Engines roar, dust rises, and the desert becomes a battlefield of skill and endurance. The Fenix Rally 2025 kicked off in Monastir, with 88 competitors from 18 nations ready to tackle the ultimate test. Across seven grueling days, they raced through the southern dunes of Tunisia, conquered the challenging tracks around Douz, and faced the endless sand of the Sahara. Every stage demanded precision, courage, and stamina — from the first checkpoint to the finish line back in Monastir, where only the strongest, fastest, and most determined would prevail.
Photography and Story by Paolo Baraldi
From Monastir to the Dunes and back: 7 Days of Desert Challenge
The hum of engines, the scent of salt and fuel, the quiet tension of early morning at the Port of Genoa — this is where it all began. On October 29, under the soft light of the Ligurian coast, the Fenix Rally 2025 set sail for its fifth edition, carrying with it the spirit of adventure that defines every true rally-raid.
Competitors from across Europe and beyond — 88 participants representing 18 nations — gathered by the docks, their vehicles gleaming under the Mediterranean sun. Mechanics fine-tuned last details, drivers exchanged determined handshakes, and behind every smile, one could sense the anticipation of what lay ahead: seven days and nearly 2,800 kilometers across the ever-changing landscapes of Tunisia.
As night fell, the convoy boarded the ferry bound for Tunis. Engines cooled, helmets rested on dashboards, and for a few brief hours, calm settled in. The crossing was more than a passage between continents — it was the moment the dream turned real.
Arrival in Tunisia: The Calm Before the Storm
Monastir welcomed the caravan with the warm light of late October. The sea breeze mixed with the scent of spices and fuel as teams completed the final checks. The bivouac came alive under the soft glow of headlamps — engines revving, GPS units flashing, and competitors poring over maps.
Rally director Alexander Kovatchev addressed the crowd: “This year marks the fifth anniversary of our desert adventure,” he said. “Over just seven days, you’ll experience the full magic of the desert — maximum rally action in minimum time.” His words resonated deeply. The Fenix Rally has always been more than a race; it’s a journey that celebrates endurance, friendship, and respect for the land.
Stage 1 – Monastir to Tozeur: The Long Road South
At dawn, engines roared once again. From the Mediterranean coast to the fringes of the Sahara, competitors faced a 447-kilometer stage that demanded both precision and patience. Gravel tracks gave way to sandy stretches and rocky plateaus, navigation quickly proving decisive.
By sunset, the first teams reached Tozeur — the oasis town shimmering under a crimson sky. The atmosphere in the bivouac was electric: relief, fatigue, and the realization that the adventure had truly begun.
tage 2 – Tozeur to Douz: The Gateway to the Sahara
The following day brought 292 kilometers of pure desert racing. From the palm groves of Tozeur to the legendary dunes of Douz, the terrain shifted constantly — soft sand, fesh-fesh, and endless horizons.
The stage was a test of mental resilience as much as driving skill. When tracks disappeared into the dunes and the compass became the only guide, patience turned into the most precious resource. Reaching Douz meant crossing the symbolic threshold of the Sahara — a moment every competitor would remember.
Stage 3 – The Circle of Sand
“The Circle of Sand,” a 362-kilometer loop around Douz, was one of the defining stages of this edition. It captured the essence of the Fenix Rally — fast sandy pistes, rocky crossings, and endless dunes under the burning Tunisian sun.
Every kilometer tested skill and stamina. Temperatures soared, mechanical failures loomed, yet the determination was palpable. As night fell over the bivouac, teams repaired, rested, and reflected. They knew they were now deep inside the heart of the rally — where every decision could make or break the final result.
Stage 4 – The Longest Journey: 520 Kilometers of Pure Endurance
The fourth leg, stretching over 520 kilometers, was the longest and most demanding of all. From Douz to the troglodyte dwellings of Matmata, across Kamour and Tataouine, and back via the oasis of Ksar Ghilane — this was the Sahara in all its majesty.
It was a day that combined physical exhaustion with breathtaking beauty. Competitors passed through millennia-old landscapes, where the desert whispered stories of survival and resilience. The ones who reached the finish line at Douz knew they had conquered something extraordinary.
Stage 5 – Across the Grand Erg: The Desert’s Endless Horizon
The fifth stage took competitors into the Grand Erg Oriental — 316 kilometers of soft dunes, camel grass, and fesh-fesh that demanded total concentration. Navigation was crucial; even a small mistake could mean long, punishing detours.
Fatigue had now settled in, yet the desert continued to reward endurance with unforgettable views. The dunes of Tembaine and Es Sabria glowed gold at sunset — a reminder that, beyond competition, this rally is a celebration of the land itself.
Stage 6 – From the Desert to the Coast
After days surrounded by sand and silence, the route turned north again. Stage 6, spanning 404 kilometers, led the convoy from Douz back to Monastir. It was a day of contrasts: from twisty chott tracks and rocky climbs to fertile plains and mountain passes.
For many, it was a reflective journey — the desert fading behind, the sea drawing closer. Fatigue mixed with anticipation. The finish line was near, but the final test still awaited.
Stage 7 – The Final Battle
The last leg — 338 kilometers around Monastir — encapsulated everything the Fenix Rally stands for: speed, skill, adaptability, and emotion. Heavy rains had forced the organizers to adjust the route, but the stage remained spectacular, blending mountain tracks, fast valleys, and open plains.
