Australia’s Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders is victorious in the Dakar Rally of 2025, taking a near nine-minute victory in a display of total dominance. Sanders won five of the 12 gruelling stages, where competitors raced over nearly 8,000kms of tough terrain in the remote areas of Saudi Arabia. Press: MA.
His speed and skills were showcased from the outset, winning the prologue, the opening stage and the ultra-tough 48-hour Chrono stage to get the early upper hand that put him in a great position early on. Further wins in stages four and seven on his KTM 450 Rally followed shortly after, and put in solid performances in the remaining stages to ensure he is just the second rider in the history of the Dakar Rally to lead from start to finish, echoeing Marc Coma’s efforts in 2009.
The final quarter of the 16-day event did, however, have some challenges thrown his way, including a tough run in stage 11 where his overall lead was slashed by seven and a half minutes, but Sanders held his nerve and steadied for the 61km final dash to the flag, with a sixth-place finish enough to clinch overall victory. With the win coming in Sanders’ fifth attempt of the rally, he is also the second Australian to win the iconic event following Toby Price’s efforts in 2016 and 2018.
‘Chucky’ Sanders was dominant in the Dakar Rally, leading from start to finish “It’s a massive accomplishment from myself and the team after a tough year, and I can’t thank everyone enough for the support,” he said. “It’s been a long journey, and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone “Now it’s time to kick back and relax after a long two weeks.”
Tosha Schareina (Monster Energy Honda, +8:50) and Adrien Van Beveren (Monster Energy Honda, +14:46) were second and third respectively.
It was a mixed bag for the remaining Australians competing in Dakar, with Toby Hederics (BAS World KTM) putting in a formidable performance to finish 19th overall in the bike classification, while Andrew Houlihan (Nomadas Adventure KTM) withdrew following stage eight.
Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “That’s the 2025 Dakar done! I’m super happy for Chucky and the rest of the guys, the win is so well deserved. To be the second person ever to lead from the first day to the end is something really special. What we have achieved in a year is unique and we are very proud. I’m happy for the team, for KTM, and we are going to celebrate for sure!”
Provisional Standings – 2025 Dakar Rally (after 12 of 12 stages)
- Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 53:08:52
- Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 53:17:42 +8:50
- Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 53:23:38 +14:46
- Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 53:31:08 +22:16
- Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 53:38:42 +29:50
