In the 46th edition of the Dakar Rally, a thrilling journey awaits, starting from AlUla and culminating in Yanbu. Set in the heart of Saudi Arabia, this year’s rally, directed by David Castera, is touted to be the most challenging since its Middle Eastern inception. Envision a 4,903-mile (7,891-kilometer) odyssey, with an equal distance dedicated to specials, traversing roads, tracks, and dunes.

This edition introduces the groundbreaking “48h chrono” challenge in the vast Empty Quarter desert, a test of speed, survival, and strategy. Competitors find themselves in an unforgiving arena, dispersed across seven bivouacs in the world’s largest contiguous sand desert, the Rub’ al Khali. This 48-hour segment demands competitors to rely on their skills, wit, and the resilience of their machines, devoid of the usual support systems of modern racing.

The “48h chrono” is an endurance, navigation, and mechanical sympathy test. Competitors must reach set waypoints within 48 hours, managing resources, maintaining their machines under harsh conditions, and navigating without external help. With no support crews at day’s end, riders become their own mechanics, echoing the Dakar’s original spirit of self-reliance.

In this desolate terrain, managing fatigue and mental stress is crucial. The isolation and challenging environment of the Empty Quarter can overwhelm even the seasoned competitors.

As the rally begins in AlUla, a city of ancient tales, riders and crews gather in the “Start Camp,” gearing up with a 17-mile (27-kilometer) prologue – a precursor to the grueling route ahead. René Metge, the late three-time winner and rally legend, would have savored this challenge.

Amidst the pre-race excitement and scrutineering, there’s drama unfolding. Young talent Mason Klein faces a logistical issue with his bike’s delayed arrival from China. Meanwhile, rally favorites garner attention at a press conference, signaling the commencement of the World Rally-Raid Championship season.

With 140 riders set to embark from AlUla to Yanbu, the motorbike race is poised to be a spectacular event. Although defending champion Kevin Benavides is sidelined, his brother Luciano leads Husqvarna’s efforts. Honda, with a strong lineup including Skyler Howes and Tosha Schareina, presents a formidable challenge, while Hero and Sherco, with their champions, are ready to make their mark.

An Intriguing Prelude to the Dakar 2024

The Dakar Rally’s prologue this year was a far cry from a mere introductory act. Over a 17-mile (27-kilometer) course near AlUla, it presented a microcosm of the Dakar’s challenges: sandy stretches, rugged terrain, and complex navigational tests that tested even the most seasoned riders.

Amidst this challenging backdrop, Tosha Schareina, the rising Spanish star, stood out. Shedding his ‘debutant’ label, Schareina, with two 13th place finishes in previous Dakars and a victory in the Desafio Ruta 40, stepped up as an official team rider for Honda. His commanding performance in the prologue vindicated Honda’s decision to bring him onboard. Following him, Daniel Sanders displayed his speed, reminiscent of his early lead in the 2022 Dakar, while Ross Branch completed the day’s podium, proving the prologue was much more than a mere warm-up.

The usual favorites, including Adrien Van Beveren, the Benavides brothers (Luciano and Kevin), Pablo Quintanilla, and Toby Price, marked their presence in the top ranks. However, Skyler Howes, finishing 42nd, faced a challenging start, indicating a tough journey ahead to keep pace with the leaders.

For Skyler Howes, the prologue was particularly challenging. The Utah cowboy, now aboard an official Honda, struggled with his new ride. His performance, marred by a fall and a navigation error in the AlUla canyons, was a stark contrast to his podium finish in the 2023 Dakar. Finishing 44th, over five minutes behind his teammate Schareina, Howes faced a significant disadvantage from the start, now tasked with leading in the upcoming stage—a daunting position for any rider, especially after such setbacks.

As the riders prepared for the stages ahead, the prologue set the tone: Dakar 2024 would be a rally filled with unexpected twists, intense competition, and a relentless pursuit of glory.

With just one day before the rally, the atmosphere brimmed with anticipation. Final preparations were completed, and the list of starters was confirmed. Amidst internal team rivalries, riders and teams engaged in a cultural celebration under AlUla’s starlit sky, a mix of tradition and anticipation.

As scrutineering concluded, the scale of the adventure became evident: 418 race vehicles were ready to conquer the dunes and carve their stories in the sands of time. This prologue not only began the race but also heralded the relentless diversity of challenges that define the Dakar Rally.

The First Five Stages

A Journey Into the Heart of Adventure

The 46th Dakar Rally, a thrilling odyssey across Saudi Arabia, has already given us five gripping stages. Each stage has unfolded its own set of challenges and surprises, shaping a fascinating narrative that captures the spirit of this legendary rally.

Stage 1

A Rocky Start in Medina Province

The rally kicked off with a challenging 257-mile (414 km) special stage, immersing competitors in a mix of sandy canyons and rocky landscapes. The day was marked by contrasting fortunes as Ross Branch and Mason Klein adeptly navigated the demanding course, while early favorite Tosha Schareina, along with Joaquim Rodrigues, faced the harsh reality of the Dakar with crashes and injuries.

Stage 2

Navigational Challenges to Al Duwadimi

This 287 miles (462 km) special was more about navigation through a myriad of terrains than conquering dunes. Kevin Benavides, harnessing his vast experience, triumphed, marking a significant comeback. However, the day wasn’t kind to all, as Mason Klein faced mechanical issues, crushing his podium hopes. Nacho Cornejo, adept at navigation, climbed the ranks, closing in on Ross Branch, the overall leader.

Stage 3

The Trek to the Empty Quarter

En route to the Empty Quarter, the competitors covered over 372 miles (600 km), facing a diverse terrain. Mechanical woes and crashes continued to reshape the leaderboard. Sam Sunderland and Sebastian Bühler both suffered setbacks, with Sunderland facing mechanical failures and Bühler crashing out. In contrast, Pablo Quintanilla and Nacho Cornejo excelled, but Quintanilla faced penalties, while Benavides capitalized on his navigational prowess to win the stage.

Stage 4

High-Speed Chase to Al Hofuf

The route to Al Hofuf, covering almost 435 miles (700 km) with a 186 miles (299 km) special, was less about dunes and more about speed. Nacho Cornejo demonstrated that he’s not just a navigator but also a speedster, taking the lead in the bike category. The stage lacked significant difficulties, but Ross Branch’s crashes led to a reshuffle at the top, with Cornejo emerging as the new leader.

Stage 5

Dunes of the Empty Quarter

Diving into the heart of the Empty Quarter, the riders faced a 315 miles (508 km) road section followed by a critical 73 miles (118 km) special. Pablo Quintanilla, accustomed to Chile’s Atacama Desert, emerged victorious. The day’s race saw strategic maneuvers, with Adrien Van Beveren nearly clinching the stage win, only to be narrowly defeated by Quintanilla. This stage set the scene for the “48H Chrono,” promising more dramatic shifts in the standings.