As competitors crossed the finish line by the Mediterranean, exhaustion gave way to joy. Engines cooled for the last time, and emotions overflowed. There were handshakes, embraces, and the quiet satisfaction of those who had gone the distance.
At the closing ceremony, under the evening sky of Monastir, the 2025 champions were crowned — true masters of endurance and precision.
ENDURO_CC
1. Duong Nguyen Khoa (FRA) – KTM EXC – France Road Book – 22:20:22.75
2. Edvard Sokolovski (LTU) – KTM Rally Replica – AG Dakar School - Hiltus – 22:27:06.45
3. Urban Jerkic (SVN) – KTM EXC 500 – Desert Soul Rally Team – 22:36:12.81
ATV_CC
1. Antanas Kanopkinas (LTU) – CFMoto CForce – CFMoto Thunder Racing Team – 24:58:36.50
2. Gaetan Martinez (FRA) – CFMoto CForce – CFMoto Thunder Racing Team – 35:44:24.29
SSV_CC
1. Juraj Varga / Radovan Schneider (SVK) – Polaris RZR Pro R – Varga Motorsport Team – 21:44:19.18
2. Tomas Kubiena / Miroslav Losos (CZE) – Can-Am Maverick R X RS – Story Racing – 23:14:15.39
3. Eric Culus / Carla Isidoro (FRA/PRT) – Can-Am X3 – Les Copains de la Terre – 23:48:13.65
CAR_OPEN
1. Agostino Rizzardi / Claudio Fenati (ITA) – Porsche-Century CR6T – Countrysideways – 20:45:45.52
2. Vincent Thijs / Arjan Van Tiel (BEL/NLD) – Toyota Hilux – RT Offroad – 21:30:31.99
3. Hardo Mere / Joonas Oja (EST) – HM7 Proto – HM Racing Team – 22:34:13.53
CAR_LIMITED
1. Abd El Karim Ben Hssan / Mohamed Ali Drira (TUN) – Toyota GRJ79L – Tunis Automobile Club – 22:59:29.37
2. Ewald Holler / Markus Bodzenta (AUT) – Toyota Land Cruiser KZJ73 – Hekla Competition KZJ73RR – 42:19:27.45
3. Abdennour Benabdennour / Gregory Kucipak (TUN/FRA) – Mitsubishi Pajero – Nour – 55:43:24.69
TRUCK_CC
1. Gerrit Zuurmond / Tjeerd van Ballegooy / Klaas Kwakkel (NLD) – MAN TGA 18.480 – Rainbow Truck Team – 24:27:01.49
2. Paolo Calabria / Loris Calubini / Giuseppe Fortuna (ITA) – MAN TGA – Eagle Racing Team – 29:30:10.51
3. Franciscus van Lankveld / Pieter van de Sande / Roel van Lankveld (NLD) – DAF CF – Lankveld Rally Team – 37:59:43.52
But beyond rankings and trophies, the real victory belonged to everyone who faced the desert and came out stronger — the privateers, the mechanics, the adventurers.
Farewell Tunisia — Until the Next Adventure
As the convoy rolled north toward Tunis, the silence of the desert lingered in every memory. Nearly 2,800 kilometers had been covered — from the sea to the dunes, from challenge to triumph. The Fenix Rally once again proved that adventure is not only about competition, but about discovery, courage, and connection.
For those who were there, the memories will outlast the dust. For those watching, the countdown to Fenix Rally 2026 has already begun.
Because once you’ve heard the desert’s call, you never stop answering it.
The Road Ahead: RBI Sport 2026 Calendar Announced
The adventure never stops — and the next chapter is already taking shape. The RBI Sport 2026 season is officially confirmed, promising to be wilder, tougher, and more unforgettable than ever.
From roaring forest trails in Romania to the sweeping dunes of Tunisia, every rally will bring a new opportunity to push your limits, chase the thrill, and live the off-road dream.
Mark your calendars — here’s what awaits in 2026:
- The Rock Trophy – The Home of Spirit and Adventure
Romania | April 26 – May 1, 2026
What began in 2025 as a bold newcomer has already become the off-road showdown to watch. Brutal hill climbs, unpredictable weather, and wild terrain — this is where grit meets glory.
- Baja Europe – The Great Escape
Poland | May 14 – 16, 2026
Fast-paced, multi-format, and made for racers who crave flow and freedom. Nature’s got claws — and Baja Europe brings them all out. Bonus: May 14 is a public holiday in many countries — the perfect excuse for a long rally weekend!
- Rallye Breslau – That’s My Race
Poland | June 28 – July 3, 2026
The legend returns, stronger than ever. With full local support and renewed energy, Breslau reclaims its classic summer date — a true symbol of tradition, adrenaline, and unity in the off-road world.
- Fenix Rally – The Doorway to Sahara
Tunisia | October 21 – 29, 2026
Golden sands, open skies, and the heartbeat of the desert. Fenix Rally offers the ultimate Sahara experience in a smart, all-in-one format. Everything you need — just bring the fire.
The wait is over — the RBI Sport 2026 season is set to redefine what adventure means.
Mark your calendars. Tune your machines. The road to 2026 starts now.
But we’re not done yet. New terrains. New formats. New legends waiting to be written.
RBI Sport 2026 – It’s more than racing. It’s where adventure begins.