On Day 3 of the bp Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal, the caravan finally crosses the border into Spain, but only after a long and demanding route across Portuguese soil.
The stage begins gently with a liaison into the Ribatejo region, where the first timed section will be flagged off. Once underway, the race pushes north along fast, flowing tracks, cutting across terrain well known to fans of the Baja Portalegre, until competitors reach the banks of the Tagus River – the largest river on the Iberian Peninsula. The opening special ends here.
After crossing the river at Abrantes, the rally keeps heading north. In Mação, the action resumes with a shorter but tougher section, where the terrain becomes rougher, hillier and far more technical, demanding full focus from drivers and co-drivers alike.
From Mação, the course changes direction and turns east, leading the caravan to the Spanish border. Once in the Cáceres region, the route – just to “make things interesting” – suddenly bends south, sending crews towards Badajoz.
The final kilometers run through relatively flat but engaging terrain, offering bursts of speed but also wearing down the competitors. By the time the bivouac lights come into view, most teams will be worn out, some aching, and others perhaps forced to stop along the way. With 430 kilometers against the clock, Day 3 will be remembered as one of the longest and toughest of the entire rally.
Rally-Raid Network
Disclaimer:
As a service to the sport we all love and follow, Rally-Raid Network posts numerous media releases from a wide variety of sources on our website. Due to the large number, and some times short time available, it is nearly impossible to review each public release. These articles are written by reporters or press officers who work for various organizers, teams, drivers, riders, and other parties, and they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rally-Raid Network.
