In the heart of Żagań, where history and horsepower collide, Baja Europe 2025 marked the dawn of a thrilling new era for cross-country rallying. From the golden sands of the so-called "Polish Sahara" to the dense forests echoing with the roar of engines, this reinvigorated edition delivered more than a race—it was a four-day celebration of endurance, precision, and pure off-road passion. With competitors from twelve nations, a challenging new format, and the unmistakable spirit of adventure, Baja Europe 2025 has etched its name into the legacy of international motorsport.

Photography and Story by Paolo Baraldi

From the windswept sands of the so-called “European Sahara” to the thunder of engines through Żagań’s dense forests, Baja Europe 2025 concluded with roaring success. Over four adrenaline-charged days, this revitalized event offered a powerful blend of skill, stamina, and passion, uniting competitors, fans, and families from across Europe and beyond.

This year’s edition, masterfully organized by RBI Sport, wasn’t just about racing—it was an immersive off-road experience. With an innovative format featuring split morning and afternoon stages, Baja Europe brought a fresh tempo that both challenged drivers and captivated spectators like never before.

Baja Europe’s structure reflects the diversity of modern off-road rallying, welcoming a wide range of vehicles and skillsets:

Enduro / ATV: Solo competitors face the terrain on two wheels or four, navigating fast, rough tracks that demand sharp reflexes and relentless endurance.

SSV / Cars: From nimble side-by-sides to high-performance rally cars, this category is where power, control, and navigation come together on challenging, technical terrain.

Trucks: Built for punishment, these heavy-duty machines tackle the harshest conditions with teamwork and tenacity, showcasing brute strength and mechanical resilience.

To match the demands of each class, navigation systems are tailored accordingly:

SSV, Cars, and Trucks: Guided by the IRIS digital roadbook and GPS tracking.

Enduro and ATV: Navigate using a traditional paper roadbook combined with the compact IRIS MINI device—offering a hybrid of classic and modern navigation.

This system ensures fairness, technical rigor, and safety across all classes.

This year's event drew a wide international field, a testament to Baja Europe’s growing prestige. Competitors from 12 countries took on the sandy battlefields of Żagań: Germany, Poland, Austria, Norway, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, Hungary and  South Africa.

The diversity of the field not only elevated the level of competition but also underscored the universal appeal of cross-country rallying—from the Baltic to the bushveld.

Once again living up to its title as the European Capital of Off-Road, Żagań proved itself a worthy host. Its distinctive terrain—deep, shifting sands, open grasslands, and tight forest corridors—demanded maximum focus and physical stamina. For veterans and newcomers alike, every kilometer tested resolve and refined skill.

Three Days, One Challenge: Conquer the Elements

Prologue (9 km SS | 15 km Liaison): A short but intense opening blast. Drivers tackled soft sand and changing grip levels, quickly setting the tone for the rally.

Leg 1 (125 km SS | 9 km Liaison): A full-scale test of speed, strategy, and navigation. Wide-open spaces and technical forest sections pushed crews to make split-second decisions.

Leg 2 (117 km SS | 11 km Liaison): The final showdown. Fatigue and pressure peaked as competitors raced to the finish through unpredictable terrain. Precision and mental strength were paramount. 

After nearly 300 kilometers of off-road action, triumphs were earned the hard way—through speed, strategy, and pure determination.

Enduro Class

Bartłomiej Tabin emerged victorious after a fierce duel with Justin Gerlach, completing the rally in 4:36:21.27. Gerlach followed just 18.5 minutes behind. Michał Janaszek claimed third with a consistent performance throughout all stages.

ATV Class

Poland’s Adam Krysiak dominated from the opening kilometer, rightfully earning the title “King of the Polish Sahara.” He crossed the finish in 4:52:41.84, ahead of Karol Sługocki in second. Andrej Termer rounded out the podium in third.

