STAGE 3 - RACE TO THE FRONT: MOHAMED EL MORABITY WINS IN STYLE

As announced yesterday, the three Moroccans in the lead of the 38th MARATHON DES SABLES LEGENDARY explained themselves over the 85.3 km of the long stage. And it was Mohamed EL MORABITY who came out on top, taking a strong option for overall victory.

The men's race got off to a measured start at daybreak, with Rachid EL MORABITY (D3-MAR) taking the lead, followed by his brother Mohamed (D1-MAR) and their compatriot Aziz YACHOU (D10-MAR). After the first hurdles - a string of dunes, the climb up the rocky face of Jebel EL OTFAL and the descent down the sandy face - the trio arrived at the first checkpoint neck and neck.

MOHAMED IMPREGNABLE

It was on the great plain after the first checkpoint that Mohamed began to make his effort. Up to km 25, the difference in pace remained very moderate, but from then on, Mohamed accelerated by 2 or even 3 km/h depending on the technical nature of the sections. Extremely concentrated, at over 14 km/h on the rolling sections, Mohamed regularly looks back to gauge his lead over his pursuers. But it's impossible to see them in his rear-view mirror: the gap widens surprisingly, reaching 10 km in the final stretch. Surreal! Mohamed crossed the finish line exhausted, on the verge of cramps, but satisfied with this incredible day: "I'm happy to have won today", he said, before going to his tent to rest. His time: 7h37'47'', an average speed of 11.2 km/h.

For their part, Rachid and Aziz couldn't decide between themselves. One after the other, the two men took the lead in the pursuit, ending up together 200 meters from the finish line. Rachid then launched the sprint, but Aziz's speed enabled him to win in 8h31'52''.

A SURPRISE FROM LYON

Yohann STUCK stayed in the Top 10 for the first part of this long stage, but pulled out all the stops in the second half to finish a magnificent 4th place, just 7 minutes behind Aziz and Rachid.

THE SURPRISE FROM LYONS

Yohann STUCK stayed in the Top 10 in the first part of this long stage, but he pulled out all the stops in the second half to finish a magnificent4th place, just 7 minutes behind Aziz and Rachid.

OVERALL CLASSIFICATION

After this stratospheric third stage, Mohamed EL MORABITY consolidated his position as leader. He has a lead of more than 54 minutes over Rachid, who is himself just one small second ahead of Aziz. While Mohamed has taken a serious option for overall victory, second place is far from being decided!

Yohann STUCK made a smashing entry into the Top 5, finishing4th, 10 seconds ahead of Hamid YACHOU. Stay tuned for the fourth stage the day after tomorrow.

RANKINGS STAGE 3

OVERALL RANKINGS AFTER STAGE 3

*Classements provisoires