Day 3 of the Greece Rally marked the start of the highly anticipated 200 km marathon stage, a true test of endurance and navigation as riders left Serres and crossed into Bulgaria. Competitors were required to preserve both bike and body for the return leg on Day 4.
The route challenged the field with a spectacular mix of mountain passes, rocky climbs, and fast gravel tracks, taking riders through the rugged Belasitsa mountain range and into Topoinitsa, Orgazden, and Petrich. The diverse terrain combined steep forest trails, technical ascents, and open valleys, demanding total focus from start to finish.
At the front of the pack, #142 Svitko Stefan (SVK) delivered a commanding performance to secure the stage victory. Close behind, #1 Roberto Barbieri (ITA) showed consistency and speed to take second, while #355 Dovland Hans Kristian (NOR) completed the podium with an impressive ride through the demanding Bulgarian landscape.
The riders will spend the night in Belasitsa, resting before tackling the return leg to Serres on Day 4, where the marathon stage will be decided.