In a stunning display of speed and skill, Edgar Canet of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has seized the spotlight at the 2026 Dakar Rally, clinching victory in the highly competitive stage one. The excitement was palpable as Canet, alongside teammate Daniel Sanders, delivered a remarkable one-two finish, signaling their team’s dominance right from the start. With Luciano Benavides also showcasing impressive performance, finishing fifth, the KTM squad is making an indelible mark on this grueling rally.
Canet, the prodigious talent from Spain, kicked off the event with an electrifying prologue, showcasing an extraordinary blend of aggression and precision that crowned him not only the prologue champion but also the youngest stage winner ever in the bike class. This achievement granted him the coveted first-choice start position for the opening stage, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
Stage one was no walk in the park, presenting a daunting 524-kilometer loop around Yanbu, with 305 kilometers raced against the clock. Riders faced merciless terrain filled with narrow paths and treacherous rocky gardens, demanding their utmost concentration and resilience. As the stage progressed, the route transitioned into sandy sections and small dunes, ensuring that competitors were pushed to the brink from the very first mile.
Canet, armed with the tactical advantage of his prologue win, wasted no time in chasing down his rivals. He blazed through the first checkpoint at kilometer 28, firmly placing himself among the top contenders. As the kilometers rolled by, he displayed remarkable composure and strategy, making minimal errors and ultimately crossing the finish line over a minute ahead of Sanders.
“I’m really happy with how the rally has started,” Canet proclaimed. “Winning the prologue gave me a great feeling straight away and my rhythm was good, I felt confident on the bike and I was able to follow the roadbook with 100% confidence, braking before the dangers and avoiding unnecessary risks while still being fast. Today’s stage was very demanding with a lot of different terrain… so to take another win and start the rally like this is incredible.”
Not to be overshadowed, Sanders echoed the sentiment of excitement and focus. After a second-place finish in the prologue, the reigning Dakar Champion stayed close to Canet throughout stage one. Despite battling through challenging conditions, including strong winds and dust, Sanders managed to hold his position, setting the stage for an intense chase in the days to come.
“It was great to get underway and just be back on the start line,” Sanders shared. “Stage one was very fast and quite straightforward – but the conditions made it tricky… I’m looking forward to the stages to come when the terrain gets more rocky, which suits me better.”
Meanwhile, Benavides approached stage one with a calculated mindset, entering the race as the 13th rider. His methodical approach paid off, securing him the fifth-fastest time. With a focus on consistency and navigation, Benavides remains well-positioned for the challenges ahead.
“It felt really good to get the Dakar underway,” Benavides remarked. “Stage one was very fast for an opening day… Overall, it was a solid first stage, and I know the pace is there, which gives me confidence moving forward.”
As the rally progresses, the tension and excitement build, with Monday’s stage two promising even more challenges as riders venture inland to AlUla for a total of 504 kilometers, featuring a grueling timed special of 400 kilometers. The stage will undoubtedly test the mettle and skill of all competitors, as they strive to conquer the unforgiving landscape of the Dakar Rally.
With the provisional standings reflecting Canet’s lead and the fierce competition among KTM riders, fans can expect a thrilling continuation of this epic rally saga.
