The Women’s category took center stage this Sunday at the Enduropale du Touquet, the grand finale of the French Sand Racing Championship and the opening round of the FIM Sand Races World Championship.
Amandine Verstappen triples the stake, Camille Viaud crowned champion
Belgium’s Amandine Verstappen delivered another masterclass in the sand, securing her third victory at Le Touquet. The experienced rider handled the demanding conditions with precision, and lead the FIM Sand Races World Championship standings. The fastest start of the race belonged to April Franzoni, who grabbed the holeshot and led the early stages. The young Honda rider made a strong impression in her Le Touquet debut, ultimately finishing second, just over three minutes behind Verstappen. After a successful 2024 season, Franzoni’s podium finish confirms her status as a rising star. French rider Camille Viaud secured third place on the podium. More importantly, the Yamaha rider clinched the French Sand Racing Championship title, capping off a consistent and well-managed campaign. She also sits second in the World Championship standings, just behind Verstappen.
Top Finishers & Championship Standings
Just outside the podium, Mathilde Denis (Yamaha) finished fourth, ten minutes off the podium, continuing her steady return to top. Manon Haudoire (Honda) took fifth place in the race, a result that secured her the title of French Sand Racing Vice-Champion. Laurine Hugues (GasGas) made an impressive return to the series, finishing sixth, just ahead of Malhory Dupront (Honda), whose seventh-place finish ensured her third place in the overall championship standings. Floriane Tragus (GasGas) crossed the line in eighth, followed by Loeiza Rollando (Yamaha) in ninth, while Kim Godfroy (Yamaha) completed the Top 10. Further down the order, Sara Jugla (KTM) and Margaux Seinnave (Yamaha) also put in solid performances to round off the competitive field. Unfortunately, Mathilde Martinez (Honda) was forced to retire from the race, ending her hopes of a strong result at Le Touquet.
With this result, Verstappen strengthens her position as the rider to beat in sand racing, while Camille Viaud’s national title marks a career milestone. The FIM Sand Races World Championship continues, with more battles ahead on the international stage.
