From June 22 to 27, the legendary Rallye Breslau made a thunderous return to Poland for its 31st edition, proving once again why it holds the title of “Dakar of Europe.” With over three decades of history behind it, the rally continues to evolve while preserving the spirit that made it iconic: a raw, relentless, and deeply communal celebration of man, machine, and nature.

Photography and Story by Paolo Baraldi

Following the milestone 30th anniversary in 2024, Rally Director Alexander Kovatchev promised new surprises for 2025—and delivered. This year's edition saw a reimagined route, a bold new Shakedown Stage, and the debut of the RBI Next Gen Racers program, laying the foundation for the future of the sport.

Rallye Breslau 2025 took teams on a 1,000 km off-road odyssey across Poland’s most dramatic and unforgiving terrains—from the scorching sands of the Polish Sahara to the dense forests of Drawsko Pomorskie.

The action kicked off in Zagan, a town steeped in military history, before winding its way through vast, technical landscapes and concluding with a final dash to glory on the rally’s traditional playground in Drawsko.

This year’s stages tested every aspect of off-road racing: speed, strategy, endurance, navigation, and mental grit.

June 21 – Shakedown Stage “Right Setup” (13 km)

A first for Rallye Breslau. Teams could dial in their vehicles ahead of the Prologue—a strategic chance to enter the rally with precision and confidence.

June 22 – Prologue “Navigation Twist” (24 km)

A short but crucial warm-up that established the starting order and introduced teams to Breslau’s notoriously challenging navigation.

June 23 – Stage 1 “Sand & Forest Challenge” (143 km)

A dynamic stage blending fast sandy tracks with tight forest trails—demanding versatility and quick thinking.

June 24 – Stage 2 “Desert Roller Coaster” (135 km)

The Polish Sahara delivered big: rolling dunes, wide-open racing, and technical endurance.

June 25 – Stage 3 “El Grande Hannibal” (244 km)

The legendary Hannibal Marathon Stage—a grueling triple-sector test from Zagan to Drawsko. A true benchmark of resilience.

June 26 – Stage 4-1 “Best of Drawsko” (182 km)

A greatest-hits tour of the Drawsko training grounds, with deep ruts, tricky navigation, and evolving terrain.

June 26 – Stage 4-2 “Drawsko by Night” (71 km)

The infamous night stage returned: visibility low, tension high, and only razor-sharp coordination would see teams through.

June 27 – Stage 5 “Whispers of Victory” (132 km)

The final charge. A last push through unpredictable ground, where legends are made and dreams realized.

June 28 – Departure Day

After six punishing days, teams packed up—taking with them not just the dust and the glory, but the unmatched spirit of Rallye Breslau.

One of Rallye Breslau’s greatest strengths is its inclusive nature. Whether you're a rookie or a veteran, the event welcomes all with open arms.

Categories & Classes

Cross Country – Enduro, ATV, SSV, Cars, Trucks

For the high-speed navigators. Precision, endurance, and roadbook mastery are key.

Extreme – Cars, Trucks

Mud, water, winches, and brute strength. It’s not about how fast you go—it’s about making the right decisions when it counts.

Discovery – Enduro, ATV, SSV, Cars

For those seeking adventure without pressure. No racing license needed—just the spirit to explore.

A major milestone for 2025 was the launch of RBI Next Gen Racers, a new program spearheaded by Alexander Kovatchev to support young off-road talents under 25.

“We strongly believe the young generation is the future of our sport,” said Kovatchev. “It’s our responsibility to provide them not only with opportunities to compete, but with the tools, mentorship, and visibility they need to grow into tomorrow’s champions.”

The initiative provides:

Mentorship and technical guidance

Dedicated media visibility

A platform to grow in the rally raid world

With over 30 under-25 competitors taking part this year, the future is not just on the horizon—it’s already racing.

Since its debut in 1995, Rallye Breslau has built a legacy of intensity, camaraderie, and authenticity. It is a place where tradition meets innovation, where battle-hardened veterans and wide-eyed newcomers share the same bivouac stories, and where every competitor is part of something greater.

As the final dust settled in Drawsko Pomorskie, the champions of 2025 stood tall—not just as winners of the stopwatch, but as true embodiments of the Rallye Breslau spirit: daring, disciplined, and determined.

And while this year’s edition comes to a close, the echo of revving engines and roaring ambition ensures one thing:

The spirit of Rallye Breslau lives on—louder, bolder, and stronger than ever.

