Motorsports
Dakar 2026 route, stage by stage: the most extreme adventure begins with many new features
The most extreme adventure begins this Saturday. The world’s toughest race begins with a prologue stage, whose times only count towards the general motorcycle classification, and it will be important for everyone to establish the starting order of vehicles for the real fire start this Sunday in the battle for Stage 1.
he Prologue this Saturday, 23kmwhich serves to guide the protagonists into career mode, but above all because they begin to place pieces on the board of the strategic, pure survival game that your favorite players will experience over the next two weeks.
A date with two faces begins. dakar It’s not just a race. It’s not just a fight to win. For many amateurs, the Dakar is the best way to test themselves and prove that they can overcome their limitations in life’s huge challenges, with the sole purpose of fulfilling the desire to achieve the most important goals in life.
This Saturday, the engines will start and the pilot’s biggest adventure will begin. That’s not an exaggeration. The 48th Dakar will be extremely tough, and the two weeks of the race will be tough.
Prologue stage (January 3rd)
The Dakar begins with a prologue stage in Yanbu, which determines the starting position for Stage 1 and only counts towards the general classification of motorcycles. The 10 fastest car and motorcycle drivers will be able to choose their starting position for the first special after this short day of gravel tracks. It is very important to not have to open the track and be able to choose a suitable starting location and avoid starting too far back to avoid getting the car caught in the dust during stage one.
start: Yanbu
end: Yanbu
Total km: 98
clocked kilometers:twenty three
Stage 1 (January 4th)
The Dakar will be a tough start. An eventful first stage is expected, with each car suffering a horrific puncture. Taking risks can be expensive. The first part of hard terrain and a “pit stop” area is located in the middle of the route, after which you are faced with fast terrain of sandy beaches with small dunes. Stones can cause complications, so Dakar has created pit stop areas in complex sections where each driver can choose to waste time replacing all wheels and fitting a new spare wheel. Therefore, Castella doesn’t want his favorite to go down with a flat tire on the first day.
start: Yanbu
end: Yanbu
Total km: 518
Measured kilometers: 305
Stage 2 (January 5th)
The pace on this mountain day is constantly changing, with the first 200km alternating very fast tracks. Slowing down is key on the stony, winding sections. Punctures will be the main character once again, and another pit stop area will be featured. Dakar warns that “you can never drive 20km at the same speed.” This is the day when a ‘pit stop’ area for tire changes will be re-established, with careful attention to hazards.
start: Yanbu
end: AlUla
Total km: 504
Measured kilometers: 400
Stage 3 (January 6th)
According to the Dakar’s director, this year’s Dakar will be more difficult from stage 3 due to navigational difficulties, warning of how important stages 3 and 4 will be. According to him, Stage 3 is one of the most beautiful stages, with spectacular scenery that combines the colors of the sandy desert and the large rock formations typical of the region. Navigation among all these huge rocks becomes complicated, and later in the day, reading the roadbook becomes complicated as there are many tracks in front of the competitors and few reference points.
start: AlUla
end: AlUla
Total km: 666
Measured kilometers: 422
Stage 4 (January 7th) Marathon Stage Part 1
This first of Dakar’s two marathon stages, the only stage of the first week, has different routes for cars and bikes, complicating navigation for cars with no track for two-wheeled drivers. One of the important days of Dakar. At the end of a special race with lots of open spaces and delicate reliefs, competitors will have no mechanical help in repairing their vehicles and will have to do it with their own hands or with the help of track auxiliary trucks for the fifth stage. They would sleep outdoors, in tents, in front of bonfires, and eat military rations.
start: AlUla
end: shelter camp
Total km: motorcycle, 492; car, 526
Measured kilometers: Motorcycles, 417. car, 451
Stage 5 (January 8th) – Marathon Stage Part 2
Second half of marathon stage. Drivers have to face different routes than cars and motorcycles. Vehicles that could be damaged by opening the track in Stage 4 may recover in Stage 5. This is because the best performance from the previous day allows the course to be opened without leaving any trace of the bike. A day with fast tracks and many course changes. There are also rocky areas, so be careful. Objective: Get the vehicle to the finish line so your supporters can fully repair it.
start: shelter camp
end: hail
Total km: Motorcycles, 417. car, 428
Measured kilometers: motorcycle, 356; car, 372
Stage 6: (January 9th)
David Castella says it’s the “longest and most difficult stage”. Not because of the distance, but because it’s a 100% sand and dune day, which slows down the pace and can make the day very long for many people. A complex day of routes with endless dunes, sometimes separated by sand valleys. The main challenge is arriving at the bivouac during the day. Indeed, Castella warned that at this stage there may be a large number of pilots who were in the dunes during the night.
