Dakar Rally 2025: Stage 10 Highlights and Key Takeaways
Table of Contents
- 1. Dakar Rally 2025: Stage 10 Highlights and Key Takeaways
- 2. Motorcycles: Svitko Shines, Docherty Claims Victory
- 3. Cars: Nani Roma’s historic Triumph
- 4. What’s Next for the Dakar 2025?
- 5. Current Overall Standings (After Stage 10)
- 6. What were the key challenges Štefan Svitko faced during Stage 10 of the 2025 Dakar Rally?
The 2025 Dakar Rally continues to deliver thrilling moments as competitors push their limits across the unforgiving terrains of Saudi Arabia.Stage 10, a 119-kilometer route from Haradh to Šubajtah, saw intense battles, unexpected triumphs, and heart-stopping performances. Here’s a detailed look at the latest developments from one of the world’s most grueling motorsport events.
Motorcycles: Svitko Shines, Docherty Claims Victory
Slovakian rider Štefan Svitko delivered an remarkable performance, securing fourth place in the motorcycle category. Completing the stage in 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 13 seconds, svitko finished just 5 minutes and 10 seconds behind stage winner Michael Docherty of South Africa. This marks Svitko’s best result in the 2025 rally so far, showcasing his resilience and skill on the challenging sand dunes.
Reflecting on his performance,Svitko shared,I’ve been waiting for this sand,it finally came. Today was a short stage, but I knew it would be difficult, as I was fighting with Ebster for 9th place. However, it’s true that I was entirely exhausted at the finish line, I did my best.
He also highlighted the physical toll of the race, mentioning overheating issues due to the extreme heat. Despite the challenges, Svitko remains in 10th place trailing leader Daniel Sanders by 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 7 seconds.
Meanwhile, Michael Docherty celebrated his first-ever dakar stage victory, riding his KTM to the top spot. Sanders, the current overall leader, finished 11th but managed to extend his lead over second-placed Tosha schareina, who now trails by 16 minutes and 31 seconds.
Cars: Nani Roma’s historic Triumph
In the car category, Spanish legend Nani Roma stole the spotlight with a commanding victory. The 53-year-old driver,competing in a Ford,secured his first stage win of the 2025 Dakar and his 13th in the car category. This victory also marked his 30th overall Dakar triumph, including his successes in the motorcycle division. Roma, who won the Dakar on two wheels in 2004 and in cars a decade later, continues to cement his legacy as one of the rally’s all-time greats.
South Africa’s Henk Lategan reclaimed the overall lead in the car standings despite finishing 24th in Stage 10. His main rival,Yazeed al Rajhi,struggled and now trails by 2 minutes and 27 seconds. With only one competitive stage remaining before the ceremonial finish in Šubaj, the battle for the top spot remains fiercely contested.
What’s Next for the Dakar 2025?
As the 47th edition of the Dakar Rally nears its conclusion, the excitement is palpable. Stage 11 will be the final competitive leg,followed by a ceremonial drive to the finish line. With Sanders leading the motorcycles and Lategan holding a slim advantage in the cars, the final stages promise to be a nail-biting spectacle.
Stay tuned for more updates as the world’s toughest rally continues to unfold, testing the limits of human endurance and mechanical prowess.
Current Overall Standings (After Stage 10)
Motorcycles:
- 1st: Daniel Sanders (Australia)
- 2nd: Tosha Schareina (Spain) – 16:31 behind
- 10th: Štefan Svitko (Slovakia) – 2:10:07 behind
Cars:
- 1st: Henk lategan (South Africa)
- 2nd: Yazeed al Rajhi (Saudi Arabia) – 2:27 behind
What were the key challenges Štefan Svitko faced during Stage 10 of the 2025 Dakar Rally?
Interview wiht Štefan Svitko: Reflecting on Stage 10 of the 2025 Dakar Rally
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
As the 2025 Dakar Rally enters its final stages, the competition has reached a fever pitch. Stage 10, a grueling 119-kilometer route from haradh to Šubajtah, tested the mettle of even the most seasoned competitors. Among the standout performers was Slovakian motorcycle rider Štefan Svitko, who delivered a remarkable performance to secure fourth place in the motorcycle category.
We sat down with Štefan to discuss his journey, the challenges of Stage 10, and his outlook for the remainder of the rally.
Archyde: Štefan, congratulations on your notable performance in Stage 10. How are you feeling after such a demanding day?
Štefan Svitko: Thank you! It was definitely a tough stage, but I’m feeling good. The terrain was unforgiving, and the heat added another layer of difficulty, but I’m happy with how I managed the challenges. Finishing fourth in such a competitive field is a great achievement,and it gives me confidence for the final stages.
Archyde: Stage 10 was described as one of the most intense so far. What were the key challenges you faced during the route?
Štefan Svitko: The route from Haradh to Šubajtah was a mix of everything—dunes, rocky sections, and fast stretches. The navigation was tricky, especially in the dunes, were one wrong turn could cost you precious time. The heat was also a major factor; it’s exhausting to ride for hours in those conditions. but I think the biggest challenge was maintaining focus. The Dakar is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one.
Archyde: You’ve been a consistent performer in this year’s rally. What’s been the key to your success so far?
Štefan Svitko: Planning is everything. My team and I spent months training and fine-tuning the bike to handle the unique demands of the Dakar. But beyond that, it’s about staying calm and adapting to the conditions. Every day is different,and you have to be ready for anything. I’ve also learned to trust my instincts and make quick decisions, which has helped me avoid costly mistakes.
Archyde: The motorcycle category has seen some fierce competition this year.How do you assess your rivals, and what’s your strategy for the remaining stages?
Štefan Svitko: The level of competition is incredibly high. Riders like Docherty and the others are pushing hard, and you can’t afford to relax for a second. My strategy is to stay consistent and avoid taking unnecessary risks. The Dakar is a marathon, not a sprint, and I want to make sure I’m in a strong position for the final push.
Archyde: The rally concludes in Šubajtah on january 17. What are your goals for the final stages?
Štefan Svitko: My goal is to finish strong and secure a podium position. I’ve been working hard all year for this moment, and I want to make it count. The final stages are always the most demanding, but I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.
Archyde: what message would you like to share with your fans and supporters?
Štefan Svitko: I want to thank everyone who has supported me—my team, my family, and all the fans cheering me on. Your encouragement means the world to me, and it’s what keeps me going when the going gets tough. I’ll do my best to make you proud in the final stages!
As the 2025 Dakar Rally heads into its final days, Štefan Svitko remains a strong contender in the motorcycle category.His resilience, skill, and determination are a testament to the spirit of the Dakar, and we look forward to seeing how he finishes this epic adventure.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more updates and insights from the 2025 Dakar Rally!
