Rally2 rookies impress as Ventura and Campbell battle through stage three

The dramatic landscapes of AlUla once again set the scene for a long and demanding day for Monster Energy Honda HRC’s Rally2 riders, Martim Ventura and Preston Campbell.  Stage three presented a stern test for the Dakar rookies, with a challenging combination of sand and rock surfaces, vast trackless plateaus and complex navigation requiring precision and composure to remain in contention.

Coming off his maiden Rally2 stage victory the day before, Ventura endured a difficult start after losing time in a small crash. Once he found his rhythm, however, the Portuguese rider quickly regained momentum aboard his Honda CRF450RX RALLY and went on to finish the stage just 3’13” behind winner Michael Docherty.  While overall standings are not his primary focus on his Dakar debut, Ventura’s strong performances have elevated him to provisional second overall, only three and a half minutes from the lead.

Campbell continued to impress despite his limited rally-raid experience, once again challenging the category frontrunners. The American burst out of the start as the fastest rider at the first time check and although he lost some ground in the rocky sections, still delivered a first-class ride.  He completed the stage just under seven minutes behind the fastest time, finishing just behind his teammate.  The result moves Campbell into the final position on the provisional podium, where he will be aiming to consolidate his place over the coming days.

Attention now turns to the first of two marathon stages at this year’s Dakar Rally.  Setting out from the AlUla bivouac, the riders face 451 km of timed action on stage four as they begin a two-day journey to Hail.  With a total distance of 526 km to cover tomorrow, they will arrive at the marathon camp without any team assistance.  Armed only with basic rations, a sleeping bag, mattress and tent, Ventura and Campbell will be responsible for their own repairs before settling in for the night under the stars, ahead of another demanding day on the road to Hail.