The Australian started the Al Salamiya to Al-Hofuf special in eighth position overall but is now 11th and, worse still, trails the leader by 39:43s.
He almost wasted his time when he stopped for several minutes near the waypoint at kilometer 229, and the explanation for why is now obvious.
Sanders’ GasGas ran out of fuel cap after refueling at kilometer 187, causing fuel to leak out of his legs.
“It’s tough again,” he admitted.
“We struggled a lot to drive and navigate today, we’re just looking to keep the speed and stay in the road book, but, unfortunately, both things are working at the moment. “
“So, struggling a lot and, at the refuel, I lost my rear fuel tank cap, so that was leaking fuel everywhere on the back of my legs so that was on fire.
“It wasn’t good, so I had to stop and repair that and try and save as much fuel as I could to make it to the finish line.
“So it wasn’t a day at all, but there were still many days to come. We’ll regroup tonight and come back tomorrow.
Frustrations are mounting for compatriot Toby Price after the Red Bull KTM rider conceded more time in Level 4.
Price remains eighth overall, now 34:54 off the overall lead.
“It’s not my day,” said the two-time Dakar champion.
“With so many tracks ahead of us in the sand and some tough navigation on the stage, we got lost a little midway through and ended up losing some time.
“It’s still very early days and there’s a long way to go, but it’s frustrating to have a difficult day.
“There were a lot of spectators on stage, which is great to see.
“But overall I’m pleased to be here at the end safe and sound and still well in the race, so let’s concentrate and see what comes with us. “
Again today, former leader Ross Branch had a day, taking his hero to the finish line with a bent handlebar.
The Botswana rider dropped to second place in the general classification, 1’15” behind the leader, after the fourth level.
“I came up with the idea of trying a curved handlebar today,” he joked.
“No, really it was a rough day for me, one of the days I’d rather forget.
“I crashed after 40km just to take a look at the road book and hit a rock. Then I crashed again 20km before the end, just as I was entering the dunes.
“He got some camel grass in the sand and threw me over the handlebars. But I’m fine and the bike can be repaired. I don’t think it took too long.
KTM’s most productive rider, Kevin Benavides, was 3rd on the day and fourth overall, 20’39” behind the leader.
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