The Dakar Rally, a grueling test of endurance and skill, continued its 2025 edition with Stage 8, taking competitors from Al Duwadimi to Riyadh. The stage featured a 250km liaison and a demanding 483km timed special. As the rally edged closer to its finale, the day was marked by dramatic turns, courageous acts, and standout performances across multiple classes.
Luciano Benavides: A Heroic Ride to Victory
Argentine rider Luciano Benavides made a powerful statement by claiming the Stage 8 victory, finishing over two minutes ahead of his competitors. His day, however, was defined not just by speed but also by compassion. At the 133km mark, Benavides stopped to assist Chilean rider Pablo Quintanilla, who had suffered a crash. Displaying the true spirit of the Dakar, Benavides called for medical help and stayed with Quintanilla for 30 minutes. Fortunately, Quintanilla’s injuries were not severe, though he sustained a concussion.
Benavides, now fourth in the overall standings, trails leader Daniel Sanders by 30m48s. Reflecting on his performance, the 29-year-old remarked, “I was riding with Adrien (Van Beveren) when we saw Pablo on the ground. It looks like he has nothing broken, but he does have a concussion.”
Rookie Rising: Edgar Canet Shines in Rally2
In the Rally2 category, Spanish rookie Edgar Canet demonstrated exceptional skill and composure. Leading the class by 31m11s, the 19-year-old maintained steady navigation alongside seasoned riders. “After 90km, we caught Daniel and Tosha (Schareina), and we rode as a group,” Canet explained, showcasing the camaraderie among competitors.
Challenger Class: Pau Navarro Pushes for Glory
Spaniard Pau Navarro, driving the Taurus T3 Max, claimed his first stage win of 2025. His aggressive strategy paid off, cutting the gap to class leader Nicolas Cavigliasso to 1hr40m35s. Navarro, 20, said, “We decided to push for the win today, and it worked. It was a different strategy, but we kept pushing throughout the stage.”
Ultimate Class: Mattias Ekström Battles Adversity
Swedish racer Mattias Ekström faced the challenge of opening the road for a significant portion of the stage. Driving his Ford Raptor T1+, Ekström managed to minimize losses but remains 28m55s behind leader Henk Lategan. “We were opening from 50km to 350km, and it was tough. The plan is to keep pushing for the next four stages,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Nasser Al-Attiyah and Lucas Moraes struggled to maintain pace, while Belgian driver Guillaume De Mévius encountered technical setbacks that cost him over three hours. De Mévius remarked, “After 100km, we had to stop for repairs, leaving us at a disadvantage in the dunes.”
SSV Class: Francisco López Faces Challenges
Chilean veteran Francisco “Chaleco” López endured a challenging day, finishing over two hours behind leader Brock Heger. Despite early punctures and navigating through dust-laden trails, López found joy in the latter part of the stage, particularly on the dunes.
Looking Ahead: Stage 9 – Riyadh to Haradh
The journey continues on Tuesday with Stage 9, featuring a 357km timed section. As the rally heads into the Empty Quarter, starting positions will play a critical role in navigating the vast desert landscapes.
2025 Dakar Rally Overall Standings After Stage 8
Ultimate Class:
- Henk Lategan (ZAF) – 42:05.02
- Yazeed Al Rajhi (SAU) +5.41
- Mattias Ekström (SWE) +28.55
Challenger Class:
- Nicolas Cavigliasso (ARG) – 46:08.33
- Gonçalo Guerreiro (POR) +25.49
- Pau Navarro (ESP) +1:40.35
SSV Class:
- Brock Heger (USA) – 47:33.59
- Xavier de Soultrait (FRA) +1:41.26
Bike Class:
- Daniel Sanders (AUS) – 44:26.52
- Tosha Schareina (ESP) +11.03
- Adrien Van Beveren (FRA) +21.31
Source: Redbull Content Pool
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
