15.01.2026
Stage 11 saw riders leave Bisha and head north to Al Henakiyah on one of the longest days of the event. Covering a total of 883 kilometers, including a demanding 346-kilometer timed special linked by an extended 537-kilometer liaison, the stage placed a heavy emphasis on navigation and concentration. Fast desert tracks were mixed with more technical sections, ensuring a punishing test of endurance for all.
Pushing hard from the start today, Canet was focused on clinching another stage win. Second-fastest to kilometer 156, a small navigation error unfortunately cost the Spaniard a couple of minutes. Fighting back and delivering a strong second half of the stage, the 20-year-old ultimately placed third, earning him a favorable start position for Friday’s decisive 12th stage.
Edgar Canet: “I’m happy with how the day went overall. I pushed hard and really gave everything, especially because I was aiming for the stage win. I lost a few minutes after getting slightly off course while trying to follow some riders ahead, but it was a good learning experience. In the second part of the stage, I felt very strong, and was able to push the pace and recover some good time. With two stages to go, I’ll stay focused, keep the speed high, and do everything I can to support the team and finish the rally strongly.”
Trailing the rally leader by a mere 56 seconds coming into today’s stage, Benavides knew a solid performance on the fast and demanding special would keep him well in the running for the top positions overall. Delivering a calculated ride, the Argentine avoided any navigation mistakes and maintained a strong pace from start to finish. Bringing his KTM 450 RALLY home in fourth place, Benavides moves back to the top of the rally standings where he leads by 23 seconds with two stages left to race.
Luciano Benavides: “Today was extremely fast, and in some sections the terrain was quite tricky, so I focused on riding smart and avoiding unnecessary risks. It wasn’t always safe to push flat out, but I gave everything I could within my limits. I didn’t follow any particular strategy, just focused on doing my own race and controlling what I can control. The overall standings are still very tight, and nothing will be decided until the final day, so the plan is to push hard tomorrow and give 100 percent until the very end, regardless of what anyone else does.”
Racing through stage 11 while managing injury, Sanders delivered a determined and disciplined ride to reach the finish. Despite the physical toll of the fast and technical terrain, the Australian focused on managing risk and protecting both himself and his KTM 450 RALLY across the long day. Completing the stage in 13th, Daniel remains fourth overall with two stages still to run, continuing to show the resilience and grit that carried him to victory at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Daniel Sanders: “I definitely felt every bump out there today. It was an enjoyable stage overall and one I remembered from last year, especially the fast, flat sections, but once we hit the rocks and sand it became really tough. Any section where you had to hold onto the bike and fight it, you could really feel it through the collarbone. It wasn’t pleasant, but I’m happy to get through another day. With two stages still to go, I’d much rather be out there riding and finishing the race than watching from the sidelines. The focus now is simply to keep going and make it to the end.”
Friday’s stage 12, the penultimate of the event, will continue to test the riders with a varied mix of terrain, ranging from small dunes to riverbeds and fast tracks. Another long day in total, the stage will cover 720 kilometers, with 311 kilometers raced against the clock.
Provisional Results – 2026 Dakar Rally, Stage 11
1. Skyler Howes (USA), Honda, 3:09:02
2. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 3:09:23 +0:21
3. Edgar Canet (ESP), KTM, 3:10:17 +1:15
4. Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 3:12:39 +3:37
5. Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 3:13:08 +4:06
Other KTM
9. Toni Mulec (SLO), KTM, 3:18:35 +9:33
13. Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 3:50:17 +4:35
Provisional Standings – 2026 Dakar Rally (after 11 of 13 stages)
1. Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 44:48:48
2. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 44:49:11 +0:23
3. Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 45:04:04 +15:16
4. Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 45:12:20 +23:32
5. Skyler Howes (USA), Honda, 45:23:08 +34:20
Other KTM
9. Toni Mulec (SLO), KTM, 47:25:26 +2:36:38
34. Edgar Canet (ESP), KTM, 56:34:51 +11:46:03
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