JACOPO CERUTTI FINISHES SECOND AFTER THE THIRD STAGE IN THE +650 TWIN-CYLINDER CLASS
Aprilia Tuareg Racing’s adventure at the 2026 Africa Eco Race continues with the conclusion of the third stage, a demanding route from Tagounite to Assa, featuring varied terrain: fast tracks, sand, the Chegaga dunes, the vast plains of Lake Iriki, and challenging rocky sections.
Jacopo Cerutti, riding the Aprilia Tuareg Rally and reigning Africa Eco Race champion, tackled a controlled stage, finishing second in the +650 twin-cylinder class and fourth overall, +7’38’’ behind the leader. There were positive signs of progress for Marco Menichini, who finished seventh in the twin-cylinder class and ninth overall, +51’07’’ from the leader. He was followed by his teammate Francesco Montanari, eighth in the twin-cylinder class and tenth overall, +56’18’’ behind the leader.
JACOPO CERUTTI
“Unfortunately, I made a mistake at the start, but then I found a good pace. In the dunes, I pushed and managed to catch up with those ahead of me, but later I got stuck in the sand and lost some ground. In the end, I was on my own, so I focused on keeping the best possible pace. I would have liked to be with someone to push each other. Overall, it was a good special stage, and I’m in a good starting position for the fourth stage, so I feel confident.”
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