Heavy rains continued to plague the Dakar Rally, shortening today’s Stage three. Organizers already changed the course to a loop around Al Qaisumah to accommodate the bad weather. Competitors still had 395 miles to complete.
Today’s stage win went to Carlos Sainz in his electric Audi RS Q e-tron. The win marks Sainz 40th Dakar Stage victory. Sainz has been finishing in the top three for the last couple of stages. The stage win is a Rally first for the electric car. Nasser Al-Attiyah continues to hold onto the overall lead despite receiving a penalty and “suspension” early Tuesday for not having his data logging equipment properly connected. Al-Attiyah will be able to continue on as long as he doesn’t receive any further penalties of the same nature. Al-Attiyah is also required to pay a fine.
Seth Quintero put his disappointing Stage two woes behind him, got on the gas and carried the momentum to a solid Stage three win for the Red Bull Junior Team. Quintero said he got lost for 10 minutes trying to find his route but maintained the lead.
In the bike class, Portuguese rider Joaquim Rodrigues took the stage win. Australian Toby Price managed and second place finish with USA rider Maison Klein finishing third. Skyler Howes held on for fourth place, staying strong and consistent. Howes sits fourth in the standings.
Stage four will take competitors from Al Qaisumah to Riyadh and organizer hope the weather will cooperate.
Photos courtesy of A.S.O & Red Bull
