STAGE 3 - LEAD RACE: AZIZA EL AMRANY WIDENS THE GAP

Aziza EL AMRANY wins the third stage of the MARATHON DES SABLES LEGENDARY at an average speed of 8 km/h, consolidating her lead in the overall standings. Aziza RAJI and Adriana MOSER consolidated their 2nd and 3rd places.

Aziza EL AMRANI (D7-MAR) was felt to be very strong on the first two stages, but the long stage remained a big unknown: hadn't she drawn too heavily on her reserves to build up a lead over her pursuers? Now we know: Aziza, currently running her third MARATHON DES SABLES LEGENDARY, is at the top of her game. She largely dominated the long stage, producing a consistent solo run from start to finish. Her average speed on the day's stage was 8 km/h, placing her 14th overall on the stage, and 15th overall after three stages.

MOROCCO AND THE NETHERLANDS COMPLETE THE PODIUM

Behind Aziza EL AMRANY, the positions are also stabilizing. Aziza RAJI (D9-MAR) continues to produce a steady race, drawing on her experience with 5 MDS LEGENDARY races already run, including a victory in 2021. Aziza knows how to deal with difficulties and hot weather, how to stand her ground and bounce back when the opportunity arises.

In third place, Adriana MOSER (D850-NLD) is new to the MDS LEGENDARY after winning the HMDS Maroc last October (120 km, 3 stages). Less experienced than the two Moroccans, but very determined, she crossed the finish line extremely tired, shortly before sunset. She must make the most of her rest day today to set off again in the best possible conditions tomorrow, in order to maintain her position.

EXCHANGE OF COURTESIES

A Frenchwoman leaves the Top 5, another Frenchwoman enters: it's the waltz of the long stage. Yesterday's pleasant surprise was Rajaa HAMDAOUA (D576-FRA). For her first time on the MARATHON DES SABLES LEGENDARY, this Frenchwoman living in Dubai kept a low profile on the first two stages, and put in a very solid long stage yesterday. Starting in the first wave, outside the Top 50 (only the first 50 started 1h30 later), Rajaa showed herself to be a consistent performer. She was caught up by Aziza RAJI, who motivated her on the home straight. Both finished in under 13 hours, putting Rajaa in3rd place for the stage, and5th overall.

The bad surprise was the poor performance of Laurence KLEIN (D160-FRA), who finished 325th overall and 55th woman. How do you explain this blow to Laurence, who had previously been5th overall in the women's race? Laurence set off at a very good pace in the first wave, as she was 56th overall. Virtually in the lead, Laurence suffered a blow around the thirtieth kilometer. From then on, it was a descent into hell for the Champenoise, despite having won the MDS LEGENDARY three times: in the middle of the desert, no one is safe. But Laurence grits her teeth, and takes advantage of the checkpoints to rest. Finally, her son Lilian FRICOTTEAUX (D241-FRA) catches up with her at CP6. The two of them finish the last 25 km together.

That's the spirit of the MARATHON DES SABLES: to be able to change goals, to bounce back, and to take pleasure in another form, with, in the end, an even greater sense of accomplishment.

CLASSIFICATION STAGE 3

OVERALL CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 3

*Classements provisoires