Winner of the 2015 edition, Luís Oliveira made history by winning the 30th Baja Portalegre 500 although the title went to a sore António Maio. The Yamaha rider crashed at km 10 and fractured his left collarbone, but picked up the bike and endured another 330 km to ensure the third title of his career.
With Maio losing time at the beginning of stage, Oliveira came back to the lead to ensure his second win at the Baja Portalegre, while Sebastian Bühler gave it all to take the title. Bühler tried to capitalise on Maio’s setback, but was unable to win the Baja, finishing second and losing the championship to Maio, who ended up in sixth. Meanwhile, João Lourenço was third.
New record for Borrego in Quads
Roberto Borrego won the Baja Portalegre 500 for the fifth time amongst Quads, a new record at the mythical Portalegre event. The Ponte de Sôr rider, one of the local heroes, finished in front of Rogrido Pagaime, second, and Vítor Caiero, third.
“Winning here for the fifth time and after all I’ve suffered this season is very important,” admitted Borrego at the end.
João Silva magnificent over UTV/Buggy
At the wheel of a Yamaha YXZ, João Silva, with co-driver Marc Silva, won the 30th Baja Portalegre 500, beating 49 rivals. This was a fantastic result after coming from 17th on the Prologue to end with a 10 minute-advantage over Pedro Mendes. However, most of the eyes were set on Stéphane Peterhansel, third overall on this 30th Baja Portalegre, his first on an UTV, after having won in Cars and having also participated in Bikes in the past.