ROCKS, SAND, RAIN AND MUD ALL IN ONE DAY

When we think about the Dakar Rally, it’s normally sunny, hot and full of sand. Today’s special stage was 447 kilometers long and offered the riders an impressive variety of terrains and sensations. Still some challenging rocky tracks on the horizon, dirt and sandy tracks made this day – leaving for the end some unusual showers and mud to welcome all at the Ha’Il bivouac!

Monster Energy Honda Team had today a major casualty, after the abandonment of Ricky Brabec. The first American to win the Dakar Rally, back in 2020, has suffered a fall after 274 km of the special stage. He was rescued by helicopter and is safe at the local hospital. After all exams, the medical staff at Ha’Il hospital confirms he has no fractures or other severe condition. For precaution, he will remain under observation for another 24 hours, but his condition is good.

Pablo Quintanilla was again the first of the squad today with a seven place on the third stage, followed by Adrien Van Beveren (8 place) and José Ignacio Cornejo  – who was 10th. This means Pablo and Van Beveren keep the same position in the overall standings (7th and 8th places), while Nacho is ranked in the 12th position.

Tomorrow the fourth stage from this year’s Dakar Rally will have a start and finish at the Ha’Il bivouac. This special stage will have 425 kilometers and a liaison of 152 km. The weather forecast talks about the comeback of the sun. Sheer mountains of sand will appear in the first 100 kilometers. After that, there is tricky navigation on the sandy tracks leading back to Ha’Il. So sand dunes and sand tracks will dominate (36% each), leaving just 10% of dirt tracks and rocky sections (9%).