2018 Dakar Rally Pictorial
Cycle News Staff | February 2, 2018
Risk and Redemption – Photo Recap from the 2018 Dakar Rally
Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. Nearly 6000 miles through the dunes, mountains and deserts of South America the 2018 Dakar Rally took riders through the gamut of terrain, and emotion in the toughest off-road race in the world.
The infamous Super-Fialbama—a marathon stage through Argentina—is a daunting stretch that always sees a high level of attrition. Monster Energy Honda’s rising star “Nacho” Cornejo speeds through one of the many water crossings.
The 2017 Dakar Rally was called the toughest yet, and most agreed that the 2018 event topped last year’s course in difficulty. The perilous dunes of Peru, the searing altitudes of Bolivia and the infamous Fiambala in Argentina pushed racers to the limit, and many of the top riders to their breaking point. Champions returned, rising stars emerged, overall leaders crashed out, and in the end, a new champion was crowned (yet again).
Toby Price sends it for the fans in the Peruvian dunes. The 2016 champion was happy just to make it to the starting line of the 2018 Dakar Rally, and was overwhelmed when he made it to the overall podium.
In supercross, he’s a seasoned veteran, but Andrew Short is a rookie in rally racing. In his first-ever attempt at the Dakar Rally, and with only a few weeks on his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna FR 450 Rally, Short made it to the finish in 17th place.
The 2018 Dakar Rally was full of twists and turns—visit the Cycle News Dakar Rally page for a day-by-day recap. But for now, take in some of the best photography from the Dakar Rally—the action, the drama, striking scenery as well as behind the scenes in the 40th edition of the race.
Photography by Red Bull Content Pool (Flavien Duhamel, Francois Flamand & Marcelo Maragni), PhotosDakar.com (Husqvarna Motorcycles & KTM Media), Monster Energy Honda and Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team
Yamaha’s Xavier de Soultrait in a race against the sun to get to the bivouac.
Red Bull KTM’s Matthias Walkner splashes his way through one of the many water-crossings that littered the course. After finishing second last year, the Austrian improved his result to take the overall win in 2018.
May the bird be always at your back – Dakar proverb? Adrien Van Beveren led most of the first half of the rally, but suffered a horrendous crash on stage 10 that sadly ended his race.
American rider Ricky Brabec rode strong and nearly had a stage win (stage 8), but unfortunately for the Monster Energy Honda rider, a electrical malfunction ended his race on stage 13—one day shy of the finish.
Stage 4 got things started in a unique way, sending riders off in a mass start on the beach of San Juan de Marcona, Peru.
Toby Price makes his way from Lake Titicaca into Bolivia, where a hero’s welcome from the locals always awaits Dakar racers.
Here are 15 more amazing photos from the 2018 Dakar Rally:
Matthias Walkner was once called the most talented rally rider to have never won a Dakar. Not anymore.
Ricky Brabec picks his way through the dusty dunes and tricky navigation of Peru on stage 4.
Unfortunately for defending champion Sam Sunderland, a crash on stage 4 spelled the end of his race.
Factory Yamaha rider Rodney Faggotter is one of the rising stars of rally racing. The Australian was extremely consistent, and reached the finish in 16th place.
No futbol games today…
Antoine Meo (19) awaits his start time.
(Left) Despite four high-speed crashes and a possible broken ankle, Andrew Short pressed on to the finish. (Right) Adrien Van Beveren had a remarkable run until stage 10, where he had a tremendous crash at speed only a few miles from the finish.
Joan Barreda faces an early morning start in the first marathon stage.
Rally bikes are complicated…
A painful knee injury on stage 7 made it extremely tough for Joan Barreda to press on. It finally became too much on stage 11.
Red Bull KTM’s Laia Sanz once again dominated the women’s class, also carding 12th overall.
Matthias Walkner celebrates his first-ever Dakar victory. It marked the 17th consecutive victory for KTM, but the first time an Austrian won on the Austrian brand.
Riders need maintenance, too.
Johnny Campbell was along as part of the HRC Honda support crew.
Nacho Cornejo is welcomed to La Paz by this… rather spectacular, um… bird lady.
