Dakar 2026: Stage 1: Yanbu > Yanbu
Stage 1 of the 2026 Dakar will take place between Yanbu > Yanbu.
Today the 2026 Dakar kicks off its Stage 1 after the prologue, in which we saw Edgar Canet take the win. Now the full action begins in the toughest race in the world, starting with a circular day from YANBU > YANBU.
The first stage will include a liaison section of 213 km and a 305 km special stage. This special has two faces, as it starts in a mineral environment with several parameters that competitors will need to keep firmly in mind to avoid mistakes.
Riding is not easy when it comes to sliding through narrow passages and hard terrain, and this hardness could cause consecutive punctures. In addition, a pit stop will be placed mid-special, before riders have to tackle sandy sections, fairly fast ones, and dotted with small dunes.
On to Stage 1.
