The third stage of the Dakar 2024 presented us with a scene that many were expecting but few anticipated so soon. Ales Loprais, at the helm of his Praga V4S DKR, affectionately known as "Lady," not only conquered the stage but also took the lead in the overall truck standings, a notable twist in events. With this triumph, Loprais not only adds a 13th stage victory to his impressive Dakar record but also erases the somber memory of the tragic accident with a spectator last year, demonstrating incredible mental strength and professionalism.
The day was especially tough for Janus Van Kasteren and his team, who faced a setback with a flat tire on their Iveco Powerstar, relinquishing the lead to Loprais. This incident illustrates the unpredictable nature of the Dakar, where every kilometer is a testament to resilience and strategy. Van Kasteren, a formidable competitor, remains a strong contender in the race, holding hope of reclaiming his position in the upcoming stages.
The performance of Martin Macik, another standout competitor, deserves special mention. With his MM Technology Iveco Powerstar, Macik has shown impressive consistency, staying in close pursuit of Loprais and standing out as one of the main rivals in this edition of the Dakar.
But the Dakar is not just a competition for the top spots. The overall standings reflect a diversity of talents and machines, with names like Claudio Bellina showing consistent and admirable performance. Aboard his Tatra Phoenix, Bellina has solidified his position in ninth place, proving that perseverance and strategy are equally important as speed.
| POS. | Driver/Mechanic/Navigator | Truck | Time/Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Loprais-Valtr jr-Stross | Praga V4S DKR | in 14.41'13 |
| 2. | Van Kasteren-Snijders-Rodewald | Tatra Jamal | at 3'15" |
| 3. | Macik-Svanda-Tomasek | Tatra Buggyra | at 13'29" |
| 4. | De Baar P.-Sikola-Vershoor | Renault C460 Hybrid | at 51'20" |
| 5. | Valtr-Kilian-Kilian | Tatra Buggyra | at 1.14'23" |
| 6. | Huzink-Buursen-Roesink | Iveco Powerstar | at 1.16'15" |
| 7. | Van den Brink M.-De Pol-Torrallardona | Iveco Powerstar | at 1.25'50 |
| 8. | Becx-Kuijpers-Van Ginkel | Iveco Powerstar | at 1.30'51" |
| 9. | Bellina-Gotti-Arnoletti | Tatra Phoenix | at 2.29'47" |
| 10. | Valtr-Kilian-Kilian | Iveco Powerstar | at 3.17'35" |
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