After six unforgiving days of racing, the overall winners of Rallye Breslau 2025 have emerged—masters of terrain, time, and tenacity. Their performance throughout the week was nothing short of exceptional, combining consistency, speed, and strategy under extreme pressure.

These champions are not only the fastest—they are the most complete competitors of the event. With precision behind the wheel, faultless navigation, and unshakable resolve, they have rightfully earned their place in Breslau history.

Here are the official winners of this legendary off-road marathon:

Enduro

After a fierce battle marked by surprises and frequent lead changes, Lithuanian rider Dovydas Karka claimed victory in the Enduro class aboard his Husqvarna FE450. After one grueling week of racing, his fellow countryman Edvard Sokolovskij finished just 46 seconds behind, securing second place. Dutch rider Berend De Ruiter completed the podium in third.

ATV

More than a win—it was a domination. Local rider Adam Krysiak, at the controls of his Polaris Scrambler XP 1000, delivered an unmatched performance to take home the trophy. Already a winner of the 2024 Rallye Breslau and the last Baja Europe, Krysiak proved himself once again. Second place went to fellow Pole Karol Slugocki, trailing by over 1 hour and 30 minutes, while Dutch rider Mark Plat secured third.

SSV

In one of the most hotly contested categories, the overall standings were decided on the final day. The Dutch duo Paul Spierings and Jan Pietr Van Der Stelt, driving a Taurus UTV Max, emerged victorious. Polish teammates Marcin Graczyk and Artur Kordala followed in second, nearly 21 minutes behind. Estonians Indrek Reisenbuk and Vaido Kalm clinched third.

Car Open Cross Country

Tightly fought until the end, the Polish team of Remigiusz Wutkowski and Michal Goleniewski took the top spot in the general standings. Dutch duo Jerry Van Langer and Bas Jongejan finished second, 43 minutes and 54 seconds behind. Fellow Dutchmen Herman Jasper and Mark Laan claimed the third spot on the podium.

Car Limited Cross Country

In this category, German crew Torsten Wilk and Fabian Franke, driving a Mercedes G320, dominated from start to finish. Their compatriots Ralf and Steffi Berlit came in second, followed by Enzo Massa and Nils Celis from Belgium in third.

Truck Big Cross Country

An outright domination by the Dutch: the Van Groningen family team—William, Jacco, and young talent Wesley—won every stage of the race in their Iveco Powerstar, finishing with a lead of over 2 hours. Fellow Dutch crews Hans Van Der Sanden / Ruud Jansen / Luc Jansen and William Van De Krol / Evert Van Veldhuizen / Rens Koudijs took second and third respectively.

Truck Small Cross Country

German duo Juergen and Andreas Hellgeth claimed victory in this class, followed by Dutch brothers Rob and Fredo Smit in second place.

Car Open Extreme

This is the historic class where the legend of the Rallye Breslau was born. Estonian veteran Hardo Mere, alongside Polish navigator Piotr Kujawski in the powerful HM7 Proto, completely dominated the race. With a margin of 2 hours and 50 minutes, they crushed the competition. Brits Thomas Jolliffe and Mark Foster came in second, while legendary German duo Matthias and Martin Hertwig, in their agile Suzuki Samurai, finished third.

Car Limited Extreme

In the class closest to stock vehicles, the French team Serge Lestrade and Brendan Godey, racing for Next Gen Racers in a Land Rover Range, took home the 2025 title—carrying on France’s strong tradition in extreme racing. Germans Michael and Bastian Betz placed second, and Austrians Felix Salfitzky and Alexander Kurka rounded out the top three.

Truck Big Extreme

Possibly the most spectacular class to watch, the Truck Big Extreme category was once again ruled by the Germans. The trio Guido Neubert / Johann Rudolf / Tim Kidszum, in their Mercedes Benz SK 2650, emerged victorious. Oliver Leyh / Marcus Kemmerzehl / Dennis Patzer followed, 50 minutes behind, and the podium was completed by Marcus Hoenig / Stephan Buerger / Carsten Armbrecht.

Truck Small Extreme

Composed entirely of Mercedes Unimog trucks, this category saw Felix and Michael Muellenheim with Boris Glawe take the crown thanks to consistent performance throughout the week. Another German team, Patrick and Kevin Toepfer with Danny Heyde, secured second. The Dutch crew Floor Dekkers / Hendrik Alfers / Simon Meintema broke the German sweep to finish third.

