Monster Energy Honda Team at the halfway-point in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

The longest stage of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge failed to produce major changes at the top of the general standings. Paulo Gonçalves, yesterday’s overall leader after the sanction of Walkner, took fourth spot on the day.

The third stage of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge sees the race arrive at the mid-point with a 288.73 kilometre stage, the lengthiest of the race. Paulo Gonçalves, who set out from the front this morning as leader, after Matthias Walkner collected a penalty yesterday, was pursued by the main pack which reached him and rode as a group until the finish-line. The Monster Energy Honda Team rider posted fourth on the day and holds a similar position in the overall rankings.

The halfway-point of the rally was a little less kind to Argentine Kevin Benavides who was forced to stop shortly after the refuelling point after detecting a clutch problem. Benavides will, however, be able to restart the race tomorrow.

The penultimate stage of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge tomorrow will feature some 250 kilometres of timed special in a setting that could well favour the riding styles of the Monster Energy Honda Team duo.