Amerigo Ventura is set to participate in the Baja Greece with co-driver Erika Mingozzi, driving a Yamaha YXZ1000R SSV in the Quaddy Racing Team.
🎤I'm ready to be back in Greece, for sure one of my favorite Bajas! Narrow roads up into the mountains are the perfect ground for the YXZ, where the handling and skill of the pilot count more than power on the ground.
Last year, we had a very nice result, but for 1 mm, we saw the trophy slip from our hands… we double-check it this time.
As always, we will be on board our YXZ. We will use this race to test some upgrades, which, if they work, will be available to all YXZ owners.
For me, it will be the third time in Greece. For my navigator Erika, it will be the first time. We are excited and motivated to give our best to achieve the podium and entertain the crowd along the special stages!
🎤I'm ready to be back in Greece, for sure one of my favorite Bajas! Narrow roads up into the mountains are the perfect ground for the YXZ, where the handling and skill of the pilot count more than power on the ground.
Last year, we had a very nice result, but for 1 mm, we saw the trophy slip from our hands… we double-check it this time.
As always, we will be on board our YXZ. We will use this race to test some upgrades, which, if they work, will be available to all YXZ owners.
For me, it will be the third time in Greece. For my navigator Erika, it will be the first time. We are excited and motivated to give our best to achieve the podium and entertain the crowd along the special stages!
📖Multiple victory Zapletal & Sýkora at Riverside Baja
Riverside Baja (May 9–11), which was based in Western Hungary, was given three different statuses this year — second round of the Hungarian Championship, second round of the Polish Championship, and third round of the FIA Central European Zone Championship (CEZ).
The maximum success was achieved by Czech Miroslav Zapletal on Ford F150 Evo+, who won rounds in all three championships (international and both national). He won the prologue, led from start to finish and was almost a minute ahead of Michał Małuszyński from Poland (Mini JCW Rally Plus). As a result, Zapletal is now leading the overall Hungarian Championship and the FIA CEZ Championship T1 group standings.
https://medium.com/@crosscountryrally/multiple-victory-zapletal-s%C3%BDkora-at-riverside-baja-959952769486
Riverside Baja (Hungarian Championship)
1. Zapletal/Sýkora (CZ/SK, Ford F150 Evo+, T1+) 2:32:31.7
2. Kubiczek/Golka (PL, Can-Am Maverick X3, T4Nat) +6:10.0
3. Garamvölgy/Takács (H, Garilla X3 Evo, T4Nat) +6:13.1 (pen. 1:00)
Riverside Baja (May 9–11), which was based in Western Hungary, was given three different statuses this year — second round of the Hungarian Championship, second round of the Polish Championship, and third round of the FIA Central European Zone Championship (CEZ).
The maximum success was achieved by Czech Miroslav Zapletal on Ford F150 Evo+, who won rounds in all three championships (international and both national). He won the prologue, led from start to finish and was almost a minute ahead of Michał Małuszyński from Poland (Mini JCW Rally Plus). As a result, Zapletal is now leading the overall Hungarian Championship and the FIA CEZ Championship T1 group standings.
https://medium.com/@crosscountryrally/multiple-victory-zapletal-s%C3%BDkora-at-riverside-baja-959952769486
Riverside Baja (Hungarian Championship)
1. Zapletal/Sýkora (CZ/SK, Ford F150 Evo+, T1+) 2:32:31.7
2. Kubiczek/Golka (PL, Can-Am Maverick X3, T4Nat) +6:10.0
3. Garamvölgy/Takács (H, Garilla X3 Evo, T4Nat) +6:13.1 (pen. 1:00)
Medium
Multiple victory Zapletal & Sýkora at Riverside Baja
By Stephan Wolf
Follow the 𝗗𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 tomorrow at 8:15 PM (UTC+2).
Facebook - X - Dailymotion - YouTube - Website
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https://www.youtube.com/live/8bSASYSvFCA?si=5T-OC8NW9Bt0Suv8
Facebook - X - Dailymotion - YouTube - Website
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https://www.youtube.com/live/8bSASYSvFCA?si=5T-OC8NW9Bt0Suv8
Two-time Dakar Winner Kevin Benavides Injured in Training Accident
Kevin Benavides, a two-time Dakar rally champion, suffered a serious accident while training at Mantillo MX Park in Salta. Benavides fractured his left arm and sustained multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, preventing him from participating in the Desafío Ruta 40 next month. After initial treatment at San Bernardo Hospital, he was moved to a private clinic.
