One stage, two days: how does the 48-hour marathon stage work?

The Dakar 2024 has reached one of the most challenging moments, in the absolute debut of a new format: a 48-hour marathon stage between today and tomorrow.

The sixth stage is divided over these two days. This Thursday, the riders had to go as far as possible in the timed route of 600km until 4:00 PM (local time). They then had to go to one of the seven rest areas scattered along the route.

Once at the meeting point, the riders are now practically isolated from the world: basic camping equipment, enough supplies, and they will not receive any information about their opponents. Then, they will start again at 7:00 AM tomorrow to complete the marathon stage, with the results determined at the end.