It is a statistical law: Daniel Sanders has never lost two days in a row in the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal. It was true in 2025 and it remains just as true this week. Beaten yesterday, the KTM man came back swinging, dominating the 501 km loop around Badajoz ahead of Bruno Santos (+59″) and Tosha Schareina (+1′44″), his closest pursuer since the show got on the road.

His third stage win of the week consolidates his grip on the overall, now 3′11″ ahead of the Honda factory rider and 5′31″ clear of Santos, who is level on time with Adrien Van Beveren. On the flip side, Sanders faces the unenviable task of opening the course towards Loulé tomorrow, with Schareina lurking right on his tail. "Anything can happen", warned the Spaniard.

Monster Energy Honda HRC’s Tosha Schareina and Adrien Van Beveren maintained the pressure in the overall standings on stage three, both securing places on the stage podium.

After riders were greeted by sunshine in Spain yesterday, rain returned overnight at the midway point of this year’s Rally-Raid Portugal. Competitors faced a demanding 500 km loop from the Badajoz bivouac, including 296 km against the clock on what was expected to be the fastest stage of the week. However, the wet weather added an unpredictable twist to proceedings.

Racing in front of his home fans, Tosha Schareina delivered a determined performance on the slippery tracks. Grip was hard to find aboard his Honda CRF450 RALLY, as the wet conditions, rocky sections and winding trails of the Extremadura region pushed riders to their limits.

As the lead out rider after his stage victory yesterday, the Spaniard did well to keep Daniel Sanders within reach and despite being caught out by some misleading notes in the road book, he conceded just under two minutes by the end of the stage. He remains firmly in contention for the overall lead sitting 3’11” back.

Adrien Van Beveren continued his consistent form. While best known as a sand specialist, with three victories at Enduropale du Touquet, the Frenchman adapted impressively to the treacherous conditions. Carefully managing his tyres on the tougher terrain, he secured another stage podium with a third-place finish, 3’14” behind Sanders. He strengthens his hold on third overall, now with a nine-minute cushion over fourth.