The rider who finished third overall in both 2024 and 2025 launched his 11th Dakar Rally with a measured and competitive opening performance, ending the stage eighth overall, just 24 seconds behind stage winner Edgar Canet.
On a fast and demanding opener, the experienced contender showed strong pace from the outset, keeping himself firmly in the fight despite losing a little time in the closing kilometers.
Reflecting on the run, he struck a calm and pragmatic tone:
“Yeah, it was a good day, really fast, really quick. I probably lost some time towards the end. I was parallel to the track. But this is it, I’m happy overall and we’ll focus on tomorrow.”
With the margins already tight and the rally still in its infancy, the Dakar heavyweight has done exactly what experience demands: stay close, stay calm, and stay in contention.
The real battle, as always, is only just beginning.
