The only thing restful about today is that the racers don't put on their gear and compete on the motorcycle. 

The entire pit scene is a buzz at Dakar rest days. Mechanics strip bikes to their frames and riders are busy doing interviews, sorting their gear, finding a quiet spot to zone out, and basically being bothered constantly. 

This year, the rest day hits right at the mid-point of the rally. So, we decided to do a show that covers all the racing up to this point, preview the remainder of the race and check in with a couple inside men on the scene.

Featuring interviews with Monster Energy Honda's Ricky Brabec and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Technical Manager Stefan Huber, we give you the inside story about what resting is like for racer and bike.

Enjoy the day "off" and we'll be back racing marathon style tomorrow!

Follow and communicate with us via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakar\_rally\_daily/

And leave comments on Cycle News YouTube coverage: 

https://www.youtube.com/@cyclenews

Cycle News official race results coverage:

https://www.cyclenews.com/2026/01/article/2026-dakar-rally-results/

Buy us a coffee!

https://ko-fi.com/dakarrallydaily

Visit our partners

KLIM

Rally Navigator

The Baja Rally

(more to come!)

Dakar Rally Daily is produced and edited by Jesse Ziegler, and hosted by Quinn Cody and Jesse Ziegler.