Stage 1 of Dakar 2024 was the first real test for the riders, and it delivered in every way. Ross Branch (Botswana - Hero Motosports Team Rally) took a dominating stage win, and we saw yesterday’s prologue winner Tosha Schareina (Spain - Monster Energy Honda Team) abandon the race with a broken wrist.

Tosha Schareina had a dream start to Dakar 2024, taking the prologue win in 17’35.9 at an average speed of 92.31kph. Schareina finished 12 seconds ahead of Daniel Sanders and 19 seconds ahead of third-place Daniel Sanders. For Schareina, it’s a perfect start with his new Monster Energy Honda team. “I had a great 2023 and now a great prologue, but we have to keep our feet on the ground. We have a very good bike and a very good team. We have all the ingredients but we have to be humble and just see how the rally goes.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kevin Benavides and Toby Price are fully focused on success as they complete their final preparations ahead of the 2024 Dakar Rally, which starts in Saudi Arabia on January 5. Matthias Walkner will unfortunately miss the race following a recent injury to his left leg.