- First Dakar stage for Skyler Howes
- Overall lead changes to KTM after stage 11
- Only 23 seconds separate the two leaders
After eleven of a total of 13 stages, the situation at the 2026 Dakar Rally continues to intensify. The demanding combination of speed, endurance, and tactical decisions characterized one of the longest days of this year’s rally.
Howes uses fast stage to break through
The 883-kilometer stage from Bisha to Al Henakiyah, with a 346-kilometer special stage, played to Skyler Howes‘ strengths. The American consistently focused on speed and clean navigation on the fast, predominantly hard surface. In the end, he secured the first stage victory of his Dakar career.
“It’s really cool to win a stage at the Dakar,” said Howes after the finish. “Especially in this edition and on a stage that suits my style: rocky and high speed.”
With the victory, Howes remains fifth in the overall standings, but is still 34 minutes behind the leader. According to his own statements, he intends to use the last two stages to make up positions.
Honda dominates the stage but relinquishes the lead
Adrien Van Beveren finished second behind Howes, just 21 seconds behind. The Frenchman opened the stage and benefited from time credits for leading the race.
Ricky Brabec deliberately did not finish on the podium. The two-time Dakar winner slowed down in the final kilometers to secure a more favorable starting position for the penultimate stage. As a result, he lost the overall lead to KTM.
“I rode a little tactically and hope that it pays off tomorrow,” explained Brabec. Whether this decision will pay off remains to be seen, given the narrow gap.
Benavides back at the top without tactical play
Luciano Benavides finished the stage in fourth place and benefited directly from Brabec’s strategy. The Argentine now leads the overall standings by 23 seconds.
“I didn’t have a strategy like Ricky,” Benavides clarified. “I just do what I can and control what I can control.”
According to Benavides, the next two stages will be ridden without tactical restraint. The decision will only be made on the last day.
Canet strong, Sanders battles with injury
20-year-old Edgar Canet once again rode in the leading group. Despite a navigation error, the KTM rider finished third and secured a good starting position for stage 12.
Defending champion Daniel Sanders battled through the day with a shoulder injury. 13th place meant damage limitation, and he remains fourth in the overall standings.
“I’m glad to have made it through another day,” said Sanders. “With two stages ahead of me, I’d rather be riding than watching.”
Rally2: Ventura wins, Mulec takes the lead
In the Rally2 category, Martim Ventura celebrated his second stage victory of the 2026 Dakar. After problems with his navigation tablet, the Honda rookie received a time credit and moved up to first place.
Toni Mulec took the overall lead, climbing to the top of the Rally2 class with consistent performances. His lead over Preston Campbell is only 2 minutes and 27 seconds.
Outlook for Stage 12
The penultimate stage covers 720 kilometers back towards Yanbu. Small dunes, riverbeds, and fast tracks are once again expected to place high demands on concentration and navigation. Since there are traditionally few attacks on the final stage, Stage 12 is considered a possible decision day.
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