British Junior rider Alex McInnes showed outstanding performance from the very beginning of the Saudi Baja. He won the Prologue and both special stages across the An Nafud desert, finishing far ahead of his competitors. With this result, McInnes secured his second consecutive Saudi Baja victory in impressive fashion.
In the Quad category, defending FIM champion Hani Al-Noumesi claimed first place and stood on the top step of the podium.
The event began on Thursday with a six-kilometre Prologue run in reverse order. Riders faced sandy terrain mixed with steep and rocky sections. McInnes (KTM) posted the fastest time, ahead of Saudi rider Haitham Al-Tuwwayjiri (quad) and Jordan’s Abdullah Abuaisheh (Yamaha). McInnes then chose to start the first long stage from 10th position.
The two main stages covered 240 km and 150 km, mostly on sand with short off-road sections. Recent rain slightly improved grip in the desert.
Friday’s first stage was very fast. McInnes won comfortably, finishing 16 minutes 15 seconds ahead of Sultan Al-Balooshi, who received a time penalty for speeding. Mohammed Al-Balooshi, returning after a Dakar Rally injury, finished third despite hand pain.
Starting last, Abdullah Al-Shatti climbed to fourth place even with a penalty. Joanna Modrzewska, the only female rider, finished 23rd. Quad rider Hani Al-Noumesi placed 14th overall. Some riders were forced to retire due to mechanical issues.
Saturday’s second stage followed the same route. McInnes again rode smoothly and secured overall victory by more than 30 minutes over the Al-Balooshi brothers. Mohammed finished second overall, with Sultan taking third.
Despite injury concerns, Mohammed Al-Balooshi said he was happy to finish second and earn important World Cup points. He also won the Veteran category.
In the Quad class, Hani Al-Noumesi took victory ahead of Abdulaziz Al-Atawi and Ahmed Al-Jaber.
Full results are available on SPORTITY under the code SB26FIM.