20-Year-Old Spanish Rider Edgar Canet Wins 2026 Dakar Rally Prologue, Becomes Youngest Bike Category Stage Winner
The 2026 Dakar Rally kicked off on January 3rd in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. 20-year-old Spanish rider Edgar Canet emerged victorious in the bike category’s prologue stage. The stage covered 22 km, and Canet finished in 11 minutes and 31 seconds, becoming the youngest bike stage winner in the event’s history.
Prologue Stage Details
The prologue stage was set around Yanbu on the Red Sea coast, with terrain featuring sandy valleys, narrow mountain passes, and high-speed straights. Edgar Canet competed for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team. His teammate, defending champion Australian rider Daniel Sanders, finished second, 3 seconds behind. American rider Ricky Brabec secured third place, 5 seconds off the pace. Spanish rider Tosha Schareina finished seventh, 23 seconds behind.
Canet stated after the race: “I’m very happy with my rhythm and felt very comfortable on the bike. I followed the roadbook perfectly, braking early in dangerous spots to avoid unnecessary risks. The speed felt great, and it’s the best feeling to start the rally with.”
Canet Makes History
This victory makes 20-year-old Edgar Canet the youngest bike stage winner in the history of the Dakar Rally, setting a new record. Hailing from La Garriga, Catalonia, this is Canet’s second time participating in the Dakar Rally. He previously won the Rally2 category as a rookie in 2025, earning a promotion to the premier RallyGP class.
Team and Race Background
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing showed a strong performance in this stage, securing three of the top four positions. The prologue stage primarily serves to determine the starting order for the subsequent stages while providing riders with an initial feel for the race. The 2026 Dakar Rally covers a total distance of approximately 8,000 km and will conclude on January 17th.
Looking Ahead
Following the prologue, riders will enter the first official stage the next day, covering approximately 518 km, with a 305 km timed special section. Rocky tracks and dunes are expected to test the riders. Canet’s strong start provides a solid foundation for the rest of his race, but the Dakar Rally is known for its difficulty, and experienced riders will remain the main contenders.
