The Marathon.

Today's stage 7 of the 2021 Dakar Rally kicks off this year's marathon stages, two back-to-back stages without mechanical support from teams, techs, or service trucks. Riders do their own bike maintenance and can only work on their bikes in the paddock area one time, once they leave their ride, they are done working on the bike until the clock starts tomorrow.

American Ricky Brabec grabbed his second win of the race and creeps back into contention while front-running Toby Price loses very little time in the overall to "Nacho" Cornejo - only one second separates the top two in this race.  American Skyler Howes finished third on the stage - his best stage finish.

TImes are getting tighter, mistakes carry bigger consequence. 

We talk with Andrew Short about his controversial departure from the race and how he sees the day-to-day race working out for the top competitors. We also check in with Skyler Howes, who continues to be a very strong performer and is certainly in contention for a podium finish at this point. 

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.