The turn of the century brought challenges, changes and new drivers to Portalegre. At the time, the Baja was still not eligible for the National Cross-Country Championship in Autos, a situation that was only changed in 2002, when it was given the status of a ‘joker race’
In 2001, the orientation of the route was changed to a system of three selective sectors, with the first one held after the prologue.
In Autos, in addition to Miguel Barbosa's three impressive victories, Colin McRae's presence on the top step of the podium in 2004 was an equally unforgettable moment in the history of the race. When we jumped on his wheels, António Maio began his quest for the record, while Mário Patrão scored an impressive hat-trick. The first Quads race debuted in 2000, with Paulo Barbosa taking home the gold; eight years later, the UTVs arrived in Portalegre with António Val taking first place.