Campbell consolidates Rally2 lead on demanding marathon stage
Dakar Rally in Saudi ArabiaHolding the provisional overall lead in the Rally2 category upon arrival yesterday at the marathon bivouac, Preston Campbell was well rested after a night in a tent and ready to reinforce his position at the top.
The 371 km special stage threw riders straight into the sand, with further challenges emerging throughout the day. Dry riverbeds, camel grass and complex navigation combined with punishing stony terrain placed heavy demands on both rider and machine.
Free from tyre issues, Campbell kept his head down on the run to Hail. Although he finished just over five minutes behind stage winner Neels Theric, another solid third-place result allowed him to maintain his Rally2 lead, extending his advantage to 20 minutes. While the gap is healthy, the Dakar rookie knows the priority is consistency and avoiding any major mistakes.
After mechanical problems on the previous day’s very rocky stage, Martim Ventura faced a long night at the marathon camp repairing his Honda CRF450RX RALLY. With limited options available, the Portuguese rider focused on simply reaching Hail so the bike could be handed back to the Monster Energy Honda HRC team for full repairs.
A determined ride to sixth place saw Ventura climb to eighth overall. Although he now sits one hour and 38 minutes behind his teammate, he continues to gain valuable experience on his first Dakar, with stage victories still very much a target.
Stage six tomorrow is the final test before the rest day and also the longest of the rally. Riders face a massive 920 km in total, including a dune-heavy special across the Qassim region to Riyadh, where competitors will finally enjoy a well-earned pause after an intense opening week.
-6-thumb.png)
Martim had some problems yesterday, so the team was relieved that he not only made it to the marathon camp but also returned safely to the Hail bivouac. Today, he rode really well, maintaining a strong pace and facing no major bike issues, which earned him a sixth-place finish.
Preston put in another excellent stage, securing third place once again. His consistency is paying off and he still holds the overall lead in Rally2. If he keeps this momentum, he could reach the midway point of the race in the lead, which would be a fantastic achievement for both him and the team.
Martim had some problems yesterday, so the team was relieved that he not only made it to the marathon camp but also returned safely to the Hail bivouac. Today, he rode really well, maintaining a strong pace and facing no major bike issues, which earned him a sixth-place finish.
Preston put in another excellent stage, securing third place once again. His consistency is paying off and he still holds the overall lead in Rally2. If he keeps this momentum, he could reach the midway point of the race in the lead, which would be a fantastic achievement for both him and the team.
Today we had a problem with the bike. It was difficult to avoid a small rock that then damaged a part of it. I believe things happen for a reason. Today, I’m out of the fight in the race unfortunately and I tried to come from the back, although I had to ride a bit slower due to the problem. As it was the marathon stage we didn’t have assistance yesterday. I had to take it easier today, so I tried to learn new things, to see new navigation tricks and look more at the notes. I’m trying to take the positives out of today after a tough marathon stage.
Today we had a problem with the bike. It was difficult to avoid a small rock that then damaged a part of it. I believe things happen for a reason. Today, I’m out of the fight in the race unfortunately and I tried to come from the back, although I had to ride a bit slower due to the problem. As it was the marathon stage we didn’t have assistance yesterday. I had to take it easier today, so I tried to learn new things, to see new navigation tricks and look more at the notes. I’m trying to take the positives out of today after a tough marathon stage.
I’m not going to change my strategy, I’m going to take it day by day. We still have eight stages left so I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing, it seems to be working out. So I’ll keep ticking off the days and try to be the best at my navigation as I can and keep it going. The marathon was good, I had a nice time camping out there, good stars, the weather was nice and hanging out with all my friends.
I’m not going to change my strategy, I’m going to take it day by day. We still have eight stages left so I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing, it seems to be working out. So I’ll keep ticking off the days and try to be the best at my navigation as I can and keep it going. The marathon was good, I had a nice time camping out there, good stars, the weather was nice and hanging out with all my friends.
Rally2 Result - Stage 5
Pos. | Rider | Num | Nation | Team | Constructor | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | THERIC Neels | 66 | FRA | Kove Factory Racing | Kove | 04:14:33 |
2 | DABROWSKI Konrad | 26 | POL | Duust Rally Team | KTM | + 04:40 |
3 | CAMPBELL Preston | 85 | USA | Honda HRC | Honda | + 05:10 |
4 | MULEC Toni | 16 | SLO | BAS World KTM Racing Team | KTM | + 07:26 |
5 | ERDENEBILEG Khaliunbold | 57 | MNG | BAS World KTM Racing Team | KTM | + 08:50 |
6 | VENTURA Martim | 84 | POR | Honda HRC | Honda | + 11:30 |
7 | JUCIUS Nerimantas | 28 | LTU | HT Rally Raid | Honda | + 12:33 |
8 | BARBOSA Ruy | 41 | CHI | HT Rally Raid | Honda | + 16:21 |
9 | ENGEL Milan | 21 | CZE | Moto Racing Group - MRG | KTM | + 19:20 |
10 | LLEDÓ Arnau | SPA | Pedrega Team | KTM | + 23:10 |
Rally2 Provisional Standings after Stage 5
Pos. | Rider | Num | Nation | Team | Constructor | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | CAMPBELL Preston | 85 | USA | Honda HRC | Honda | 22:14:13 |
2 | DABROWSKI Konrad | 26 | POL | Duust Rally Team | KTM | + 20:18 |
3 | MULEC Toni | 16 | SLO | BAS World KTM Racing Team | KTM | + 20:54 |
4 | ERDENEBILEG Khaliunbold | 57 | MNG | BAS World KTM Racing Team | KTM | + 58:16 |
5 | JUCIUS Nerimantas | 28 | LTU | HT Rally Raid | Honda | + 01:02:50 |
6 | BARBOSA Ruy | 41 | CHI | HT Rally Raid | Honda | + 01:03:03 |
7 | SANTOS Bruno | 35 | POR | BS FRUTAS PATRICIA PILAR | Husqvarna | + 01:35:24 |
8 | VENTURA Martim | 84 | POR | Honda HRC | Honda | + 01:38:50 |
9 | LLEDÓ Arnau | SPA | Pedrega Team | KTM | + 02:01:05 | |
10 | MONTANARI Tommaso | 32 | ITA | Solarys Racing | Husqvarna | + 02:08:13 |
