Badawi Trail to the Last Oasis 2026, Syd Stelvio Day 13 – Taif to Jeddah – 252km
The Badawi Trail to the Last Oasis has reached its final destination, right back where it started 13 days ago. Since we left Jeddah for the first time we have been on a 5000km adventure around the incredible Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, travelling as far south as Abha and at the opposite end of the country, we have travelled within touching distance of the Jordanian border. This country, no, this Kingdom has allowed us to rally in areas not seen by many who travel from beyond its borders. The hand of friendship has been extended by all everywhere that we have gone, and all whilst the region is in a time of upheaval. The rally has travelled through sandstorms, intense heat, conquered mountains and crossed deserts on a journey that has been challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Not everyone has made the finish in the cars that they started in, and there have been downs as well as ups, but the spirit of the rally has shone throughout, with incredible examples of cooperation and selflessness to ensure that everyone has made it through. You can win as many trophies as you like, but that camaraderie is one of the elements that elevates these adventures to a new level.
Of course, there was the small matter of some rallying to contend with before the crews could take the checkered flag and celebrate their achievements. Two regularities still stood between the crews and the finish line, but they were never designed to push the competitors to breaking point, and the hard yards were already done. There was one final taste of the desert though, one final opportunity to get some sand in your teeth and enjoy a wadi or two, one last time. The day wasn’t a procession as such, but it was certainly a celebration, of what we have seen and where we have been, from those that have overcome mechanical strife, to those who had little to no experience of this sport a couple of weeks ago, and of course our winners.
As the sun beat down upon the courtyard of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Jeddah, all of the crews gathered to cheer each other over the line. But the home of the victory hasn’t really been in question since day 1 and deservedly goes to the all-conquering Ford V8 Coupe of Richard Clark and Jonathan Round. The pairing that triumphed in India last year can now add Saudi Arabia to the list of rally wins, but for a couple of breakdowns they would have ended the event with just 1 minute and 3 seconds of penalty. Their performances in all conditions have been nothing short of remarkable, often besting the classic machines. Both were delighted to take the win, with Richard saying “It’s always great to be back in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We have been hosted amazingly, and it is a fantastic honour to win against some stiff competition. Everyone who has finished deserves merit; it hasn’t been easy.” Navigator Jonathan added, “We’ve had a wonderful time, so happy to be here and happy that it [the rally] has gone ahead. Thank you to everyone so much for their support.”
The classic category has seen a closer fight, that was still open for debate until a couple of days ago. Ultimately the Ford Mustang of Xavier de Sarrau and Lucas de Sarrau have finished top of the charts, with the Father and Son pair topping the leaderboard in the ProDrive developed Mustang. They were chased hard though, with several other suitors vying for the top spot, including the Mercedes Benz 450 SLC of Belgian crew Kurt Deklerck and Patrick Debusseré, who did in fact break down during the final moments of the rally. For the second half of the event though, it has been the twin Toyota Land Cruisers of Alfonso de Orleans-Borbon and Haikko Visser, and Yang Zhan and Jason Zhe Ren that have been hounding the Mustang. Remarkably, the number 35 Land Cruiser rolled early in the event, when Alfonso was teamed with his son Alonso, and has had to conquer several mechanical issues since – including the engine mounts breaking, so to finish second is some result. Ultimately though the green Ford triumphed, with driver Xavier stating “This win was nursed progressively, there was some stress, but Lucas was so motivating. The first long distance rally in the car, so I’m happy. Well managed and well monitored by my son.” Navigator and son Lucas said of the win, “It’s truly amazing, didn’t expect to do so well, but with a lot of concentration through the rally we have been able to win in the end.”
So, we reach the end. Tomorrow we will wake with no start time, no route card to have chipped and a day not dictated by the demands of the rally. We will go our separate ways, but safe in the knowledge that friendships have been made and renewed and that we will see each other in the future on adventures new. Time stretches out before us all at the beginning and at times it seems like the ride will never end, but all of a sudden it is over. This evening, we will celebrate and say our goodbyes, before heading back home to loved ones and the real world, but at some point, we will hopefully return to this wonderful Kingdom and do it all over again.
Syd.