Luciano Benavides crowned Dakar 2026 champion | OneFootball

Luciano Benavides wrote a golden page in Argentine sports history by being crowned champion of the 2026 Dakar Rally in the motorcycle category, in an unprecedentedly close and dramatic finish. The KTM rider from Salta won by just two seconds over American Ricky Brabec (Honda), after nearly 49 hours of competition and close to 8,000 kilometers covered in Saudi Arabia.

The final day was like a movie. Brabec started as the leader with an advantage of 3 minutes and 20 seconds, but with seven kilometers to go he got lost while leading the way, a mistake that Benavides was able to capitalize on to the fullest to win the most demanding race in the world. The final difference between first and second was the smallest ever recorded in Dakar history for motorcycles.

“I still can’t believe it. I trusted myself, navigated as best as I could, and believed until the end. This is something I will never forget,” said Benavides after crossing the finish line, visibly moved.

The victory also reignites the debate over Brabec’s strategies, who in previous stages had deliberately given up time to avoid opening the track. A decision that, in light of the outcome, ended up costing him the title.

At 30 years old, Benavides achieved the greatest goal of his career and joined the list of Argentine Dakar champions, following in the footsteps of his brother Kevin, winner in 2021 and 2023. A historic triumph, marked by talent, perseverance, and a finish that will forever remain in the memory of the rally world.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.