Starting his day soon after 8.00am, Van Beveren wasted no time in getting stuck into the 200+ kilometre stage. Well aware that potential navigational mistakes would be costly, he opted not to push too hard and instead took the time needed to accurately follow his road book. Making only a few small errors he successfully completed the stage. As the day's fastest rider Adrien now has the difficult task of opening tomorrow's stage.
The first full day of racing at the 2019 Merzouga Rally featured the third longest special stage of the event at just under 210 kilometres. Split by the day's refuelling and neutralisation zone into two very different sections, the first required riders to focus on navigation while crossing a multitude of small dunes before reaching the Erg Chebbi - an area of large dunes, well known to rally riders. The remaining tracks and trails took riders away from the dunes, with yet more tricky navigation.
The second full stage of the 2019 Merzouga Rally will see competitors tackle a 212.22-kilometre special stage with a total distance of 307.02 kilometres being ridden. All competitors will again face challenging navigation.