Caldera, April 3, 2025 – The 2025 Atacama Race concluded its first round successfully, cementing its status as one of Chile's most challenging and elite-level rally raid competitions. Over two intense days, 28 participants (17 on motorcycles and 11 SSV crews) tested their skills on a course featuring approximately 485 timed kilometers. They tackled diverse terrain—comprising 40% sand and 60% rocky ground—while traversing dry riverbeds, valleys, and mining roads. Additionally, fog delayed the start on both days, adding an extra challenge to the competition.

Felipe Prohens, the competition director, highlighted the event's positive impact and its significance for rally raid in Chile. "As organizers, we set out to create a top-tier rally with a challenging yet safe route, and we succeeded. The riders demonstrated a high level of skill, and the competition was fierce in every category. Furthermore, we managed to connect with the community by incorporating activities such as school visits and training sessions on safety and rescue, thereby strengthening the bond between the event and the people of Caldera," he noted.

Key Results

In the SSV category, Juan Carlos Cerda and Álvaro León took first place after an impeccable performance, followed by Rodrigo Caballero and Claudio Rodríguez, and Jorge Martínez alongside Eduardo Rodríguez, who rounded out the podium.

In the motorcycle category, José Ignacio Cornejo lived up to his status as a favorite with a solid victory, while Gabriel Balut and Ruy Barbosa put up a strong fight, securing second and third place respectively.

The event also drew a massive crowd of spectators, who enjoyed the bivouac atmosphere and the live rally experience thanks to an advanced satellite tracking system. Furthermore, the ceremonial start in the city brought the competition closer to the community, creating a true motorsport celebration in the region.

John Medina, who finished second in the Rally2 category, highlighted the organization and the challenging nature of the course: “It was a well-run race. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to the prologue, but it was a great event, featuring a ceremonial start with a large crowd. I was pleasantly impressed by the riders and drivers visiting the school with their motorcycles and buggies. The race met the standards of world-class competitions. I am certain that if this path continues, the event will take the lead in the South American rally-raid scene. I was very pleased with the course—it was quite demanding and technical—and the atmosphere in the *parc fermé* was truly special, with an engaging vibe and plenty of interaction among the competitors.”

Security and Logistics

To ensure the safety of competitors and spectators, the organizers deployed a specialized rescue team, including medical personnel and emergency units, at strategic points along the course. Advanced safety measures were implemented, including the use of satellite tracking devices to monitor each rider in real time.

Edison Rodríguez, head of the Atacama Race 2025 "HOME CLINIC" emergency team, highlighted the effectiveness of the rescue and medical care system deployed during the competition:

"As the rally's medical organization, we carried out key preventive work, analyzing the course beforehand and coordinating with various institutions to ensure a rapid response to any incident. During this opening round, protocols functioned optimally, providing immediate pre-hospital care to riders involved in accidents. Tragically, we faced a fatal outcome with José Rojas; despite our rapid arrival and the deployment of rescue teams, it was not possible to save him. However, the satellite tracking system and the two motorcycles accompanying the race—serving as support and sweep vehicles—allowed us to immediately identify the situation and activate the appropriate emergency protocols. Meanwhile, the other two riders who crashed were stabilized by our medical team and airlifted to safety in coordination with local medical services. We remain committed to ensuring that safety is a priority throughout every day of competition."

Upcoming Dates

The 2025 Atacama Race will continue with its second round in Copiapó from June 6 to 11, an event that will count towards the Latin American Motorcycle Rally Championship and the Argentine Championship.

Felipe Prohens concluded with a message in memory of the late rider: "We want this first round to go down in history in honor of Chito. We send a big hug to his family, as well as to the families of César and Andro, who are continuing their recovery."

The organizers thank the pilots, teams, sponsors, authorities, and everyone who made this first round of the Atacama Race 2025 possible, reaffirming their commitment to the development of rally raid in Chile.