The second stage of the Dakar Rally in the truck category has once again shaken up the standings. Over a gruelling 400-kilometre special en route to AlUla, the stage win went to Gert Huzink, who bounced back strongly after a setback on the previous day. Vaidotas Žala and Martin Macík completed the podium, while Mitchel van den Brink did enough with a fourth-place finish to take over the overall lead.
Endurance stage filled with rocks and tension
The stage started treacherously with many large rocks and narrow passages. Early on, several cars and trucks were already seen stranded along the route. Huzink opted for a measured approach in the opening phase but steadily moved up the order thanks to sharp navigation and solid teamwork. At the neutralised zone, it became clear that the frontrunners were tightly packed, prompting a push in pace. In the final stretch, featuring small dunes, the Dutchman remained flawless and secured the victory. It marked his first stage win in this Dakar and his first triumph since his double victory in 2024.
Žala eventually conceded 32 seconds to Huzink, while Macík followed 1 minute and 9 seconds behind. The gaps remained minimal deep into the stage. After 143 kilometres, Macík and Žala even recorded identical times, with the lead changing hands several times afterward. The decision only came in the final part of the special.
Van den Brink smartly claims the overall lead
For Mitchel van den Brink, the day was all about control. Together with Bart van Heun and Jarno van de Pol, he drove a consistent stage without taking major risks. Despite a failed pit stop that cost about six minutes, he finished fourth, 3 minutes and 11 seconds behind Huzink. That result was enough to move him into the overall lead.
After two stages, Mitchel van den Brink now holds a 3 minute and 6 second advantage over Žala. Macík trails the Lithuanian by just 24 seconds. Aleš Loprais, the winner of the first stage, had a more difficult day and lost considerable time in the middle section of the special. He is now fourth, 7 minutes and 52 seconds behind the leader.
Handing out tires on a bumpy day
The DDW Rally Team described the stage as a true bumpy ride and called the route a battlefield. During the special, their truck lost its front nose, and a crate in the back came loose and started shifting. They managed to avoid any flat tires themselves, but did donate one of their spares to a Rebellion Spierings buggy. Egbert Wingens and the entire DDW Rally Team are not only competing in this Dakar but also play an active support role for Rebellion Spierings. On a day as tough as this, that commitment immediately proved its value.
Mixed day for Kuipers Jongbloed Hybrid team
There was joy within the Kuipers Jongbloed Hybrid team after Gert Huzink’s victory, but the day also had its setbacks. Kay Huzink drove a solid but cautious stage. After 320 kilometres, his truck hit a large rock on a drop-off, bending the drive shaft. As a result, the final 80 kilometres had to be driven at reduced speed, but he still managed to finish eighth. According to him, the team’s pace and confidence remain strong.
Trouble at De Groot Sport
Less positive news came from the De Groot Sport camp. Mechanic Philip from the service crew sustained a bruised rib after falling from a staircase. He remains involved but is physically limited. More serious was an accident involving mechanic Michael, who was struck by a pit bike at the bivouac and suffered a broken hip. He has since undergone surgery, and his wife is en route to Saudi Arabia. Despite these heavy setbacks, the teams of Ben and William de Groot remain focused on the rally and continue the stages with maximum effort.
Looking ahead
After arriving in AlUla, the competitors face a long third day on Tuesday with a 314-kilometre liaison and a 422-kilometre special. The route once again cuts through rocky terrain with tricky navigation, where the hunt for mandatory waypoints will play a major role. After two intense stages, it is clear the truck battle is wide open, with only minimal gaps separating the top contenders.
Results stage 2
1. Gert Huzink 04:42:45
2. Vaidotas Žala +00:00:32
3. Martin Macík +00:01:09
4. Mitchel van den Brink +00:03:11
6. Richard de Groot +00:15:14
8. Kay Huzink +00:22:56
12. William de Groot +01:03:48
14. Marnix Leeuw +01:20:20
15. Ben de Groot +01:30:17
16. Egbert Wingens +01:31:32
19. Martin van den Brink +02:15:56
