Honda HRC Riders push forward through challenging Spanish stage
After a demanding day on the rally, the Honda HRC Rally 2 riders took the necessary rest before tackling stage three of Rally-Raid Portugal. Nestled on the Guadiana River, the Spanish city of Badajoz is hosting the competitors for two days and they faced a 308 km timed route that combined fast sections with technical challenges, including narrow bridges and farm tracks through Spain’s Extremadura region.
Martim Ventura started strongly, holding third after the opening 35 km. Struggling briefly to maintain pace on the dusty tracks, he regained momentum in the final third of the stage to finish in the top five, 4’11” behind Rally 2 stage winner Edgar Canet. This performance moved him from 13th into the top nine overall, marking a strong recovery after a difficult opening stage.
Preston Campbell, making his first appearance in the World Rally-Raid Championship, rode a consistent stage aboard his Honda CRF450 RX RALLY as he got to grips with the varying terrain. He crossed the line in seventh, three minutes behind Ventura and currently sits fourth overall, 15 minutes shy of the podium, a gap he will aim to close in the remaining two stages.
As the rally nears its conclusion, stage four will challenge the riders with a 493 km route, departing Badajoz and heading back into Portugal toward Lisbon for the penultimate stage of the event.
Preston Campbell 85
Stage three was really good, it was all day in Spain with about 300 km of special. The roads were super slippery and I was just trying to figure out how to set up and find a good flow. I had a really good time trying to adjust and adapt to these conditions. My Honda CRF450 RX RALLY is working really well this week and I'm having a lot of fun on it.
Martim Ventura 84
It was a good day but still lots of dust to contend with to try and catch up to the riders in front. I couldn’t make that many passes today as it was very difficult. My first day has made this a very difficult rally for me but I know the rhythm is there, I need my space but I’ve had a lot of fun on the bike.