It’s a very long stage, covering 331km on sand for a total of 90km. Competitors then have to face long connections to the capital. And then comes the greatest prize – a day of rest.
start: hail
end: Riyadh
Total km: 920
Measured kilometers: 331
Stage 7 (January 11th)
After a well-earned rest day, the athletes head to Wadi al-Dawasir at the beginning of the second week for a long and complex day covering a total distance of approximately 876 kilometers. No major traps are expected on this day, and there are many fairly fast sand tracks, so competitors will need to be careful of brush. Stages 7 and 8 may also be key, Castella said. And the big problem could be another area of the stone where another pit stop point exists.
start: Riyadh
end: Wadi ad Dawasir
Total km: 876
Measured kilometers: 462
Stage 8 (January 12th)
With a total time of 481km, it is the longest special of the Dakar, and David Castella points to it as one of the most beautifully completed stages of the event. “That stage has everything: sand dunes, plateaus, fast and technical areas, lots of mountains, rocks, areas where you have to look for good valleys to stay on the right path. It’s very beautiful and special.”
start: Wadi ad Dawasir
end: Wadi ad Dawasir
Total km: 717
Measured kilometers: 481
Stage 9 (January 13th)
Even in the second stage of the marathon, runners face two major challenges. The first part of this shelter marathon is intensely emotional and presents as a “real test of endurance”, both physically and mentally, and finally for the mechanics of the vehicle who have no assistance. Be careful as you will have to click on rocky and complicated areas. The day is full of change of pace and ends in the sand dunes.
start: Wadi ad Dawasir
end: shelter camp
Total km: Motorcycles, 540 units. car 531
Measured kilometers: Motorcycles, 418. car, 410
Stage 10 (January 14th)
Second half of marathon stage. After sleeping overnight in the field or in a tent and repairing the vehicle without the help of a bivouac, the pilots will compete on the second day of this 100% sand Dakar, where the first part of the complex dunes will allow the most experienced on this surface to show off all their techniques. An intense day in the middle of the battle for the Dakarian Scepter.
start: shelter camp
end: Bisha
Total km: Motorcycles, 417. car, 469
Measured kilometers: Motorcycles, 371. car, 421
Stage 11 (January 15th)
After this stage, the difficulty and complexity decreases, but no one makes the mistake of relaxing until the finish line. As evidence of this, Stage 11 is difficult to navigate, with intersections and junctions that can be confusing. Dakar warns that “the environment can be a maze.” You have to be mentally tough so you don’t make mistakes.
start: Bisha
end: Al Henakia
Total km: 882
Measured kilometers: 347
Stage 12 (January 16th)
Even the penultimate day of the Dakar could make a difference, especially due to the variety of routes. High-speed tracks alternate with twisty, narrow terrain, passing through a final area of rivers and sand dunes. No one can relax just yet before the final day of Dakar in 2026.
start: Al Henakia
end: Yanbu
Total km: 718
Measured kilometers: 310
Stage 13 (January 17th)
On the final day, unless it was an even battle, there would be no major change in the overall rankings. This day is divided into two very different sections. The first section is between the mountain and the gravel road. And the second is already on the coast, facing the last kilometers of the world’s toughest test. The final podium of the Dakar awaits the athletes. And a “finisher” medal too.
start: Yanbu
end: Yanbu
Total km: 141
Measured kilometers: 105
Source: Mundo Deportivo
I am a writer at Sportish, where I mainly cover sports news. I’ve also written for The Guardian and ESPN Brasil, and my work has been featured on NBC Sports, SI.com and more. Before working in journalism, I was an athlete: I played football for Colgate University and competed in the US Open Cross Country Championships.
glorious victory of Royal Zaragoza At the ground of the second division leader (2-3), santander racingachieved a hat trick of Kenan Codro That doesn’t cover the reality that Ruben Seles’ side finished the first round in penultimate position with 20 points.
If the Aragonese want to save themselves, they need to do more, and that means strengthening themselves in this winter’s markets. This is not an easy task as players need to be released before they can be signed.
For now, the sports director Kissema Indiastrack the market and according to “El Periodico de Aragón” I paid attention to the Nigerian striker who plays in . MLS and be released from the contract.
it is about Willie AgadaA 26-year-old who was active in royal salt lake. The aforementioned media explain that the economic situation is suitable and that difficulties in the domestic market have forced them to look elsewhere.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Sophia Jhon is a sports journalist and author. He has worked as a news editor for Sportish and is now a sport columnist for the same publication. Alberta’s professional interests lie largely in sports news, with an emphasis on English football. He has also written articles on other sporting topics.
Europe finally surrenders Rafinha After the performance of the Brazilian players in the Super Cup final vs. real madrid. Admiration for the Barça star went beyond fan opinion and reached the Old Continent’s most prestigious media outlets. By that time, newspapers and L’Equipe or Tuttosport They talked about “recitals” and “sparkles of light.” Rafinha blinded madridSome of the praise, no doubt, only puts him in an advantageous position in the race to win the Ballon d’Or, which turned against him in the last edition. Rafinha He had a face in the soccer world and was about the same weight as me, but he came in 5th place. hansi flick Either Diego Simeone They argued that he should have been the winner.