According to Cross Prensa, Benavides' condition has improved, and he is gradually regaining normalcy and consciousness. Despite initial plans to transfer him to Buenos Aires, he will remain in Salta to continue his recovery.
Kevin Benavides, a two-time Dakar rally champion, suffered a serious accident while training at Mantillo MX Park in Salta. Benavides fractured his left arm and sustained multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, preventing him from participating in the Desafío Ruta 40 next month. After initial treatment at San Bernardo Hospital, he was moved to a private clinic.
According to Cross Prensa, Benavides' condition has improved, and he is gradually regaining normalcy and consciousness. Despite initial plans to transfer him to Buenos Aires, he will remain in Salta to continue his recovery.
📖Big intrigue in the Polish championship
The start of this year’s Polish Championship (Rajdowe Mistrzostwa Polski Samochodów Terenowych, or RMPST) has brought many surprises - the season promises to be one of the most interesting in the last few years.
Riverside Baja (Polish Championship)
1. Zapletal/Sýkora (CZ/SK, Ford F150 Evo+, ULT) 2:32:31.7
2. Małuszyński/Małuszyńska (PL, Mini JCW Rally Plus, ULT) +0:58.8
3. Kubiczek/Golka (PL, Can-Am Maverick X3, SSV) +6:10.0
https://medium.com/@crosscountryrally/big-intrigue-in-the-polish-championship-6ef1c5956a69
The start of this year’s Polish Championship (Rajdowe Mistrzostwa Polski Samochodów Terenowych, or RMPST) has brought many surprises - the season promises to be one of the most interesting in the last few years.
Riverside Baja (Polish Championship)
1. Zapletal/Sýkora (CZ/SK, Ford F150 Evo+, ULT) 2:32:31.7
2. Małuszyński/Małuszyńska (PL, Mini JCW Rally Plus, ULT) +0:58.8
3. Kubiczek/Golka (PL, Can-Am Maverick X3, SSV) +6:10.0
https://medium.com/@crosscountryrally/big-intrigue-in-the-polish-championship-6ef1c5956a69
Medium
Big intrigue in the Polish championship
By Stephan Wolf
Ibrahim Almuhna from Saudi Arabia, who finished third in the Stock Category at Dakar 2024 with co-driver Faisal Alsuwayh, will compete in Baja Greece in the Can-Am Maverick SSV category with the BBR Motorsport Team.
Last year, Ibrahim won titles in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup (T2 Category) and the Saudi Toyota Desert Rally Championship (Truck Category).
Ibrahim Al-Muhanna has participated in 181 rallies and three times in the Dakar. This year, he decided to take on a new challenge by competing in the FIA World Cup in the SSV category. After the first round at the Saudi Hail Baja, he is in 4th position in the SSV classification with 21 points.
🎤Baja Greece will be my first participation in Europe. Certainly, the stages in Europe are different from the stages in the Middle East and Dakar. But the basic driving principles remain the same. I hope we will become familiar with some of them. Our goal is to participate this season in the FIA World Cup and enjoy the stages in Europe.
Last year, Ibrahim won titles in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup (T2 Category) and the Saudi Toyota Desert Rally Championship (Truck Category).
Ibrahim Al-Muhanna has participated in 181 rallies and three times in the Dakar. This year, he decided to take on a new challenge by competing in the FIA World Cup in the SSV category. After the first round at the Saudi Hail Baja, he is in 4th position in the SSV classification with 21 points.
🎤Baja Greece will be my first participation in Europe. Certainly, the stages in Europe are different from the stages in the Middle East and Dakar. But the basic driving principles remain the same. I hope we will become familiar with some of them. Our goal is to participate this season in the FIA World Cup and enjoy the stages in Europe.
