Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides has won stage seven of the 2026 Dakar Rally – his second stage win of the event so far. Edgar Canet fought through the pack to claim second, while Daniel Sanders delivered another outstanding ride in the dunes, placing fourth and extending his rally lead.

Stage seven of the 2026 Dakar Rally marked the beginning of week two as riders left Riyadh and headed south toward Wadi Ad-Dawasir on a long and demanding 877-kilometer route, including 459 kilometers against the clock. Fast open valleys and high-speed tracks were followed by extended dune sections, where navigation and rhythm proved critical, before the stage tightened through narrower, more technical terrain later in the day.

Unstoppable on stage seven, Benavides came out swinging to lead the field from start to finish. As the sixth rider into the 459-kilometer special, the Argentine pushed hard straight away and by kilometer 100, he had opened up a lead of over one minute. Increasing that advantage all the way to the flag, and despite not earning any time bonus, Benavides secured a decisive stage win by four minutes and 57 seconds. Lying third in the provisional overall standings, Luciano now trails teammate Sanders by less than five minutes.

Luciano Benavides: “I’m really pleased to take my second stage win of the race today. I pushed all day and felt great out there. Starting the second week like this is really positive, I’m in good shape and highly motivated. I felt very comfortable on the bike today and my body feels good too. Today was super-fast but I just stayed focused and concentrated on my navigation. Overall, I think I did a really good job.”

Bouncing back in style from a tough end to week one, Canet demonstrated his exceptional pace and skill on today’s timed special. Following his 15th place start, the young Spaniard gradually increased his pace as he cut his way through the field, navigating the mixed terrain superbly on his way to a runner-up finish. Although his overall position in the race was affected by his issues on stage five, Canet will continue to push and learn as the rally continues in week two.

Edgar Canet: “Stage seven was really fast. I got lost right at the beginning, around kilometer 15, but after that, I was able to find my rhythm and get stuck in to chasing down the riders in front. I had a really good feeling with the bike and was able to take P2 on the stage, so I’m super-happy with how the day went. Luciano won today and Daniel was P4, so it was a great day for us. Now we have to open tomorrow and try to make as much time as we can.”

Sanders has once again shown his skill, speed, and composure on stage seven of the Dakar. Regrouping from an early error, the Australian got his head down, focused, and began to reel in the two riders ahead of him. Not only did Daniel catch his rivals, but he also opened up enough of a gap to claim the available bonus time from kilometer 375 onwards. The impeccable performance earned him fourth on the stage and saw him increase his advantage at the top of the standings to four minutes and 25 seconds.

Daniel Sanders: “I made one mistake at the start and lost two or three minutes, which was unfortunate. After that, it was hard to catch the guys in front because it was such a fast stage and difficult to make a difference. After the second refuel the leading riders on stage had slowed up to calculate the bonus, so I put the hammer down and pulled away to make sure they didn’t get any. I pushed as hard as I could to the finish. I feel good today, I rode well, and I’m just getting warmed up. The bike is working really well, my body feels strong, and I’m ready for a big day tomorrow.”

Monday’s stage eight, which includes the longest timed special of the event at 481 kilometers, also features a liaison of 236 kilometers as the riders complete a loop around Wadi Ad-Dawasir.

Provisional Results – 2026 Dakar Rally, Stage 7

1. Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 4:00:56
2. Edgar Canet (ESP), KTM, 4:05:43 +4:47
3. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 4:05:53 +4:57
4. Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 4:06:31 +5:35
5. Skyler Howes (USA), Honda, 4:07:42 +6:46

Provisional Standings – 2026 Dakar Rally (after 7 of 13 stages)

1. Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 28:47:31
2. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 28:51:56 +4:25
3. Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 28:52:11 +4:40
4. Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 29:02:37 +15:06
5. Skyler Howes (USA), Honda, 29:20:45 +33:14