L’Equipe and Ballon d’Or: “Recital” attracting attention
In France, L’Equipe, the country’s media and sports magazine that promotes the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or, directly defined the Brazilian’s performance as an “artist’s recital.” The media highlighted the Barça winger’s double and his overall influence in the final, which Barcelona dominated. balsahighlighting their ability to make a difference on the nights when demand is greatest.
As well as its results, L’Équipe’s emphasis is on its context. recently, Rafinha They are left out of the larger discussion about individual awards. However, the fact that the media itself highlights his performance as a “recital” puts him at the center of success in the race to win the Ballon d’Or. This recognition strengthens his profile in European football’s most demanding show.
The French newspaper also highlighted the footballer’s development within the project and collected some revealing words from the man himself. Rafinha On his continuity and role in the team under the manager. hansi flicka link that explains much of the current prominence.
Tuttosport: Italy confirms great protagonist for the final
The Italian press moved in the same direction. Tuttosport began its analysis with the powerful phrase, “La Luce Rafinha is Real!” For the Turin newspapers, the Brazilian “light” was blinding. real madrid He also decided to play in the Super Cup with Barça.
Italy emphasized that Rafinha A footballer who is decisive and appears in a larger context, such as a final, a classic, or a match that decides the title. A competitive profile explaining why Europe agrees with this diagnosis, from different countries and football sensibilities.
He has 13 points this season, 7 points in 12 games vs. real madrid, Rafinha It has influenced sustained performance and key moments. While they don’t always appear in individual awards showcases, they’re increasingly gaining support from people who mark their stories. France is hinting at it through the prism of the Ballon d’Or. Italy confirmed this from their analysis of the match. Meanwhile, Europe is also paying attention.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Sophia Jhon is a sports journalist and author. He has worked as a news editor for Sportish and is now a sport columnist for the same publication. Alberta’s professional interests lie largely in sports news, with an emphasis on English football. He has also written articles on other sporting topics.
what happened there yesterday Leganes-Valladolid The second-division match ended in a 3-0 victory on home soil, but required intervention three times. VAR. Two of them also included Jose Antonio López Toca in the VOR room, called by Manuel Jesús Orellana Cid for two consecutive penalties immediately after the start of the game.
The first incident occurred five minutes into the match, following a handball by Iván Alejo in the area that was not initially seen by the referee. That’s when he received a notification from VAR. “Manuel, would you recommend a review so that we can assess the possibility of a penalty for handball?” When he got to the monitor, he said, “Okay, it looked perfect. Make it dynamic, Jose, I already saw him shake hands.” From the VOR, they provided him with another camera “also from behind the goal.” Once there was no doubt in the vision, he said, “OK, perfect, we’re going to restart with a penalty, OK, Jose.”
The penalty was taken by Juan Cruz, but it was cleared by Valladolid goalkeeper Guilherme. However, as the Leganés striker attempted to grab the rebound, he was tackled from behind by Jaouab and was brought down, receiving another warning from the VOR. “Manuel recommends a review so we can assess the possibility of a penalty. Please let us know when you get to the screen.”
In the background, a voice can be heard shouting “Out, Mr. Out” as the referee reaches the monitor. And he stood in front of it and he said, “Okay, Jose, it’s on the screen. One second, one second. Okay, I want to see the number of the guy who’s doing that…Okay, yes, it’s very clear.” And he claimed, “I want to know this player’s number, because it’s yellow, so who’s going to penalize it?” From VAR they confirm, “Yes, we understand, number 23.” To which the referee replied: “Okay, number 23, perfect. We’ll restart with a penalty and a yellow card, understand Jose?”
VOR is wrong about Guilherme
And the final intervention occurred in the 89th minute of the match as a result of Valladolid goalkeeper Guilherme leaving the area in an attempt to put Naim ahead. The referee directly punished him with a red card, but because they understood that it was not a sending off, again from the VOR: “Manu, we recommend that you reconsider so that we can assess the cancellation of the red card, okay?” Arriving in front of the monitor, López Toca requests to be shown the moment from VAR, López Toca explains from VAR. “Okay, look, I thought the reason I called you was because the goalie touched the ball. Okay, first of all, the impact is the lower back. You evaluate that and make the decision that you think is appropriate.”
The referee replied, “Okay, let’s see. I know how he touches the ball. I’d like to see how he moves.” They don’t let go of the ball, so the referee asks, “I want to see the touch of the ball, see how it moves when it touches the ball, etc.”
They then provided him with the images, but he requested that the camera be brought closer to him. “Let’s look a little further back, Jose, a little more back.” And then he understood: “All right, he touched the ball. All right, again, all right. All right, Jose, what I saw was that he obviously touched the ball. It’s true that the contact came later. I’ve never played rough. It’s not even a foul for me. All right, I’ll pick up where I dropped the ball. All right, because to me it’s not even a foul. All right, Jose.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Sophia Jhon is a sports journalist and author. He has worked as a news editor for Sportish and is now a sport columnist for the same publication. Alberta’s professional interests lie largely in sports news, with an emphasis on English football. He has also written articles on other sporting topics.
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