Stage three of the 2025 Fenix Rally took the caravan deep into the desert and set the tone for what lies ahead: more than 300 kilometers of special stage, with the first 200 kilometers almost entirely consisting of dunes. It was a day when technique, driving skill, and mental sharpness were deeply intertwined. For many, this proved to be one of the toughest stages so far, but it also delivered remarkable performances and Dutch successes.
Rainbow Truck Team continues to dominate
The Dutch squad of the Rainbow Truck Team is still setting the pace in the truck category. Gerrit Zuurmond, Tjeerd van Ballegooij, and Klaas Kwakkel claimed their third consecutive stage win with a time of 6:30:35.59. That put them more than four and a half hours ahead of their Italian rivals from the Eagle Racing Team, who finished second. The dominant form of the trio in their MAN truck seems virtually unchallenged at this point. Still, the team remains grounded. As the old racing adage goes: “To finish first, first you must finish.”
The stage did leave its marks, however: the front bumper didn’t survive the steep dune basins, despite earlier reinforcements. But the fact that cosmetic damage is their biggest concern so far says a lot about the solid preparation and consistent approach of the Rainbow Truck Team.
Van Tiel and Thijs back on the podium
In the Open Class for cars, Vincent Thijs and Arjan van Tiel once again proved they belong at the front. They finished second, just five minutes behind the Italian Porsche crew of Rizzardi and Fenati. The Belgian-Dutch duo did encounter setbacks along the way. Two flat tires and a loose seat forced them to stop three times, yet they still managed a very competitive time of 5:02:46.28.
Afterward, Arjan van Tiel described the day as “stable,” with “plenty of dunes in the first part and fast pistes in the last hundred kilometers.” Their consistent form and resilient navigation are a strong foundation for the stages ahead, where the pressure will only continue to mount.
All Dutch competitors in action
Stage three painted a mixed picture for the Dutch competitors in the SSV category. Arjan Donders and Edwin Vloemans brought their Polaris home in 18th place in the daily standings, adding valuable kilometers to their tally. Less fortunate were Marco van Heugten and Michelle Opstelten of EDDS Thundercamels, who again didn’t make it to the finish. Edwin Opstelten and Henny van Kouwen also had to retire their Can-Am early.
In the truck category, the second Dutch team, Lankveld Rally Team, featuring Franciscus van Lankveld and Pieter van de Sande, faced a grueling day. With a time of 18 hours and 32 minutes and multiple penalties, their DAF CF dropped out of the official classification.
The Greenteam Panhuijzen was completely sidelined today. While Jori and Tom Panhuijzen started the rally in the SSV class, their vehicle broke down during the previous stage. Mike Panhuijzen, unfortunately, has not finished a single stage and didn’t start today either.
Category leaders after stage three
In the motorcycle class (Enduro), France’s Nguyen Khoa Duong took the stage win with an impressive time of 4:51:56.80. The ATV category once again went to Gaetan Martinez, with Kanopkinas consistently trailing close behind. In the SSV class, the Italian duo Paolo Scalzotto and Aldo De Lorenzo delivered a razor-sharp time of 4:10:11.39, leaving the Bulgarian Hristov brothers more than an hour behind.
In the car category, Rizzardi remains the benchmark, although Vincent Thijs is closing in. And in the trucks, the standings are now completely led by the Dutch Rainbow Truck Team, who enjoy a comfortable lead.
Dunes as the ultimate test of rally skill
This third stage served as the first real “sand exam” of the rally. The dunes of southern Tunisia, loose, unpredictable, and treacherously steep, have often proven unforgiving. For the participants, the day was all about playing with tire pressure, managing throttle, and carefully choosing the right lines. Take too many risks, and you get stuck. Play it too safe, and you lose precious time.
Yet, the bivouac in Douz reflected a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. The rally has found its soul, buried in the sand, forged in the heat, and driven by the unyielding determination of its competitors.
Tomorrow brings stage four, once again filled with sand, fresh challenges, and a bivouac on the move. RallyTracks will continue to follow all Dutch participants closely as the rally unfolds.
