Standings Drama After Stage 10: Van Beveren Wins, Rivals Loom

Moto Rally, Sportrik Media - Adrien Van Beveren reinforced his status as a genuine title contender by claiming victory on Stage 10 of the Dakar Rally 2026 in the RallyGP bike category, a result that has further intensified an already fragile overall classification as the rally enters its decisive phase.

The Monster Energy Honda HRC rider controlled the stage with authority, finishing more than four minutes clear of Luciano Benavides. Behind them, Skyler Howes and Ricky Brabec completed the top four, both finishing within six minutes of the winner. The compact time gaps underline how finely balanced the RallyGP fight remains, with no rider yet able to establish a decisive cushion.

For Van Beveren, the Stage 10 success carries particular significance. It represents his seventh career Dakar stage victory and marks the first motorcycle stage win for a French rider at Dakar 2026. Beyond the statistics, the performance showcased his ability to combine clean navigation, consistent pace, and controlled risk management on a demanding desert route where small mistakes quickly translate into heavy time losses.

Despite the stage win, the overall RallyGP standings remain highly volatile. Benavides, who has shown strong form across several previous stages, continues to pose a serious threat with the backing of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. KTM’s aggressive yet efficient approach could again prove decisive depending on start positions and terrain characteristics in the upcoming stages, particularly if navigation becomes a dominant factor once more.

Brabec also remains firmly in the title equation. The American rider is expected to be eligible for time compensation after stopping to assist another competitor, a scenario permitted under Dakar regulations. Should that compensation be confirmed by race officials, the overall classification could be reshuffled ahead of the next stage, potentially altering the balance among the leading contenders.

As Dakar 2026 moves deeper into its final stretch, Stage 10 has clarified one key reality: outright stage victories alone will not secure the RallyGP title. Consistency, strategic restraint, and the impact of regulatory decisions such as penalties and time compensations are now as influential as pure speed. With margins still razor-thin, the fight between Van Beveren, Benavides, and Brabec is set to remain unresolved until the very end. Full Dakar Rally 2026 coverage continues at https://sportrik.com/en.