Stage Eight of the Dakar Rally 2026 pushes the field deeper into the second half of the rally, delivering a long and demanding day that places equal emphasis on navigation, tire management, and strategy.

In this Stage 8 briefing, Victor Orellana breaks down a 721-kilometer day, featuring a challenging mix of dirt tracks, sand, and rocky sections that continue to test both riders and machines. With stony terrain already proving tough on tires this year, durability and decision-making become critical.

Navigation plays a major role once again, with alternating tracks and HP navigation sections that can quickly catch competitors out. Combined with the introduction of mid-stage tire changes, Stage 8 rewards those who manage pace intelligently rather than pushing blindly.

This episode covers:

• Full Stage 8 course overview

• Terrain mix and what it means for speed and fatigue

• Why navigation accuracy is decisive

• Tire management challenges on stony tracks

• Timing details, including the early 5:10 AM bike start

• Strategic considerations as Dakar 2026 moves into its later stages

Stage 8 may not look extreme on paper, but like many Dakar stages, it’s designed to punish in subtle ways. As the rally progresses, preparation and discipline matter more than ever.

🎙️ Presented by Chasing Waypoints
📍 Dakar Rally 2026 – Stage 8 Preview & Course Briefing

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