Britain’s Todd Kellett (Drag’on Yamaha) moved closer to securing his third straight FIM Sand Races World Championship title after winning the opening Moto race at the Monte Gordo Sand Experience in Portugal. In the Moto Women’s category, Belgium’s Amandine Verstappen (Yamaha) regained control after her previous DNF, and Britain’s Harry Walker (Laeger’s) dominated in the Quad class.
Kellett has been unbeatable this season, taking four overall wins. On the short six-kilometre track, getting ahead early was crucial. He led from the first lap, steadily increasing his gap. By mid-race he was far ahead, and he eventually won by almost a minute and a half over Belgium’s Cyril Genot. Milko Potisek, Kellett’s closest rival, finished third but still lost important points in the title fight.
Kellett said he always feels confident with a clear gap and enjoys the challenge of different race formats, adding that the short laps made it mentally demanding.
In Moto Women, Amandine Verstappen quickly took the lead and dominated the entire race. She finished one lap ahead of Mathilde Denis and two laps ahead of Camille Viaud, tightening her grip on the title after a setback in the previous round.
In the Moto Veteran category, Damien Prevot won with 29 laps, ahead of Guillaume Renaux and Fernando Rubio. In Moto Junior, Evan Demeester claimed victory, and in Moto Vintage, Sebastien Antony finished first.
The Quad class saw Harry Walker take a strong win. He battled early with France’s Pablo Violet, who needed solid points to keep his championship hopes alive. Walker eventually pulled away and won by almost two minutes. Violet secured second place and strengthened his position in the title standings.
Quad Veteran honours went to Dirk Schelfhout, who outperformed series leader Benoit Sebert.
Today’s final races will combine with yesterday’s results to decide the overall standings. The Moto race will run for one hour at 13:45, followed by the Quad race at 15:30.
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