Severe winds turn Stage 3 of Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge into a true test of grit and endurance
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge entered its most demanding phase as drivers and riders embarked on the first part of an epic two-stage marathon into some of the most remote areas of the UAE. And the gruelling Stage 3 was made even tougher by fierce winds, eventually leading Race Control to halt running due to safety concerns.
Usually only available to bike competitors, this year's marathon stage included cars for the first time. The 2025 edition also introduced the incredible Al Qua'a area to the Desert Challenge for the first time.
Situated in the remote eastern region of Abu Dhabi, Al Qua'a is famed as the darkest place in the UAE. Known as the 'Milky Way Spot,' it's a favourite haunt for stargazers seeking the lowest levels of light pollution. This isolated location forms the perfect backdrop for the excitement of the marathon camp.
Dacia's Nasser Al-Attiyah powered through to win the stage, beating Toyota Gazoo Racing's Seth Quintero by 3m 59s. Lucas Moraes, in another Toyota Hilux, finished half a minute further back in third. Al-Attiyah also moved into the overall lead, but a Dacia one-two was denied when Sébastien Loeb received a 2-minute penalty for speeding, dropping him to third overall, 1m 57s behind Moraes.
In the bikes category, Monster Energy Honda HRC rider Tosha Schareina roared back to the top of the standings in Stage 3, beating Red Bull KTM Factory Team's Luciano Benavides by 2m 15s. Honda made it a double podium with Ricky Brabec securing third.
Schareina's stage win vaults the Spaniard back to the overall lead, now 1m 19s ahead of Stage 2 winner Daniel Sanders and almost 2 minutes clear of third-placed Benavides. Red Bull KTM rider Sanders finished Stage 3 in sixth.
In Rally 2, Michael Docherty continued his dominant run, securing his fourth straight stage win. The unstoppable SRG Motorsports rider outpaced Duust Rally Team's Konrad Dabrowski by 6m 27s, with SRG teammate Tobias Ebster two minutes further back in third. Docherty now holds a commanding 22m 18s lead over the Pole and 38m 17s over the Austrian.
With the later-running Challenger and SSV classes halted by the winds, and in accordance with FIA regulations, Race Control will allocate times to affected competitors, with results to be published later.
In Quads, Emirati racer Abdulaziz Ahli stormed to victory, finishing 11m 17s ahead of Poland's Marcin Wilkołek and over 22 minutes clear of Marek Łój, who now leads the overall classification.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
5 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Paris Saint-Germain defeats Atletico Madrid 4-0 in FIFA World Cup
French and European champions Paris Saint Germain (PSG) start their Club World Cup campaign with an emphatic 4-0 win over 10-man Atletico Madrid. PSG club dominated the match and won thanks to goals from Spaniard Fabian Ruiz (19), Portugal's Vitinha (45+1), and substitutes Seny Maiolo (87) and South Korean Kang-In Lee (90+7 from a penalty kick). In front of a large crowd of 80,619, Luis Enrique's team continued their impressive run after winning the Champions League for the first time in their history, inflicting a crushing 5-0 defeat on Inter Milan in the final. In the same group, Botafogo of Brazil defeated Seattle Sounders 2-1 thanks to goals from Jair (28) and Igor Jesus (44), while Cristian Roldan scored the American team's goal (75).
Web Release
11-06-2025
- Web Release
NASSER AL-KHELAÏFI EXCEPTIONAL GUEST ON C À VOUS SHOW: 'TODAY, THE SUPERSTAR IS THE TEAM'
Nasser al-Khelaïfi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, was the exceptional guest on the C à Vous show broadcast on France 5 on June 10, 2025. In an interview marked by emotion and pride, he reflected on the club's historic Champions League victory. Asked about PSG's transformation, the Qatari leader highlighted the paradigm shift implemented by the club: 'Today, the superstar is the team. We are a family, 23 soldiers on and off the pitch. We have stars today, we have Dembélé, Marquinhos, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Hakimi, we have many players, the whole team is a star. But today the stars play and work for the team.' This new approach, centered on the collective and the promotion of young talent, marks a break with the era of individual superstars. The PSG president paid tribute to other major French clubs: 'We are proud to represent France alongside Monaco, Brest and Lille. French football is shining in Europe thanks to all these clubs.' The show was punctuated by video messages of congratulations from prominent personalities and iconic players. Ousmane Dembélé, PSG's star striker, paid special tribute to his president: 'When I signed for Paris Saint-Germain, he told me that we were going to achieve our objectives, that we were going to win the most beautiful competition. Two years later, we did it. It's exceptional.' Nasser al-Khelaïfi in return praised the player: 'Ousmane Dembélé is the Ballon d'Or. He's a magnificent player, generous on the pitch and off it, he's an example.' Malik Bentalha and Teddy Riner also praised the Parisian leader's commitment and vision. Nasser al-Khelaïfi was full of praise for the supporters: 'Our supporters are the best in the world. I want to thank all of France and all the French people, for once I felt all of France behind us. That touched us deeply.' The PSG president also had warm words for the club's former iconic players: 'I want to thank Kylian for what he gave to the club. Him, Messi, Neymar, Ibrahimovic… all the players, because it was an important period for the club. We're lucky this year, but I wish him the best at Real, from the bottom of my heart.' Speaking about the star that will soon adorn the Parisian jersey, Nasser al-Khelaïfi was measured: 'We haven't decided yet, we want to play with the star for the Club World Cup, but we must remain humble. This star is magnificent, but the most important thing is the name: 'Paris Saint-Germain'.' Behind the scenes of the show, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi had the opportunity to chat with singer Sting, also a guest that evening, who praised the consistency of the Parisian project. The leader said he was particularly touched by these spontaneous exchanges. Moved, he concluded by dedicating this victory to his recently deceased mother: 'It's difficult to talk about… but she was with me. It was her dream for us to win this Champions League. This trophy is for my mother too.'
Dubai Eye
09-06-2025
- Dubai Eye
Alcaraz wins epic French Open final
Carlos Alcaraz clinched the French Open men's title after an epic comeback victory over Jannik Sinner. The second-seeded Spaniard saved three match points as he beat world number one Sinner 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2) to win back-to-back titles at Roland Garros. In a scintillating showdown between the torch-bearers of a new generation, the 22-year-old Alcaraz saved three match points in the fourth set to continue his dominance over Sinner with a fifth successive win and end the Italian's 20-match winning streak at the majors. The duo, who have captured seven of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority on the tour, were locked in a fierce battle in the first major final between two men born in the 2000s. Alcaraz showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes - the longest ever final at Roland Garros, to clinch his fifth Grand Slam title.