Dakar 2025: BIVOUAC IN THE THICK OF IT IN BISHA
The huge gathering that takes place before the rubber hits the road has become an event in and of itself. Competitors spend the last few hours making the final tweaks and tests ahead of the competition and going through technical and administrative scrutineering. However, this reunion stands out for the fact that this will be the third season in a row that the base camp is set up here, away from urban centres. A great deal of thought has gone into fine-tuning the look and feel of the start camp in Bisha.
🆕️The finish line of the prologue will be right in the heart of the bivouac. It will be the first time that a stop point is placed next to the podium.
The huge gathering that takes place before the rubber hits the road has become an event in and of itself. Competitors spend the last few hours making the final tweaks and tests ahead of the competition and going through technical and administrative scrutineering. However, this reunion stands out for the fact that this will be the third season in a row that the base camp is set up here, away from urban centres. A great deal of thought has gone into fine-tuning the look and feel of the start camp in Bisha.
🆕️The finish line of the prologue will be right in the heart of the bivouac. It will be the first time that a stop point is placed next to the podium.
CHANGE OF SCENERY FOR THE 48H CHRONO
The concept of a long stage divided between two days in which the competitors have to spend the night in one of several bare-bones bivouacs scattered across the desert was a big hit with racers and viewers alike, as well as amping up the drama and sowing chaos among the title contenders.
🆕️A souped-up version of the same idea is returning for the 2025 edition, now clocking in at 950 km (up from 540 km in 2024) and on more varied terrain alternating fast and technical sections. The riders and crews will face this challenge in the opening week. There will be plenty of opportunities to open up a gap, and not just in the dunes.
The concept of a long stage divided between two days in which the competitors have to spend the night in one of several bare-bones bivouacs scattered across the desert was a big hit with racers and viewers alike, as well as amping up the drama and sowing chaos among the title contenders.
🆕️A souped-up version of the same idea is returning for the 2025 edition, now clocking in at 950 km (up from 540 km in 2024) and on more varied terrain alternating fast and technical sections. The riders and crews will face this challenge in the opening week. There will be plenty of opportunities to open up a gap, and not just in the dunes.
SEPARATE COURSES: A FORK IN THE ROAD
At least five stages of the 2025 Dakar will take place on separate courses in order to reduce the number of times that cars have to overtake motorbikes and similar situations.
In addition to boosting safety, this places car crews at the front of the field and forces them to navigate without the benefit of the riders' tracks.
The specials will get going as soon as the sun peeks over the horizon, ensuring that the FIA specials can take place entirely during the day and limiting late arrivals in the bivouac.
Last but not least, the truckers will also have their own separate course in one of the stages held in the Empty Quarter.
At least five stages of the 2025 Dakar will take place on separate courses in order to reduce the number of times that cars have to overtake motorbikes and similar situations.
In addition to boosting safety, this places car crews at the front of the field and forces them to navigate without the benefit of the riders' tracks.
The specials will get going as soon as the sun peeks over the horizon, ensuring that the FIA specials can take place entirely during the day and limiting late arrivals in the bivouac.
Last but not least, the truckers will also have their own separate course in one of the stages held in the Empty Quarter.
MARATHON STAGE: PAMPERING THE MACHINES
The riders and crews will be left without their service teams on two occasions. A traditional marathon stage will join the 48h chrono, with a dedicated bivouac that will be off limits to the usual mechanical crews. Keeping the machines in one piece over a distance of more than 800 km will be the name of the game for both the top contenders and amateurs who want to win the coveted "finisher" status.
The riders and crews will be left without their service teams on two occasions. A traditional marathon stage will join the 48h chrono, with a dedicated bivouac that will be off limits to the usual mechanical crews. Keeping the machines in one piece over a distance of more than 800 km will be the name of the game for both the top contenders and amateurs who want to win the coveted "finisher" status.
EMPTY QUARTER: SHUBAYTAH AT THE END OF THE ROAD
The Dakar field discovered Shubaytah in 2020. The gateway to the vast desert of the Empty Quarter has returned for the last two editions as the base camp for an ever more daring exploration of this sea of dunes. This time round, Shubaytah will mark the end of the adventure, much like a beacon leading the competitors to the exit after a three-day battle among chotts and dunes, including a special stretching for more than 400 km. In the finale, the cars and riders will share the limelight with the seemingly never-ending expanse of sand. It will be a gripping spectacle.
