Dakar 2025: Sanders Leads as Stage 4 Tests Competitors

Navigating the Volcanic Terrain
Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally 2025 brought a grueling 415-kilometer special route through volcanic rock gardens, pushing competitors to their limits. Riders and drivers alike faced challenges that tested both skill and endurance, as the stage marked the first half of the Marathon Stage, leaving competitors with limited resources for repairs.

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Daniel Sanders Maintains Lead in Bike Class
Australian rider Daniel Sanders showcased his dominance despite technical issues during Stage 3. The 30-year-old navigated the rocky terrain with precision, extending his lead to 13 minutes and 26 seconds over Spain’s Tosha Schareina. “This area can be tricky, so you’ve got to focus,” Sanders remarked. With the pressure mounting, Sanders will open Stage 5, aiming to retain his advantage.

Challenges for the Benavides Brothers
Two-time bike champion Kevin Benavides faced difficulties adapting to the terrain, finishing the stage with careful navigation amidst a maze of tracks. His younger brother, Luciano, holds eighth overall, showcasing the Benavides family’s resilience.

Rookie Rivalry in the Challenger Class
In the Challenger class, Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team’s Corbin Leaverton moved into second overall, surpassing teammate Gonçalo Guerreiro. Guerreiro described the rocky conditions as unprecedented: “We managed as best we could and still got one flat tyre.”

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Heartbreak in the Ultimate Class
The Ultimate class saw heartbreak for Sébastien Loeb, whose damaged roll cage prevented him from starting Stage 4. Australian Toby Price also endured a major setback, waiting hours for assistance after mechanical issues derailed his strong start. Meanwhile, Swede Mattias Ekström emerged unscathed, climbing closer to leader Henk Lategan, who remains the frontrunner.

Nasser Al-Attiyah’s Troubles Continue
Five-time Dakar champion Nasser Al-Attiyah faced multiple setbacks, including a puncture and a broken rear arm. Despite the challenges, Al-Attiyah, with help from teammate Cristina Gutiérrez, managed repairs and remains optimistic for the next stage.

SSV Class and Stunning AlUla Views
In the SSV class, Chile’s Francisco “Chaleco” López secured a strong finish, climbing to fourth overall. Reflecting on the day, López praised the breathtaking AlUla landscapes despite the challenging terrain.

Looking Ahead to Stage 5
Thursday’s Stage 5 to Hail promises a classic mix of sandy and rocky tracks over a 428-kilometer timed special. With the rally inching closer to its rest day, competitors are bracing for another demanding challenge.