’s Leg 1 brought several shake-ups in the top three positions across the classes, keeping the competition fierce and unpredictable.
In the bikes, Poland’s Bartłomiej Tabin, riding a KTM 500 EXC-F, delivered an outstanding performance and was the fastest of the day, clocking in at 02:21:52.97. Hot on his heels was Justin Gerlach from Germany, taking second place, while third went to another Polish rider, Marian Augustyn.
In the ATV class, Poland continues to dominate. Adam Krysiak maintained his lead with a solid time of 02:38:39.46, followed by compatriot Karol Sługocki in second place. Andrej Termer from Germany secured third, keeping the international pressure alive.
It was a day to remember for Lithuania in the SSV category, with a full sweep of the podium. Arūnas Simanavičius and Edgaras Simanavičius took first place with a time of 02:08:34.10, followed by Dalius Olechnavičius and Romualdas Karužis in second, and Arūnas Lekavičius and Andrius Liškus rounding out the top three.
Will the Lithuanian dominance hold tomorrow, or will we see new contenders rise?
In the car category, today’s results mirrored yesterday’s standings. Hardo Mere from Estonia, co-driven by Poland’s Piotr Kujawski, was once again the fastest, clocking 02:22:30.94. In second place were the German duo Frank Stensky and Alexander Tasch in their powerful Lennson Mercedes, followed by the Dutch team
Jenne Jasper and Marijn Verbeek in third.
Among the trucks, the quickest crew of the day was the Dutch trio Marnix Leeuw, Roy Van Veenendaal, and Marco Siemons, with a time of 02:44:03.62. Second place went to the German team of Patrick Toepfer, Kevin Toepfer, and Danny Heyde in their Mercedes Unimog, closely followed by fellow countrymen Holger Thome,
Sebastian Roedel, and Moriz Sterr in third.
Today brought a mix of confirmations, position swaps, some dropouts, and new entries across the board.
Following an adrenaline-filled Prologue and an intense first leg that pushed competitors to their limits, the rally continues to build momentum as we head into tomorrow’s highly demanding Leg 2. With the finish line drawing near, all eyes are on the final showdown—an ultimate test of endurance and skill—before the curtain falls with the much-anticipated awards ceremony, where champions will be crowned and stories of grit and glory will be celebrated.
LEG 2 – SS 117 km – Liaison 11 km: The Final Battle for Glory.
The final day covers 117 kilometers, where fatigue sets in but the stakes have never been higher. With the finish line in sight, drivers push their limits through unpredictable sand, firm soil, and natural obstacles. Endurance and mental resilience take center stage, as each competitor fights for every second and every meter in the ultimate push for victory.
Participants will be divided into two starting groups, each with their own schedule and route variation:
• Group 1: ENDURO and ATV
• Group 2: SSV, CARS, and TRUCKS
Stay tuned for more updates, results, and high-speed action as Baja Europe 2025 unfolds. The adventure is just getting started!
Source: Baja Europe / RBI
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