The Dakar field discovered Shubaytah in 2020. The gateway to the vast desert of the Empty Quarter has returned for the last two editions as the base camp for an ever more daring exploration of this sea of dunes. This time round, Shubaytah will mark the end of the adventure, much like a beacon leading the competitors to the exit after a three-day battle among chotts and dunes, including a special stretching for more than 400 km. In the finale, the cars and riders will share the limelight with the seemingly never-ending expanse of sand. It will be a gripping spectacle.
DAKAR CLASSIC: FEELING NOUGHTY
As time goes by, what once felt new recedes into the rose-tinted mist of nostalgia. As a result, it is only natural for a new generation of "vintage" vehicles to burst onto the scene of the Dakar Classic four years after the launch of this regularity race.
🆕️From now on, the competition will be open to cars and trucks registered between 2000 and 2005. Among the debutants in 2025 could be the Mitsubishi Pajero that Stéphane Peterhansel drove in his first triumph in the car category in 2004, or perhaps the Bowler in which Guerlain Chicherit and Mathieu Baumel made their first appearance in 2005. One for old times' sake!
As time goes by, what once felt new recedes into the rose-tinted mist of nostalgia. As a result, it is only natural for a new generation of "vintage" vehicles to burst onto the scene of the Dakar Classic four years after the launch of this regularity race.
🆕️From now on, the competition will be open to cars and trucks registered between 2000 and 2005. Among the debutants in 2025 could be the Mitsubishi Pajero that Stéphane Peterhansel drove in his first triumph in the car category in 2004, or perhaps the Bowler in which Guerlain Chicherit and Mathieu Baumel made their first appearance in 2005. One for old times' sake!
💬COMPETITORS REACT TO THE 2025 DAKAR ROUTE:
Tosha Schareina (rider at Monster Energy Honda — Rally GP): "I'm raring to go! I missed out on the famous 48 h chrono stage last year, so I'm stoked to see it back on the programme. It looks like there will be more sand, and having separate specials from the cars perhaps signals longer stages or tougher navigation. The motocross-style standing start is exciting. I'm all fired up!"
Adrien Van Beveren (rider at Monster Energy Honda — Rally GP): "I like the route description. Having more sand suits me well. The longer 48 h chrono stage will be a tough physical challenge. It's a route that excites me and matches my skill set. We'll need to be well positioned going into the Empty Quarter. It'll be a slog, the tension will ramp up right until the closing days!"
Benjamin Melot (rider at Team Esprit KTM — Rally 2): "This Dakar mixes fresh ideas with a throwback to the old days in the shape of the standing start in the finale! Separating the FIM and FIA routes at times is a good thing, especially for safety reasons. It'll stop the stragglers on two wheels from getting swamped by the cars, which is always stressful. It's a step in the right direction, and you can tell that the route designers listened to the competitors. It's still going to be tough, and Castera has always got an ace or two up his sleeves!"
Guillaume de Mévius (driver at Overdrive Racing — Ultimate): "The organisation has worked hard and listened to the competitors. It's awesome. They've come up with amazing new ideas for the bike riders, as well as the Ultimate, Challenger and SSV competitors. It'll be a beautiful and arduous edition! Having the 48 h chrono stage back on the menu is good news. Finishing in the dunes will be a little extra challenge. The cars will also be up against a real challenge in the five stages where they have to open the road. The organisers wanted to toughen up the rally and that's great —with increasingly powerful machines, we need to find new difficulties. In short, I can't wait!"
Dania Akeel (driver at Taurus Factory Team — Challenger) : "It promises to be spectacular! The way the organisers have structured the challenges is very interesting. We'll have the 48 h chrono stage early on, then the marathon stage before finishing in the dunes. I like the format. The standing start will be impressive and, I think, motivating for drivers. It's exciting because it shakes up the rally. It's incredible how they find new challenges each year, even after decades!"
Gerard Farrés (driver at South Racing Can-Am — SSV): "Discovering the new route and its surprises is always a thrill. Having separate stages for cars and motorbikes is very important: when we start behind the riders, we have their tracks, so drivers rarely get lost. This means that navigation will be the name of the game. We'll also have the 48 h chrono stage in week one, on different terrain than in 2023. That's good, just like the standing start in the Empty Quarter! All of this will make for a tough Dakar with more navigation required. We'll need to stay on top of the mechanics and manage our pace wisely, knowing when to push or hold back. I'm very pleased and pumped."
