The China Mail - Luciano Benavides wins Dakar bike title by two seconds

Second in the 13th and closing stage was enough for the 30-year-old KTM rider to deny Honda's American two-time champion Ricky Brabec and secure his debut Dakar crown.

"I've dreamed of this moment my whole life," said the winner.

Brabec, winner in 2020 and 2024, was on target for a third title but lost time when going the wrong way close to the finish of the 105km ride around Yanbu.

"Even yesterday, it seemed impossible, but I still felt it could happen, and today Ricky took the wrong line and I took the right one," Benavides said.

"It was a glimmer of hope.

"I saw it was him and that he had to pull a U-turn to get back on the right line because crossing between the two was impossible. I saw the opening and I went for it."

Edgar Canet won the stage, with Spain's Tosha Schareina (Honda) finishing third and also taking the number-three spot in the overall standings.

Benavides's older brother Kevin won the marathon race in 2021 and 2023.

The 2026 champion said he had given his all "from start to finish today".

"I'd told everyone before the start that this Dakar was mine," he added.

"Nine years in the Dakar and my first win. My brother and I are making history.

"He won by 43 seconds and I've won by two. I think I have him beaten on that front! It's a dream come true."

M.Zhou--ThChM