After the finish, Mindaugas Sidabras admitted that the day was extremely exhausting, and the last kilometers required a lot of strength. According to the athlete, the most important thing was to reach the finish while it was still daylight.
Read more It is possible to live in Kaunas: but why are there such lines at «Regitra»?
We managed to finish with light
“We managed to finish with light. It’s already getting dark. The speed section was tough. We also had dunes. They can be called persistent because there was really something to deal with. We are heading to the bivouac to rest and prepare for the next day,” said Mindaugas Sidabras.
Navigator Ernestas Česokas revealed that the crew did not avoid adventures on the track during the third stage. The Lithuanians had to deal with both technical malfunctions and navigation problems, which cost them extra time.
But we took the points, although we lost about 20 minutes
“We are glad to be at the finish. In the riverbed, we punctured one tire before the refueling zone. Then at the 221st kilometer, we missed one turn and joined a train – we were driving in a group with motorcycles and buggies. We drove for ten kilometers, didn’t find the point, had to turn around, and go the other way. But we took the points, although we lost about 20 minutes,” said Ernestas Česokas.
In the third speed section, the crew of Mindaugas Sidabras and Ernestas Česokas took fourth place in the SSV class. The Lithuanians covered the 314-kilometer distance in 5 hours 49 minutes 1 second and lagged behind the stage winners in their class by 1 hour 34 minutes 27 seconds.
After three speed sections, the “Izoton Sport” crew ranks third in the overall SSV class standings. The Lithuanians have accumulated a time of 12 hours 30 minutes 36 seconds and are behind the class leaders by 2 hours 50 minutes 37 seconds.
Read more 3 Tankers Linked to Russia Attacked Off the Coast of Turkey
On Thursday, participants face another very long stage from San Rafael to San Juan. The sporting speed section will be as long as 306 kilometers, but the total daily distance including transfers will exceed 640 kilometers.
Information provided by the organizers shows that the fourth stage will feature a very diverse terrain. As much as 90% of the track will be dirt, with the remaining part consisting of rocky sections. There will also be stretches of sand, dunes, and dried-up lakes.
Another serious challenge will be the altitude changes. The track profile shows that participants will climb to more than 3000 meters above sea level, so not only speed or navigation will be important, but also the reliability of the equipment in high-altitude conditions.
More news about the “Izoton Sport” team’s performance in the third stage of the World Rally Raid Championship in Argentina can be found on the team’s Facebook page.
Read more Tree-breaking wind, rain, hail: after stormy weather, summer warmth is coming to Lithuania
