Campbell and Ventura Push Hard on Penultimate Stage in Morocco
As the sun rose over Erfoud, Honda HRC Rally2 riders Martim Ventura and Preston Campbell prepared for stage four of the World Rally-Raid Championship, tackling a total of 379 km, including 284 km against the clock.
With the rocky terrain giving way to stretches of sand, the riders set off southwest from the bivouac toward the striking black-blue peaks of the Djebel Zireg, where amid breathtaking desert vistas, Ventura and Campbell were determined to push hard and end the penultimate day of the rally on a high note.
Ventura got off to a flying start on his Honda CRF450RX RALLY, recording a time just three seconds shy of the stage leader at the first checkpoint, with Campbell following closely, seven seconds behind his teammate.
Ventura experienced a brief lapse in focus while overtaking riders through the sandy sections but quickly regained his rhythm, finishing the stage in third, 6’49” behind winner Konrad Dabrowski.
Author's summary: Riders push hard on penultimate stage.