After two days in southern Morocco, the third stage of the 2025 Addax Rally delivered another serious test. Competitors faced a 370-kilometre special between Erfoud and Rissani, packed with challenging navigation through dry riverbeds, loose stones, and winding trails across the rugged Jorf region.
Navigation challenge with real consequences
Stage 3 was all about focus and finesse. The physical demands of the previous day were replaced with a technical trial where concentration and navigation mattered more than outright speed. Not everyone made it through unscathed, but at the front of the pack, a tactical duel unfolded between teammates Kevin Gallas and Alessandro Botturi.
It was Gallas who made the difference. The German rider from the Ténéré Spirit Experience showed his sharpest form, completing the stage in 5 hours, 26 minutes, and 16 seconds. It was his second stage win in a row, reinforcing his lead in the overall standings.
Botturi, tasked with opening the stage, strategically let Gallas pass after the neutralisation zone to conserve energy and let the German handle the navigation. The two rode together for most of the day, with Botturi staying close behind in the dust. Toward the end, the Italian picked up the pace, closing the gap to just 46 seconds – a smart ride that keeps him firmly in the fight for the overall win. For Botturi, Stage 3 marked an important moment in his comeback after a time penalty on day one. “I felt good, and the bike did everything I asked again. Kevin rode strong, so I chose to stay behind him and save energy. In the dunes, I managed to claw back some time. We’re still right in the mix.”
Yamaha still dominant, Wiedemann drops out
Behind the leading duo, other Yamaha riders continued to impress. Javier Vega rode a solid stage to secure the third-fastest time of the day. Things didn’t go as well for Mike Wiedemann. The German rider, who was third in the overall standings after two stages, suffered mechanical issues after a rock damaged his engine. He was forced to abandon the stage, ending his hopes for a strong general classification result.
New order in the standings
With two days to go, Kevin Gallas leads the rally with a total time of 14:33:34. Alessandro Botturi is 4 minutes and 7 seconds behind. The gap behind the top two is substantial: Ignas Daunoravicius, now the best-placed RACE 1 rider, sits in third but trails the leader by 49 minutes. Javier Vega is fourth, followed by Josep Pedró Subirats in fifth.
Preview: A legendary landscape awaits
Wednesday’s fourth stage covers 373 kilometres of sand, rocks, and open navigation between Merzouga, Ramlia, and Ouzina. It promises to be one of the most stunning yet technically demanding stages of the rally. The soft dunes of Erg Chebbi, the red plains around Ouzina, and the rough tracks near Taouz will push both rider and machine to their limits.