Darek Rodewald (co-driver at Team De Rooy — Trucks): "We're told to expect more sand, which is always good for the trucks because we have plenty of power! It'll be an interesting race. The closing stages sound tough, which is great. The Dakar is never easy. It's a marathon where we'll again need to combine speed and caution daily to make it to the finish."
Jean-Michel Paulhe (driver at Team Les Tigres du Désert — Mission 1000): "The organisers have come up with a superb route and some excellent new ideas! The drive to put amateurs back at the heart of things is very welcome. Continuing the sporting and technological challenge that is Mission 1000 is essential for the future. Participating in the inaugural edition in 2024 was a privilege. Now, we must endeavour to push the technological boundaries even further.
Tosha Schareina (rider at Monster Energy Honda — Rally GP): "I'm raring to go! I missed out on the famous 48 h chrono stage last year, so I'm stoked to see it back on the programme. It looks like there will be more sand, and having separate specials from the cars perhaps signals longer stages or tougher navigation. The motocross-style standing start is exciting. I'm all fired up!"
Adrien Van Beveren (rider at Monster Energy Honda — Rally GP): "I like the route description. Having more sand suits me well. The longer 48 h chrono stage will be a tough physical challenge. It's a route that excites me and matches my skill set. We'll need to be well positioned going into the Empty Quarter. It'll be a slog, the tension will ramp up right until the closing days!"
Benjamin Melot (rider at Team Esprit KTM — Rally 2): "This Dakar mixes fresh ideas with a throwback to the old days in the shape of the standing start in the finale! Separating the FIM and FIA routes at times is a good thing, especially for safety reasons. It'll stop the stragglers on two wheels from getting swamped by the cars, which is always stressful. It's a step in the right direction, and you can tell that the route designers listened to the competitors. It's still going to be tough, and Castera has always got an ace or two up his sleeves!"
Guillaume de Mévius (driver at Overdrive Racing — Ultimate): "The organisation has worked hard and listened to the competitors. It's awesome. They've come up with amazing new ideas for the bike riders, as well as the Ultimate, Challenger and SSV competitors. It'll be a beautiful and arduous edition! Having the 48 h chrono stage back on the menu is good news. Finishing in the dunes will be a little extra challenge. The cars will also be up against a real challenge in the five stages where they have to open the road. The organisers wanted to toughen up the rally and that's great —with increasingly powerful machines, we need to find new difficulties. In short, I can't wait!"
Dania Akeel (driver at Taurus Factory Team — Challenger) : "It promises to be spectacular! The way the organisers have structured the challenges is very interesting. We'll have the 48 h chrono stage early on, then the marathon stage before finishing in the dunes. I like the format. The standing start will be impressive and, I think, motivating for drivers. It's exciting because it shakes up the rally. It's incredible how they find new challenges each year, even after decades!"
Gerard Farrés (driver at South Racing Can-Am — SSV): "Discovering the new route and its surprises is always a thrill. Having separate stages for cars and motorbikes is very important: when we start behind the riders, we have their tracks, so drivers rarely get lost. This means that navigation will be the name of the game. We'll also have the 48 h chrono stage in week one, on different terrain than in 2023. That's good, just like the standing start in the Empty Quarter! All of this will make for a tough Dakar with more navigation required. We'll need to stay on top of the mechanics and manage our pace wisely, knowing when to push or hold back. I'm very pleased and pumped."
Darek Rodewald (co-driver at Team De Rooy — Trucks): "We're told to expect more sand, which is always good for the trucks because we have plenty of power! It'll be an interesting race. The closing stages sound tough, which is great. The Dakar is never easy. It's a marathon where we'll again need to combine speed and caution daily to make it to the finish."
Jean-Michel Paulhe (driver at Team Les Tigres du Désert — Mission 1000): "The organisers have come up with a superb route and some excellent new ideas! The drive to put amateurs back at the heart of things is very welcome. Continuing the sporting and technological challenge that is Mission 1000 is essential for the future. Participating in the inaugural edition in 2024 was a privilege. Now, we must endeavour to push the technological boundaries even further.
