Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kevin Benavides has topped the timesheets on the grueling third stage of the 2024 Dakar Rally. Putting in an impressive performance on his KTM 450 RALLY, the Argentinian moves up to sixth in the provisional overall standings. Stage 3 at the 2024 Dakar Rally was a bittersweet one for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing. For Daniel Sanders, it was largely positive as he delivered a fault-free ride through the 438-kilometer special to secure the 13th fastest time. Frustratingly for Sam Sunderland, the two-time winner of the Dakar was forced to withdraw from this year’s event after suffering from a technical issue just 11 kilometers into today’s special.
Maintaining a consistent start to what is only his fourth ever Dakar Rally, Daniel Sanders focused on completing the tough stage three special without issue – a task made even more challenging due to the low winter sun – and that’s exactly what he did! Placing 13th was the result of a smart and steady performance by the Australian who now lies eighth overall in the provisional standings.

After an encouraging start to this year’s Dakar, and with hopes of securing a third win at the prestigious event, Sam Sunderland’s race is sadly over. Shortly after entering the time special, Sam encountered a technical issue that he was unfortunately unable to resolve.

Meanwhile, after an action-packed day in the Saudi desert, Toby Price wrapped up the stage in ninth place. He now lies seventh overall.
Stage three proved to be an interesting one for Price. Despite showing good speed over the special, Toby’s day was far from straightforward. Stopping to assist two different riders didn’t slow the Aussie’s pace however, and the two-time Dakar champion was able to make up ground on his rivals. Initially completing the stage in 23rd, with the time lost reallocated to him, Price finished in a highly commendable ninth place and now lies seventh overall, just one position behind teammate Benavides.

Toby Price: “Yeah, it was quite an eventful stage for me today. I made a small mistake early on, which cost me some time. Then I saw Sam (Sunderland) at the side of the track, I stopped to make sure he was ok, but it turned out to be a mechanical issue. After that, I got my head down and tried to make some good progress. I was stuck in the dust of another rider for a fair few kilometers but managed to get past him in the sand and was able to make some good time there. Unfortunately, towards the end of the stage, we came across another rider who had crashed, so we stopped to help him, call the helicopter, and make sure nobody else was in danger. So, it’s been a bit of an up and down day, but we’re here in the bivouac now, bike is good and getting serviced, and I’m ready for more of the same tomorrow.”

Daniel Sanders: “Yeah, I’m feeling good after getting through another tough stage. It was another long one under the sunshine, and it was pretty dry out there with a lot of dust. Navigation was tricky too, but we made the best of it. No crashes today so myself and the bike are in good shape, which is good as today was the first leg of a marathon stage. I’m looking forward to getting some decent sleep tonight and then I’ll be out to the attack tomorrow’s stage.”

Provisional Results – 2024 Dakar Rally, Stage 3

1. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 4:39:28
2. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 4:40:39 +1:11
3. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 4:42:19 +2:51
4. Skyler Howes (USA), Honda, 4:42:25 +2:57
5. Ross Branch (BWA), Hero, 4:42:46 +3:18
9. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 4:46:04 +6:36

13. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 4:49:35

Provisional Standings – 2024 Dakar Rally (after 3 of 12 stages)

1. Ross Branch (BWA), Hero, 14:32:51
2. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (CHL), Honda, 14:36:02 +3:11
3. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 14:37:59 +5:08
4. Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Honda, 14:49:07 +16:16
5. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 14:53:07 +20:16
7. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 14:55:48 +22:57

8. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 14:57:04