Dakar 2025: 11th Stage and Penultimate Day
The 11th and penultimate stage of the 2025 Dakar Rally was shortened due to fog.
The riders left this morning at 4:55 am, and they were supposed to enter the special stage at 7 am, but the start was delayed until 10:30 am due to the persistent fog over the desert, which prevented the helicopters from taking off, crucial for ensuring the competitors’ safety. As a result of the delayed start, the special stage was stopped at kilometer 152, while the initial length was set to be 308 km.
Rui Gonçalves, who finished second in yesterday’s stage, started at the front this morning and opened the track through a sea of dunes. He finished 12th.
Lorenzo Santolino, winner of the third stage, struggled today. Starting far behind the leading riders due to his fuel issue from yesterday, he couldn’t find a good rhythm, weakened by the effort to reach the finish of the special stage. He finished the day in 24th place.
In the provisional overall standings, Rui Gonçalves is in 11th place and Lorenzo Santolino is in 18th.
Tomorrow, the final stage, the last sprint. The program includes 70 km of liaison and 61 km of special stage.
💬 Lorenzo Santolino:
“I arrived very tired; the day seemed very long, even though the special stage was shortened by half. I started with enthusiasm, but after one kilometer, I realized it wasn’t the right time—I had no energy left. I wasn’t feeling well, the fatigue from yesterday caught up with me, and I rode cautiously, staying in reserve the whole time. Tomorrow is the last day of the rally, the special stage will be short, we will start in a line, and we’ll need to be careful of the last traps. The finish will be at the bivouac.”
💬 Rui Gonçalves:
“I’m satisfied with the day; I started second, and I knew I would open the track, which is not an advantage in the dunes, but that second place yesterday was really a reward, especially since I was only 1 minute 20 seconds away from victory. It proves that the efforts made throughout the year are paying off. I felt good on the bike, and I finished 11th, only 12 minutes behind the winner. Tomorrow is the last day, and we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
💬 Jordan Curvalle (Team Manager):
“Rui Gonçalves started second and quickly caught up with the rider in front of him. They opened the entire special stage, and Rui rode very well. It was a 100% dune stage, and under those conditions, opening the track is not easy—there are no tracks, and those following behind benefit from the traces. He finished 12th, which is a good performance considering he opened the track.
Lorenzo Santolino finished 24th; he didn’t feel well from the start. He was still feeling the effects of the heatstroke and dehydration from yesterday. Not being at 100% physically, he preferred not to take risks and just ensured he reached the finish.”
