Dakar 2026 Stage 2: Price Wins as Brabec Pays Road-Opening Price

The Dakar script wrote itself predictably as Ricky Brabec's road-opening duties cost him over six minutes in yesterday's 452km special. Toby Price capitalised expertly, winning the stage by 1'23" over Kevin Benavides to assume the overall lead. Brabec limited his losses with intelligent navigation despite the disadvantage, dropping to third overall—a manageable deficit at this early stage.

The dune crossings that dominated the stage's second half produced drama throughout the field. Three competitors failed to complete the special within time limits, including former stage winner Andrew Short who became stuck in soft sand for nearly an hour before assistance arrived. Hero's Ross Branch suffered mechanical problems that required trackside repairs, losing 40 minutes but continuing to the bivouac.