After five of 12 stages, Australian KTM rider Daniel Sanders still leads the 2025 Dakar Rally in the Saudi Arabian desert, but only by a 15-minute margin.
With the first week of the 47th Dakar Rally complete and riders enjoying a well-deserved rest day in Saudi Arabia, observers can only look ahead to the second half of the 2025 event.
Sanders leads the overall standings by just over 15 minutes from Spanish Honda rider Tosha Schareina after winning three of the five stages completed so far.
Dakar rookie Edgar Canet has impressed by holding 10th overall and leading the Rally2 category.
Argentine rider Luciano Benavides sits seventh overall after finishing as runner-up on stage five. Unfortunately, Kevin Benavides, who came into this year’s event recovering from injury, took the difficult decision to withdraw after completing the first week.
Sanders came into the 2025 Dakar fit and fully motivated to make his mark. After topping the opening prologue, the Australian went on win stages one and two, opening up a respectable advantage over his rivals.
On stage three, while opening, Sanders minimised the potential loss by putting in an inspired ride from the front. Come Wednesday and stage four, he was back to his winning ways, increasing his overall lead before extending that further on Thursday.
With seven stages remaining, Chucky holds a 15-minute advantage, and one he will be aiming to extend as his focus is set firmly on the remaining seven stages and secure his place at the top of the podium.
Daniel Sanders: “The first week has been really strong and consistent for me, I’ve felt great on the bike and I’m happy with my riding and navigation.
“It’s definitely been really positive, and I have a healthy lead at the halfway point. Other than a few issues with my roadbook tablet, everything has gone really well and I’m having a lot of fun! I’m enjoying resting and recovering and looking forward to the second half of the race!”
At just 19 years old, Canet has taken the Dakar Rally by storm, establishing himself as a rising star in his debut campaign. Competing in the Rally2 category, Canet secured two stage wins during the first week and consistently finished among the top ranks, building a commanding 16-minute lead in his class.
His standout performances have also earned him 10th place in the overall rankings – a remarkable achievement in a field filled with seasoned Dakar Legends.
With the race set to resume on Saturday, Canet remains focused on achieving his ultimate goals, completing his first Dakar, claiming the Rally2 title, and gaining invaluable experience.
Edgar Canet: “That’s the first week finished! It has been really positive for me and I’m super happy to be leading Rally2 at this point. I have a great feeling with the team and the bike which has shown in my results.
“It has been tougher than I was expecting, especially the chrono and marathon stages where we spent over five hours on the bike. I’m really excited to see how the second week will go, and I will try to make it as good as this first one has been.”
Provisional Standings – 2025 Dakar Rally (after 5 of 12 stages)
- Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 30:12:15
- Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 30:27:17 +15:02
- Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 30:36:46 +24:31
- Ross Branch (BWA), Hero, 30:38:03 +25:48
- Skyler Howes (USA), Honda, 30:40:14 +27:59
Photo courtesy KTM, Edo Bauer
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