Day 3 – Sunday, June 7: Final showdown in the Gorges du Tarn

The Trèfle Lozérien AMV could hardly have wished for a better script to celebrate its 40th anniversary. After starting in the mist on Friday morning, the event concluded under glorious sunshine following three emotional and action-packed days, with the riders delivering a spectacular show in front of large crowds.

The queen of enduro classics once again showcased its diversity, from the slippery grass tracks of the Margeride to the vast open landscapes of Aubrac, before reaching its conclusion on Sunday among the breathtaking scenery of the Gorges du Tarn. South of Mende, the competitors faced 190 decisive kilometres and conditions eagerly awaited by the international riders. After spending two days opening fresh terrain, they finally had the opportunity to race on already-established lines.

And in the end, it was Jérémy Tarroux who came out on top! History will remember that, for the event’s 40th anniversary, the winner was a rider who will celebrate his own 40th birthday later this summer.

Tarroux claims a second Trèfle after a magnificent battle

Second on both Friday and Saturday behind a Killian Lunier inspired by the support of his home crowd, Jérémy Tarroux knew everything was still to play for on the final day. He made perfect use of the conditions and raised his level once again when it mattered most. Five top-five stage results, including an outright stage victory midway through the day, allowed the KTM rider to erase the seven-second deficit that separated him from Lunier at the start of the morning.

Consistent throughout the weekend and willing to take the necessary risks on Sunday, the 2017 winner secured his second Trèfle Lozérien AMV victory by edging out Lunier by just over two seconds after three days of intense competition. A symbolic triumph for a rider who has collected numerous podium finishes on the race and had announced that this would be his final participation.

“I thought about it all day long. It was the only thing on my mind. I told myself I wanted to experience it one last time. And the 40th edition for my 40th birthday… it was written! I gave everything I had, Killian did too, but this year it was my turn and I’m proud of it”, said the winner.

For Killian Lunier, the outcome was decided in the closing special stages, where he lost the few seconds that ultimately cost him victory. Nevertheless, the young rider from Lozère can look back on a dream weekend – the best of his career at the Trèfle Lozérien AMV so far and certainly a sign of future success on home soil.

Magain and Macdonald make a statement

Competing in the Trèfle Lozérien AMV for the first time, Antoine Magain and Hamish Macdonald steadily grew stronger throughout the weekend. Highly anticipated heading into the final day, the two international stars delivered, dominating Sunday’s action and consistently finishing among the top three in the long and physically demanding special stages. Only one special stage escaped them, and even then Tarroux claimed it by a mere 12 thousandths of a second.

The impact on the overall standings was significant: Magain climbed onto the final podium, while Macdonald surged three positions to finish fourth overall.

French riders also enjoyed a strong weekend after locking out the top five positions on Friday. Although Valérian Debaud paid the price for the late charge from Magain and Macdonald, he still secured another top-five finish.

The rest of the top ten:

• Jérémy Miroir and Hugo Blanjoue lost ground as Macdonald charged through the standings and finished sixth and seventh respectively.
• Léo Le Quéré gained two positions on Sunday to secure eighth overall.
• Mathis Juillard successfully held off Till de Clercq, with both riders finishing just behind Léo Le Quéré.

The other winners of the weekend

• Romain Boucardey claimed victory in the National category.
• Julien Gauthier dominated the Veterans category from start to finish.
• Antoine Faveyrial took the win in the Junior category.
• Evan Bonnet prevailed in the Espoir category.
• Patrice Fesquet emerged victorious in the Gentleman category.
• In Super Veteran, Stéphane Peterhansel – “Mr Dakar” and also “Mr Trèfle” thanks to his record nine victories in the event – defeated Laurent Charbonnel after a superb battle throughout the weekend.
• In the Women’s category, Rose Alègre Roumec led from start to finish to secure victory.

Blanjoue wins the Thierry Castan Trophy

As tradition dictates, the weekend concluded with the Thierry Castan Trophy. One final show for the spectators gathered on the heights above Mende, and a consolation victory for Hugo Blanjoue that helped ease the disappointment of an overall result below his ambitions.

And so ends an edition that will be remembered for a long time. The oldest of all enduro classics has reached the milestone of 40 years in greater style than ever. See you next year for more adventures on the trails of Lozère!