ℹ️ Stage 3 Route info ℹ️

…, the field will tackle a long trip northwards as it continues to make its way through the country.

The technical sections at the beginning of the stage will soften up the arms of the motorbike riders, but once that is out of the way, it will just be a matter of twisting the throttle all the way back. The rally will not be won in these fast stages, but it can certainly be lost.

Dominant speed 

The stage from Bisha to Al Henakiya was shortened to 329 kilometers. Loprais, of Instatrade Team de Rooy FPT, showed dominant speed throughout the stage, but Žala (Skuba Team de Rooy FPT) was not far behind. They both battled for the fastest intermediate times. At the finish, the difference between the two was only 53 seconds. 

“A very rocky, broken stage”, said Loprais in his own official press release. “It was about seconds and mistakes and we could not afford any of them here. That is why we focused on getting through it accurately and avoiding a puncture.”  

Ales Loprais

David Křípal

Darek Rodewald

“We managed it, even though it was on the verge because our tires were completely destroyed after reaching the finish line. I am doubly happy for David (Křípal, his navigator, ed.) because, for him, it is the first Dakar stage he has won. And that counts!” 

Gap has narrowed

Loprais and Žala are still second and third in the overall standings, but the gap to overall leader Martin Macík has obviously narrowed. Loprais is only 3:34 minutes behind. Žala is just over half an hour behind.  

Vaidotas Žala

Paulo Fiuza

Max van Grol

Improvisation and challenges during the third stage

The third stage of the Dakar Rally was a day full of challenges and improvisation for the crew aboard the Iveco Powerstar. Anja van Loon, along with Ben and Jan van de Laar, started strong, overtaking numerous cars. However, after 50 kilometers, a buggy refused to give way, leading them to hit an invisible wall. Following repairs, they continued with rear-wheel drive only, drifting their way to the finish.

Anja was behind the wheel today and started the stage strong. “The terrain was breathtaking, truly a lunar landscape with volcanic rocks and fesh fesh. There was so much dust, but that worked to our advantage. Many others struggled with it, but we managed to overtake car after car effortlessly. After 50 kilometers, a buggy refused to let us pass, despite multiple signals from us. In the thick dust, we hit a stone wall.”  

That’s when the improvisation began for the siblings. “We damaged our driveshaft and had to stop to make repairs. Together, we decided to remove the drive to the front axle and continue with rear-wheel drive. That was a bit tricky in the loose sand, but we managed to push on and reach the finish. Anja drove as if she were drifting an old BMW through the stage—a remarkable display of skill and determination.”  

Anja van Loon

Ben van de Laar

Jan van de Laar

In total, they spent an hour repairing the truck but were still satisfied to finish the stage. “Now we have a long way to the bivouac. Once there, the mechanics can get to work preparing the truck for the next two days of rallying. Teamwork, improvisation, and resilience got us through another day of Dakar.”  

📷 Photos 📷

Thanks to our photographers on site @Fotop @Rallymaniacs @MMProductions @Actiongraphers

🎥 Videos 🎥

Interview Ben van de Laar

3 minutes on board with 601