In the rugged heart of Romania, where mountains rise steep and rivers cut deep, a new force has emerged on the off-road map. The Rock Trophy 2025 wasn’t just a debut—it was a declaration. A return to the roots of extreme off-road racing, where grit matters more than gloss, where terrain tests every bolt and bone, and where true adventure has no compromise. Conceived by Alexander Kovatchev and brought to life by the seasoned team at RBI Sport, The Rock Trophy fused challenge, camaraderie, and raw natural beauty into six unforgettable days of motorsport. From its dramatic prologue in a granite quarry to the final push across uncharted tracks, this rally delivered everything the off-road community had been missing—and more. More than 500 kilometers of untamed terrain, ever-changing weather, and a passionate international field of competitors made The Rock Trophy 2025 not only a race, but a rebirth. For some, it was a test. For others, a revelation. For all, it was the start of something legendary.

Photography and Story by Paolo Baraldi

Six days. Over 500 kilometers of raw terrain—rocky ravines, dense forests, technical climbs, and high-speed trails. But above all, a battle of grit, precision, and passion. The debut edition of The Rock Trophy has already carved its name into off-road legend.

Born from the vision of Alexander Kovatchev and the experienced team at RBI Sport, The Rock Trophy is not just a new competition—it’s a revival of the true spirit of trophy racing. Set in the wild heart of Romania, it delivered exactly what the off-road world had been waiting for: a raw, immersive, and uncompromising adventure.

Few events have made such an impact with their very first edition. A spectacular prologue in a dramatic stone quarry set the tone right from the start. What followed was a relentless journey through more than 500 km of special stages: brutal ascents, deep water crossings, sharp switchbacks, and breathtaking panoramas.

And if the terrain wasn’t enough, the weather brought its own show, unleashing all four seasons in six days. From bright sunshine to heavy rain, thick fog to spring snowfalls, the competitors faced it all. The dramatic shift in conditions not only tested the limits of the machines but also earned the event a new nickname among the off-road community: “The Four Seasons Trophy.”

The 2025 edition of The Rock Trophy wasn’t just a competition—it was an epic journey etched in mud, dust, grit, and glory. Each day brought its own set of trials, triumphs, and unforgettable moments, testing the limits of machines, minds, and hearts. From the first roar of engines in the granite quarry to the final sprint across uncharted terrain, the route unfolded like a story—one of resilience, raw adventure, and relentless determination. Here’s how the week played out, stage by stage, challenge by challenge.

- Sunday, April 6 – The Battle Begins: Prologue

A short but fierce technical track set in a breathtaking granite quarry. The day began with administrative checks, scrutineering, and IRIS System training, culminating in a dramatic prologue stage that determined the starting order. Precision and nerve were key as teams fought to gain an early edge.

- Monday, April 7 – Costești: Into the Wild

The real adventure began in the rugged wilderness of Costești. A relentless stage that tested both man and machine across ravines, rocky riverbeds, and steep climbs. A pure test of endurance, strategy, and teamwork.

- Tuesday, April 8 – Geoagiu Bai: The Ultimate Balance

A diverse stage combining high-speed forest trails and extreme technical zones. With navigation as the decisive factor, this was where many learned the true meaning of "off-road." Meanwhile, Legend Class teams enjoyed a special overnight in Costești, fully immersed in the raw essence of Romania.

- Wednesday, April 9 – Double Challenge: The Ultimate Showdown

The morning Circle Race in Poienile Beriului offered wheel-to-wheel action in a spectator-friendly format, while the night brought a dramatic shift: the Night Stage around Geoagiu Bai, where darkness challenged even the best with reduced visibility and disorienting terrain.

- Thursday, April 10 – Back to Costești: The Breaking Point

Back to the unforgiving terrain of Costești, where every kilometer pushed the competitors harder. Between steep gradients and natural obstacles, only the most prepared teams held their ground. The Legend Class journeyed through the Hunedoara and Alba districts, facing a challenging yet rewarding route.

- Friday, April 11 – The Final Push: No Room for Error

The grand finale, on a brand-new route filled with twists, traps, and triumphs. With everything on the line, competitors raced the clock and each other to claim their place in Rock Trophy history. Precision navigation was paramount—this was where champions were made.

The Legend Route is designed especially for classic and iconic 4x4 vehicles—those that have written the history of off-road adventure. From vintage Land Rovers and early Toyota Land Cruisers to legendary Jeeps and other timeless machines, this category pays tribute to the heritage of off-roading.

Tailored for production-based, road-legal vehicles, the Legend Route offers a carefully balanced mix of technical sections and scenic passages. It challenges both driver and co-driver while respecting the mechanical nature and original spirit of these legendary vehicles.

Far from being a secondary path, the Legend Route delivers its own brand of excitement—an authentic off-road experience rooted in tradition, exploration, and the joy of tackling the wild with vehicles that were built to go anywhere, and have already been almost everywhere.

At the heart of the event was Geoagiu Băi, a charming spa town nestled in the hills of Transylvania. The bivouac and service park were strategically placed to provide a perfect mix of comfort and functionality—whether teams preferred the rugged charm of camping or the convenience of nearby hotels.

