KTM Makes History Again: 2026 Dakar Rally Victory on the KTM 450 RALLY
At Lings Powersports, we love sharing positive news from the world of KTM, and it doesn’t get much bigger than this. KTM has once again proven why orange dominates the desert, claiming an incredible victory at the Dakar Rally with the mighty KTM 450 RALLY.
A Victory Decided by Just Two Seconds
The 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in the event’s history. Luciano Benavides, riding for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, conquered the world’s toughest rally-raid by the narrowest of margins – just two seconds after nearly two weeks of relentless racing across Saudi Arabia.
Refusing to give up despite pressure, setbacks, and fierce competition, Benavides attacked right until the final kilometre. That never-say-die attitude paid off as he crossed the line to secure his first-ever Dakar Rally victory, and KTM’s 21st Dakar title overall.
Performance, Consistency, and Pure Determination
Throughout the rally, Benavides delivered a masterclass in rally-raid racing. Three stage wins, including a crucial victory during the first marathon stage, highlighted his outright speed and intelligent race management. As conditions became tougher, Luciano stayed calm, focused, and consistently at the sharp end of the field.
His win also continues a remarkable family legacy, following Dakar victories by his brother Kevin in 2021 and 2023 – underlining the Benavides name as one of the strongest forces in modern rally-raid competition.
Strong Results Across the KTM Team
KTM’s 2026 Dakar success was about far more than just the top step of the podium.
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Daniel Sanders showed incredible grit and toughness, fighting through injuries in the second week to finish an impressive fifth overall, a testament to both rider determination and the durability of KTM machinery.
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Edgar Canet, competing in RallyGP for the first time, made history as the youngest-ever stage winner in the bike category. Despite setbacks, he finished the rally strongly with a commanding final-stage victory, marking himself as a future Dakar star.
Behind the scenes, the leadership and belief of the KTM rally team ensured every rider was able to perform at the highest level, even under the most extreme conditions.
KTM Dominance Beyond the Overall Win
KTM’s success extended across multiple classes at the 2026 Dakar Rally:
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Rally2 victory for Toni Mulec aboard the KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA, reinforcing KTM’s strength in customer racing.
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Malle Moto class victory for Benjamin Melot, achieving a long-awaited Dakar win on KTM machinery.
These results highlight the depth, reliability, and outright performance that define KTM’s rally programme.
What This Means for KTM Riders
For us at Lings Powersports, this Dakar victory is more than just motorsport success – it’s proof of KTM’s engineering excellence, race-bred performance, and unbreakable racing spirit. The same DNA that wins Dakar is built into every KTM motorcycle, from competition machines to the bikes you ride every day.
As the rally-raid season continues, KTM moves forward with confidence, momentum, and yet another Dakar trophy in the cabinet.
If you’re inspired by KTM’s latest Dakar triumph and want to experience the orange brand for yourself, pop into Lings Powersports and see why KTM continues to set the benchmark – on the world stage and on the trail.
Ready to ride with a brand that wins when it matters most? KTM has done it again. 🧡🏆