Salvador Amaral forced to stop at km 20
Gonçalo Amaral once again proved to be one of the protagonists of the day in the Rally3 category. The rider showed his tenacity once more by engaging in another intense battle for class victory throughout the 2nd stage of the bp Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal, which today was contested between Grândola and Badajoz. The Wingmotor Honda rider dominated up until km 105 of the 429 km special, where he was leading with an advantage of 2m08s, but eventually lost the lead, finishing the day in 2nd place.
“Today was a very tough day, I spent 12 hours on the bike. We started well, leading the class, but then I had a small crash and broke a roadbook bracket, which conditioned the rest of the stage. I had to ride slower to make it to the end with the roadbook support broken, but I still managed to finish. There are still three days of racing left, and I hope to recover the time lost,” explained Gonçalo Amaral, who, besides holding 2nd in Rally3, also remains inside the Top 20 overall, in a classification featuring the world’s best riders.
His brother Salvador Amaral had less luck. Winner of Rally3 in last year’s stage over the same course, fortune did not smile on him this year. He was forced to abandon the stage due to a mechanical issue at km 20: “Last year I won. This course was similar to last year’s — fast at the start and then through the mountains, with plenty of technical riding. Unfortunately, I stopped right at the beginning of the special due to a problem I’m now trying to fix so I can line up for tomorrow’s stage. I’ll be starting from last place and will obviously take the maximum penalty,” said a disappointed Salvador Amaral.
Tomorrow, competitors will face the third stage of the bp Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal, run as a loop starting and finishing in Badajoz. The stage will feature 308 km against the clock and 203 km of liaison. The bivouac remains in Badajoz.
Source: Wingmotor
Photos: ImagensDesportivas.com
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.
