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case , the Sports Director of the Africa ECO Race was right , but the leaders in different categories did not falter and maintained their advantages over the 247 kilometres of the day .
Pol Tarres was determined not to let anyone else take the victory on the final stage . The spirited Andorran showed his prowess on his Yamaha700 Ténéré , securing the stage win with a time of seven minutes thirty-three seconds , ahead of the KTM 450 of the surprising French rider Attilio Fert , who had a beautiful rally finish .
By taking the third place , just two minutes behind and notably ahead of his fellow countryman Botturi , Italian Cerruti won the 15th edition of the Africa ECO Race , providing Aprilia with its first victory in a major off-road rally . The two official Yamaha riders , Botturi and Tarres , finished second and third , respectively . Times at the front were remarkably close after more than 4,000 kilometres of special stages , displaying a fierce battle throughout the two-week journey .
Behind the three “ twin ” riders , the revelation of the rally was Alexandre Vaudan . Riding a KTM , the Swiss not only won the 450 category but also the “ Rookie Rider By Acerbis ” challenge reserved for riders under 35 who had never participated in a rally lasting more than 8 days .
The over-450 category was claimed by Italian Giovanni Stigliano on a Husqvarna , finishing 17th overall . The first female rider was the British Vanessa Ruck , placing her KTM in the 27th position in the motorcycle rankings . The first Junior , under 25 years old , was the Italian Marco Menichini , finishing 7th overall on a Husqvarna , while the first Veteran , over 40 years old , was none other than Botturi .
Finally , a word on the feat of this African fortnight as Joan Pedrero managed to bring the official Harley Davidson 1250 Pan America to Dakar and , more importantly , being classified in the 25th position . No one believed it , yet he did it !
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Pic : Alessio Corradini
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