The Dakar Rally continued its grueling test of endurance Thursday, with competitors completing the eleventh stage amid challenging desert terrain. American Sara Price took a narrow victory in the car class,besting Lithuanian driver Rokas Baciuška by a mere two seconds,while veteran Stéphane Peterhansel followed closely behind [[1]]. As the rally nears its conclusion with two stages remaining, drivers are pushing through exhaustion and mechanical challenges-and, for some, homesickness-to reach the finish line.
Follow all the latest news from the Dakar Rally here.
The Defender team completed the eleventh stage one after another. American Sara Price was first this time, beating Lithuanian Rokas Baciuška by just two seconds – 41.06 minutes behind the stage leader in the overall car class.
Following Rokas was Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel, known as “Mr. Dakar,” who was only about 50 seconds behind.
However, this stage result doesn’t change the overall standings in the “Stock” category – the gap between Rokas and S. Price, currently in second place, is a matter of hours, not seconds or minutes.
The Lithuanian driver was smiling at the finish line, even though he didn’t win the sixth stage of this Dakar. He said he was overtaken just before the finish.
When asked what he misses most at this moment, with his parents nearby, Rokas became emotional.
“I miss home. Warmth is waiting there,” said the racer with a smile, adding that he also misses his daughter and wife.
The Dakar Rally participants have two more stages ahead – on Friday, they will face more than 700 kilometers, with just under half as a speed stage. Saturday’s stage is short, followed by the finish podium.
VIDEO: Dovydas Karka crashed five kilometers from the finish
VIDEO: Saulius Klevinskas at the finish: “The track is fast, but dangerous”
VIDEO: Nerimantas Jucius after the speed stage: “This track is full throttle”
The Dakar Rally continues to test endurance and skill, with competitors facing challenging terrain and intense competition. On January 15th, the eleventh stage saw American Sara Price narrowly edge out Lithuanian driver Rokas Baciuška, finishing just two seconds ahead.
Price’s victory came with a time 41 minutes and 6 seconds behind the overall leader in the car class. Close behind her was veteran racer Stéphane Peterhansel, finishing approximately 50 seconds later. These results highlight the incredibly tight racing at this year’s event.
Despite the strong showing, Baciuška remains in contention, though he trails Price by several hours in the overall “Stock” category standings. He expressed relief at completing the stage, noting he was nearly overtaken right before the finish line.
In a heartfelt moment, Baciuška shared his longing for home and family while speaking with his parents at the finish. “I miss home. Warmth is waiting there,” he said, also expressing his affection for his daughter and wife. This underscores the personal sacrifices athletes make during grueling competitions like the Dakar Rally.
As the rally nears its conclusion, competitors are preparing for two final stages. Friday’s stage will cover over 700 kilometers, with nearly half consisting of a speed section. Saturday’s stage will be shorter, leading to the final podium ceremony.
Other racers also shared their experiences from the day. Dovydas Karka suffered a crash just five kilometers from the finish, while Saulius Klevinskas described the track as “fast, but dangerous.” Nerimantas Jucius characterized the stage as requiring “full throttle” throughout.
