Stage 11 of the Dakar Rally 2026 takes the field from Bisha to Al Henakiyah and signals the start of the decisive final phase of the rally. After the grueling marathon days, the focus shifts to speed and precision across open terrain. On paper, this stage looks straightforward, but the high average speeds and navigation across vast plateaus make it a deceptive day where focus and discipline are key.
The total distance of Stage 11 is 882 kilometers. Of this, 346 kilometers are timed special. The day begins with a long 328-kilometer liaison from the bivouac in Bisha to the start of the special. After the special stage, another 208-kilometer liaison follows toward the bivouac in Al Henakiyah. This layout once again makes for an extremely long day of competition, with many hours behind the wheel.
Start times and daily schedule
The bikes are the first to leave the bivouac at 04:00. Cars and trucks follow from 06:05. The special stage is scheduled to start at 08:15 for the bikes and at 10:20 for the FIA categories. Because of the length of both the liaisons and the special stage, the final competitors are expected to arrive in Al Henakiyah late in the evening.
Stage characteristics and specific features
Stage 11 mostly unfolds over open plateaus with little variation in scenery. That does not necessarily make it easier. In fact, it is one of the fastest specials of this Dakar edition. The high pace demands precise navigation, as errors in open terrain can lead to significant time losses.
The opening section of the stage features very fast tracks with many parallel lines. Vegetation and dust reduce visibility, making it harder to follow the roadbook. Between kilometer 35 and 43 the terrain becomes rockier and more winding, temporarily reducing speed. This is followed by another fast stretch with several wadi crossings and dense vegetation, where accurate heading is essential.
Between kilometer 105 and 150, sand and rocks alternate on narrow tracks before the course descends onto a fast plateau with prominent fesh fesh. This section is slow and technical due to a large number of track options. In the second half of the special, the speed remains high with long, fast stretches, some chott crossings and light undulations. Dust again plays a major role. Toward the finish, more fast tracks appear with occasional rocky sections requiring full attention.
The organization has issued warnings for several caution zones, including a concrete marker alongside the track, mandatory direction choices, and crossing points between low embankments. In addition, many nomadic camps have been set up in the region in recent days, requiring extra vigilance.
Stage 11 openers
In the bike category, Adrien Van Beveren will open the stage. He is followed by Ricky Brabec and Luciano Benavides. Behind them are Skyler Howes, Ignacio Cornejo, Michael Docherty and Tosha Schareina. These riders carry the responsibility of setting the pace in a stage where speed and navigation must go hand in hand.
In the car category, Lucas Moraes is the first starter. He is followed by Guillaume de Mévius and Carlos Sainz, with Sébastien Loeb, Mattias Ekström and Nasser Al Attiyah close behind. The frontrunners in the truck category also start early, making the opening section of the stage highly competitive.
High speed into the final phase
Stage 11 is a typical Dakar stage where the real danger lies in its apparent simplicity. The high speeds, long distances and open terrain make this day physically and mentally demanding. Those who manage to stay sharp and avoid mistakes can position themselves perfectly for the final stages leading to the finish of the Dakar Rally 2026.