SSV Class

In the light four-wheel category, Arūnas & Edgaras Simanavičius led Lithuania to victory with a total time of 4:12:24.57, despite strong competition from Grzegorz Gąsiorowski and Katarzyna Szalega, who took second. Fellow Lithuanians Dalius Olechnavičius and Romualdas Karužis clinched third.

Car Cclass

No surprises here: Hardo Mere and Piotr Kujawski dominated from start to finish, claiming overall victory with 4:33:35.30. The rising Dutch crew Jenne Jasper and Marijn Verbeek secured second, pushing Frank Stensky and Alexander Tasch into third.

Truck Class

The Netherlands reigned supreme. Marnix Leeuw, Roy van Veenendaal, and Marco Siemons overcame a Leg 2 setback to take the overall win with a time of 5:15:16.30. Patrick & Kevin Toepfer with Danny Heyde took second, while 🇩🇪 Adrian Bernhard and Eduard Degner secured third.

Beyond the race itself, Baja Europe 2025 stood out for its vibrant bivouac life, welcoming atmosphere, and the shared energy of a global off-road family. Whether on track or in camp, the spirit of competition was matched by camaraderie, storytelling, and celebration.

As engines fall silent and the dust settles over Żagań, we close this edition with pride, gratitude, and anticipation. The legacy of Baja Europe is growing—one rally, one memory, one triumph at a time.

Until next year... the adventure continues.

As Baja Europe 2025 draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the City of Żagań for its exceptional support and invaluable contribution to the success of the event. Żagań has been a loyal and trusted partner of RBI Sport for over 15 years, offering not only its distinctive terrain and strategic location but also a warm and enthusiastic welcome that makes every edition unforgettable.

We are especially grateful to Mr. Sławomir Kowal, Mayor of Żagań, for his trust, forward-looking vision, and unwavering commitment to supporting off-road motorsport. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the military divisions, the Forest Departments of Żagań and Świętoszów, and all the local supporters who have once again demonstrated outstanding collaboration, dedication, and hospitality.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, Euro4x4parts and Gladiator Offroad, for their steadfast support. Their partnership has been instrumental in making Baja Europe 2025 an exceptional event, allowing us to continue elevating the standards of off-road competition and creating memorable experiences for everyone involved.

Thanks to the collective efforts of our hosts, partners, and supporters, Baja Europe remains a unique gathering for participants, families, and fans from around the world. Thank you, Żagań, Euro4x4parts, and Gladiator Offroad, for continuing to be an essential part of this incredible adventure.

RBI Sport and Baja Europe are proud to stand alongside the Czarnej Dywizji Military Division, offering our full support for its operational duties and recruitment efforts. This partnership is a testament to the deep mutual respect we share for the Division’s values, unwavering commitment, and exemplary professionalism.

We are truly grateful to Czarnej Dywizji for the essential role it plays in ensuring the safety, structure, and overall success of Baja Europe. Its steadfast involvement has become a cornerstone of the event.

The dedication and support of the Czarnej Dywizji Military Division make it an irreplaceable ally in the realization of Baja Europe 2025. Their presence brings an added dimension of discipline, strength, and excellence—elevating the rally into not just a sporting event, but a powerful and memorable experience.

After the thrilling debut of The Rock Trophy 2025, RBI Sport is already preparing for the next big challenges in off-road racing. This includes the return of legendary events and new adventures across Europe and beyond.

- Rallye Breslau (June 22-27, 2025): The legendary Rallye Breslau returns for its 2025 edition, with a new marathon special stage along the historic Hannibal tank road. Expect intense competition and unforgettable views as the rally culminates on the Baltic Sea coast.

Official website: www.rallye-breslau.com

- Fenix Rally (October 29-November 6, 2025): Explore the mystic desert landscapes of southern Tunisia in this exciting rally, featuring seven stages through challenging dunes and tracks. Perfect for those training for the Dakar, it promises a true test of endurance in one of the world’s most beautiful desert terrains.

Official website: www.fenix-rally.com

Stay tuned for more details and get ready for the next epic off-road adventures!