Thrilling victory Ferreira & Palmeiro at Baja de Lagos (Portugal Championship)
The third round of the Campeonato Portugal de Todo-o-terreno, Baja de Lagos, brought nearly more surprises than the previous two rounds together.
The winner of the race in spectacular style was João Ferreira in the Mini JCW Rally Plus, who was constantly moving up and down.
1. Ferreira/Palmeiro (Mini JCW Rally Plus, T1+) 5:27:50.7
2. Dias/Miranda (Can-Am Maverick X3, T3) +0:03.6
3. Barreto/Silva (Toyota Hilux, T1+) +3:03.9
https://medium.com/@crosscountryrally/thrilling-victory-ferreira-palmeiro-at-baja-de-lagos-portugal-championship-41f87c7282bc
The third round of the Campeonato Portugal de Todo-o-terreno, Baja de Lagos, brought nearly more surprises than the previous two rounds together.
The winner of the race in spectacular style was João Ferreira in the Mini JCW Rally Plus, who was constantly moving up and down.
1. Ferreira/Palmeiro (Mini JCW Rally Plus, T1+) 5:27:50.7
2. Dias/Miranda (Can-Am Maverick X3, T3) +0:03.6
3. Barreto/Silva (Toyota Hilux, T1+) +3:03.9
https://medium.com/@crosscountryrally/thrilling-victory-ferreira-palmeiro-at-baja-de-lagos-portugal-championship-41f87c7282bc
Medium
Thrilling victory Ferreira & Palmeiro at Baja de Lagos (Portugal Championship)
By Stephan Wolf
Sardegna Legend Rally: programme
MAY 30th, 2024
Meeting at the Paddock Hotel “Horse Country RESORT”, Arborea
2:30 p.m. Registration opens and delivery of event materials
7:00 p.m. Briefing and handover of the road book/GPS
MAY 31st, 2024
8.00 a.m. Departure for the first stage from the paddock and arrival in the afternoon at the CARDEDU Hotel “Cala LUAS”.
Roadbook RETURN. LUNCH halfway.
The organization takes care of transporting a small amount of luggage per participant for THE overnight stay.
7:00 p.m. Briefing of the second stage and handover of the road book and the GPS tracks.
8:00 p.m. Dinner
JUNE 1st, 2024
8:00 a.m. Departure for the second stage from the paddock. LUNCH halfway.
Arrival in the afternoon at the Hotel “Horse Country RESORT”, Arborea.
Roadbook RETURN.
7:00 p.m. Briefing of the second stage and handover of the road book and GPS tracks.
8:00 p.m. Dinner
JUNE 2nd, 2024
8.00 a.m. departure TO the third stage and return around midday to the “Horse Country RESORT” hotel in Arborea. Roadbook RETURN.
This STAGE will be the shortest so that all participants can reach ferries/flights in time for the evening.
1:00 p.m. Lunch
MAY 30th, 2024
Meeting at the Paddock Hotel “Horse Country RESORT”, Arborea
2:30 p.m. Registration opens and delivery of event materials
7:00 p.m. Briefing and handover of the road book/GPS
MAY 31st, 2024
8.00 a.m. Departure for the first stage from the paddock and arrival in the afternoon at the CARDEDU Hotel “Cala LUAS”.
Roadbook RETURN. LUNCH halfway.
The organization takes care of transporting a small amount of luggage per participant for THE overnight stay.
7:00 p.m. Briefing of the second stage and handover of the road book and the GPS tracks.
8:00 p.m. Dinner
JUNE 1st, 2024
8:00 a.m. Departure for the second stage from the paddock. LUNCH halfway.
Arrival in the afternoon at the Hotel “Horse Country RESORT”, Arborea.
Roadbook RETURN.
7:00 p.m. Briefing of the second stage and handover of the road book and GPS tracks.
8:00 p.m. Dinner
JUNE 2nd, 2024
8.00 a.m. departure TO the third stage and return around midday to the “Horse Country RESORT” hotel in Arborea. Roadbook RETURN.
This STAGE will be the shortest so that all participants can reach ferries/flights in time for the evening.
1:00 p.m. Lunch