A Stage Full of Surprises and Battles in Riyadh
The Dakar rolled out of Al Duwadimi with a breathtaking 410 km loop to the southwest of Riyadh, offering riders and drivers a visual feast of the province’s rugged beauty. From fast, rocky limestone plateaus to sprawling dunes, the terrain demanded every ounce of skill and strategy. Recent downpours added an unexpected twist, firming the sands into a challenging, high-speed labyrinth. For Daniel Sanders, it was a dream stage. The Aussie ace stormed to his fifth stage win of the year, carving through the course like a hot knife through butter.
Meanwhile, the car race played out like a game of chess on wheels. Lucas Moraes, starting 27th, seized his moment, pulling off a dramatic win. With Henk Lategan and Yazeed Al Rajhi locked in a fierce duel for the overall lead, every second counted.
Rally Highlights
- Sanders Soars Again: Once again, Daniel Sanders proved he’s the man to beat, taking his fifth stage win. Starting ninth gave him the perfect position to navigate the tricky course and outpace his rivals. Behind him, Tosha Schareina stayed consistent, holding second overall, while Adrien Van Beveren fought off the pressure to cling to his podium spot with a mix of grit and clever navigation.
- Moraes’ Masterclass: Lucas Moraes delivered a stunning comeback after a rough day prior, snatching victory and beating the Ford Raptor duo of Mattias Ekström and Mitch Guthrie. This result has shaken up the standings, with Lategan’s lead over Al Rajhi shrinking to a razor-thin 21 seconds.
- SSV Showdown: Corbin Leaverton made a statement, narrowly beating Yasir Seaidan in a head-to-head battle. Yet, the consistent pace of the Cavigliasso-Pertegarini duo keeps them comfortably atop the leaderboard.
- Truck Mayhem: Aleš Loprais showed his mettle with a stage win, but Martin Macík remains king of the trucks. Newcomer Vaidotas Žala also made waves, matching his career-best finish.
The Star of the Show: The Ford Raptor
Ford is on fire. Ekström and Guthrie both landed on the podium, proving the Raptor is a force to be reckoned with. Ekström’s steady performance has halved his gap to the leader, while Guthrie tightened his grip on fifth place. Their relentless drive could make history for Ford before the rally is done.
Heartbreak for Mason Klein
It was a crushing day for Mason Klein. The young American, who showed immense promise in his debut years, saw his rally dreams unravel. After battling conjunctivitis and clutch issues earlier in the race, his Kove 450 Rally EX finally gave up at km 319. Despite hours of effort, Klein had to admit defeat and head back to the bivouac in a helicopter. Neels Theric now carries the Kove banner, sitting 15th overall.
A Nostalgic Ride: The 1968 Citroën 2CV
Among the modern machines of the Dakar Classic, a humble 1968 Citroën 2CV stands out like a relic from another era. Powered by just 38 horsepower, it’s the oldest and least powerful vehicle in the rally. Its drivers, Floris de Raadt and David Kann, face a unique challenge: hunting for snow tires in Saudi Arabia to keep their vintage “Tin Snail” rolling.
W2RC: Saudi Stars Rise Again
Yasir Seaidan and Dania Akeel are turning heads in the W2RC. Seaidan continues to dominate, while Akeel, after a grueling start, wisely regrouped and is poised to strike in the coming stages. The Saudi duo is making it clear: they’re here to win.
The RacerViews info
By Matt Hancock
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