Evenings were spent around fires, under starry skies, with competitors sharing stories, reviewing GPS tracks, and enjoying traditional Romanian food. The Rock Trophy wasn’t just a competition—it was a community.

The Rock Trophy vehicles were divided into classes based on their technical capabilities, ensuring a fair and competitive race among equals.

- Extreme Class: Designed for ultra-high-performance off-road vehicles, this category has minimal restrictions and is built for the toughest terrains. Vehicles can have up to three axles, any type of axles, and unlimited tire size, with or without road registration.

- Challenger Class: High-performance off-road vehicles that push the limits of endurance. This class has a tire size restriction of 920 mm, no portal axles allowed, and vehicles must have only two axles.

- Legends Class: A tribute to the pioneers of off-road racing, this class is reserved for competition vehicles based on production models (manufactured in at least 1,000 units). Only road-legal vehicles with valid registration and insurance are allowed. While modifications are permitted, the vehicles must retain their original production model appearance.

“The Rock Trophy is more than just a competition. It’s home. It’s where I come from. It’s my past, my philosophy, my family,” said Alexander Kovatchev, with heartfelt emotion.

These words sum up what made this event so special. Beyond the kilometers and rankings, beyond the mud and glory, The Rock Trophy was a return to something purer—a celebration of challenge, resilience, and unity.

Backed by the Automobile Federation of Romania and supported by some of the biggest names in European off-road racing, this new event filled a void that had been growing for years.

As the mud settles and the obstacles are overcome, The Rock Trophy 2025 has crowned its champions. From the rugged landscapes of Costești to the challenging terrains of Geoagiu Bai, competitors have faced the ultimate test of strength, skill, and strategy. The podium was claimed by those who demonstrated unparalleled mastery of both their vehicles and the unforgiving off-road environment. Here, we celebrate the top finishers across all classes—those who have proven themselves as the ultimate off-road warriors in this inaugural edition.

Extreme Class: After six grueling days of competition, dramatic twists, and an intense battle for the top spot, Estonian Hardo Mere, alongside his trusted Romanian co-driver Marius Pop, claimed a well-deserved victory in the Extreme class. Their total race time was 12:21:30.97. Second place went to the Polish duo Remigiusz Wutkowski and Piotr Kujawski, who trailed the leaders by 1 hour, 41 minutes, and 18 seconds. Rounding out the podium were Latvians Ints Freibergs and Ints Marcinkevics, delivering a solid performance throughout the rally.

Challenger Class: By the end of The Rock Trophy 2025, one thing was clear: Romania dominated the Challenger class, while France, despite being the most represented nation in this category, consistently played the role of strong but distant contenders, securing third place overall. Ionel Stan and Bogdan Pascu, piloting their powerful Nissan Patrol, took the top spot with a total time of 14:12:41.80. Just 29 minutes and 56 seconds behind, fellow Romanians Nicolae Burada and Traian Maracineanu, also driving a Nissan Patrol, clinched second place. The French team of Thomas Gallet and Charly Pochez secured third, proving once again to be a dependable presence on the podium.

Legend Class: In the always-inspiring Legend class, consistency and determination paid off. Romanian driver Sorin Parvulescu, navigated by Maurilio Zani of Italy, claimed victory behind the wheel of their Steyr-Daimler-Puch 230 GE, finishing with a total time of 14:21:52.85. Second place went to Latvians Vilnis Zitans and Aizups/Kesus, who completed the race 38 minutes and 11 seconds behind the leaders. In third, the German team of Peter Lippert and Joerg Karpa expertly navigated their distinctive Steyr-Daimler-Puch 712 FAL through the forests and mountains of Romania, delivering a performance as elegant as it was effective.

At the close of an unforgettable week in the wild heart of Romania, there’s no one better suited to capture the essence of The Rock Trophy than its visionary founder, Alexander Kovatchev. With decades of experience in the world of off-road and a passion for pushing boundaries, Kovatchev reflects on what made this first edition not just a success, but a true celebration of the off-road spirit. His words embody the raw emotion, the camaraderie, and the profound sense of achievement that define this extraordinary event.

"After six intense, demanding, spectacular, and adrenaline-filled days, I can confidently say that the 2025 edition of The Rock Trophy has exceeded all expectations. We witnessed not only fierce competition but also incredible teamwork, sportsmanship, and passion from every single participant.

The terrain of Romania once again proved to be the perfect stage for an authentic off-road challenge—raw, unpredictable, and breathtakingly beautiful. I am proud of what we’ve achieved together: competitors, staff, volunteers, and fans alike.

A heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, but also to everyone who reached the finish line—because here, just finishing is already a victory.

The Rock Trophy is more than just a race; it’s a community, a spirit, and a way of life. Thank you for being part of it.

See you in 2026—stronger, bolder, and ready for the next adventure!" – Alexander Kovatchev

As the engines fell silent and the dust settled in Geoagiu Băi, one thing was clear: The Rock Trophy has arrived—and it’s here to stay.

Competitors left the event not only with memories and medals, but with something deeper: a renewed connection to what off-road truly means.

The Rock Trophy is not just a race. It’s a rite of passage.

More info about The Rock Trophy here.

Find here the full results.