In a field filled with seasoned veterans, the performances of these young athletes stood out—not only because of their age, but because of their results. Here are some of the top achievements from competitors under 25:

Enduro

3rd overall – Berend de Ruiter (NED, 2000)

5th overall – Justin Gerlach (GER, 2001)

8th overall – Jeremy Knuiman (NED, 2002)

35th overall – Arved Kelterborn (GER, 2003)

ATV

10th overall – Alexander Fraint (GER, 2004)

12th overall – Leon Termer (GER, 2002)

14th overall – Nick Zenner (GER, 2003)

SSV

7th overall – Teddy Dall’Olmo (FRA, 2002) (co-pilot)

16th overall – Joep van der Meer (NED, 2005) (co-pilot)

19th overall – Nils Boehme (GER, 2002) (co-pilot)

28th overall – Noah Jacquet (FRA, 2005) (pilot)

33rd overall – Finn Luca Werpup (GER, 2004) (co-pilot)

41st overall – Max Staniszewski (POL, 2002) (co-pilot)

Car – Cross Country Open

6th overall – Jenne Jasper (NED, 2006) (pilot)

7th overall – Hendrik Willem (NED, 2002) (co-pilot)

9th overall – Mika Kreeft (NED, 2003) (co-pilot)

16th overall – Lars Bernaards (NED, 2002) (co-pilot)

19th overall – Kala Senders (NED, 2002) (pilot)

19th overall – Yvet Senders (NED, 2003) (co-pilot)

21st overall – Wesley de Jong (NED, 2001) (co-pilot)

Car – Cross Country Limited

5th overall – Roy Van Heerewaarden (NED, 2001) (co-pilot)

Car – Extreme Open

5th overall – Samuel Marsden (UK, 2006) (service)

6th overall – Benjamin Dusanter (FRA, 2000) (co-pilot)

7th overall – Jami Hämäläinen (FIN, 2000) (co-pilot)

9th overall – Jens Ockers (NED, 2006) (co-pilot)

Car – Extreme Limited

4th overall – Gil Gomes (POR, 2004) (co-pilot)

4th overall – Raphael Wetzler (FRA, 2005) (pilot)

Truck – Big Cross Country

1st overall – Wesley van Groningen (NED, 2004) (co-pilot)

6th overall – Ralph Muller (NED, 2006) (co-pilot)

Truck – Small Cross Country

2nd overall – Rob Smit (NED, 2002) (pilot)

Truck – Small Extreme

5th overall – David Gosebrink (GER, 2004) (co-pilot)

8th overall - Jonas Mohr (GER, 2004) (co-pilot)

Also competing under the Next Gen banner:

Nikola Verbicova (CZE, 2001)

Kevin de Groot (NED, 2002)

Jessie van Groningen (NED, 2003)

Motorsport and offroad are in our DNA so, for 2025 we have raised the adrenaline bar to a higher level with a calendar full of spectacular events and breathtaking formats, designed for every type of offroad enthusiast. Whether you are a speed lover, a trophy hunter or looking for unique adventures among forests, mountains and sand dunes, our program has everything you desire. Choose the perfect event for you and get ready to experience an unforgettable 2025 made of intense emotions and moments that will remain engraved in your memory forever!

- Fenix Rally:  New Stages In The Mystic South of Tunisia

New Stages In The Mystic South Of Tunisia!

The fifth edition of the Fenix Rally in Tunisia promises an impressive journey, combining the adrenaline of a competition with the breathtaking beauty of the unique landscapes of North Africa.

In collaboration with the local authorities, we are working on a route that highlights the incredible diversity of Tunisia and shows the magical dunes in the southern part of the country, where legendary rallies have left their mark.

The rally will start with a prologue, followed by seven adventurous stages that will take you through challenging desert terrain, sand, dunes and gravel tracks. The dedicated rest day in the middle of the week will give competitors more time to catch their breath from the race and enjoy the weather by socialising.

Get ready to conquer the desert at the end of October/beginning of November. 

The Fenix Rally is suitable for any team looking to compete in one of the following categories: Motorcycle/Enduro, ATV/Quad, Side-by-Side, Car or Truck in the most beautiful terrain Sahara has to offer. This rally is designed for adventurers looking for the perfect mix of excitement and endurance. The event is also ideal for those preparing for the Dakar, offering a unique opportunity to train on similar terrain and test their mettle against the elements.

When: 29.10 – 06.11.2025

Where: Tunisia

Cateogries: Cross Country, Discovery

Classes: Enduro, ATV, Cars and Trucks

Description: Prologue, 7 rally legs and rest day

Official website: www.fenix-rally.com