The Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team’s Alessandro Botturi, in partnership with Riders for Health (powered by Two Wheels for Life), produced another strong performance on Stage 3 of the Addax Rally in Morocco, finishing the timed special in second to remain second in the general classification.
Stage 3 was a real navigational test, as the competitors rode 370 km from Erfoud to Rissani before tackling the dried riverbeds, loose stones, and rocky trails of Jorf. Botturi continued his fightback from a 15-minute Stage 1 penalty by powering to second on his Ténéré 700 Rally. The 50-year-old Italian, who opened the stage, completed it in five hours, 27 minutes, and two seconds, just 46 seconds behind the winner.
That winner was none other than Ténéré Spirit Experience (TSE) rider Kevin Gallas. The German, who has ridden at a number of events with the TSE, once again showed his rally-raid potential by winning the stage in five hours, 26 minutes, and 16 seconds, continuing the streak of a Ténéré winning every stage so far.
Fellow TSE rider Bertrand Gavard made it three Ténérés in the top seven, although there was misfortune for Mike Wiedemann, who was third overall after Stage 2, as a rogue rock damaged his bike and meant he could not complete the stage. The German will rejoin the rally tomorrow, but his time will no longer count toward the general classification.
This means Gallas retains his lead in the general classification over Botturi in second, now with a margin of four minutes and seven seconds between them, and with a gap over the next rider of 44 minutes, with just two stages left.
Stage 4 features one of the rally’s most epic specials. Covering 373 km, the riders will take on the sands of Merzouga and the reddish landscapes of Ouzina, while passing through the iconic Ramlia. The terrain is constantly changing, with soft dunes, oueds, rocks, and dust, and once again, it will prove a real test of speed and navigation precision for the riders.
Addax Rally – Stage 3 Results
Addax Rally – General Classification After Stage 3
Alessandro Botturi – P2 – 5h27m02s – P2 Overall – 14h37m41s
Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team
“It was a good stage today. I was opening, so to save energy, once Kevin caught me, I let him lead out and we rode together. He had a really good pace, so I settled into a rhythm behind him, but then, as we approached the end of the stage, I was able to make up some time in the dunes. The Ténéré 700 Rally was incredible once again. I have such a good feeling with the bike, and it is incredible that, given the harsh terrain, we have had no issues. The aim now is to try and close the gap to Kevin at the top and bring home the trophy.”
Marc Bourgeois
Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team – Team Manager
“It was another strong day for Alessandro and the team. It was slightly easier than the second stage, but still very long, and a great test for everyone ahead of the Africa Eco Race. We once again saw the pace of Alessandro on the Ténéré 700 Rally. He is gelling really well with the bike, impressive, considering it is only our second rally with it, and is firmly in the hunt for victory. Kevin also showed his potential, and it was great to see him win the stage. That means between Alessandro and the TSE riders, we have won every stage of the rally so far. It was a shame for Mike, as he was doing so well, but there was nothing he could do to prevent getting hit by a rogue rock; this is rally, and he will restart tomorrow. There are just two days left, and Kevin and Alessandro have a huge advantage in the general classification over the rider in third, so our focus will be to finish the last two stages in the best way possible and fight for the victory.”
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