Maria Luís Gameiro completed Stage 11 with the 50th fastest time in the Ultimate category, maintaining her 42nd position in the overall Ultimate classification.
In a fun, fast, and technically demanding special stage, the Portuguese rider was once again penalized for having to overtake many competitors and spend long periods in the dust, limiting her pace.
With only two stages to go, Maria reaffirms that her only goal is to finish this 2026 Dakar, convinced that, without the setbacks of the second week, she would be better classified, but focused on what really matters: reaching the finish line
Stage 11 of the 2026 Dakar, between Bisha and Al Henakiyah, proved to be a technically demanding special stage, but one that allowed Maria Luís Gameiro and Rosa Romero to enjoy the route and the competition. Despite the navigation risks that marked the day, the X-raid duo managed to avoid major mistakes, completing the stage with the 50th time in the Ultimate category and consolidating 42nd place in the overall classification.
Although the special stage offered moments when the X-raid MINI JCW T1+ allowed itself a livelier and more “fun” pace, as Maria confessed, the reality of their position in the pack – far from the front – forced the duo to spend much of the day overtaking competitors and dealing with the inevitable consequences: constant dust, degraded tracks, and continuous risk management. In these circumstances, any time gained is welcome, but preserving the car is also a small victory, even more so so close to the end.
It remains only to acknowledge that, in an edition where the setbacks of the second week – gearbox problems, multiple punctures, differential failure – cost precious time, Maria is convinced that she could have been in a higher position in the rankings. But that reflection will have to wait, as the focus is on finishing the Dakar, the primary goal from the outset, which is now close to being achieved.
Statements by Maria Luís Gameiro
Maria Luís was radiant at the end of the stage. With the goal in sight, the Portuguese driver faces the competition with increasing enthusiasm and determination:
"Today we felt once again that our dream of finishing the Dakar is very close! We are not looking at other goals. Today's stage was fun and we had the conditions to enjoy it more, but we were always overtaking competitors and in the dust, which limited us. Even so, our car allows us to drive well and we managed to get some enjoyment out of it, which is important. The stage was demanding. After a 300 km marathon, a 500 km link is tough! But we are very happy. The team does an incredible job and every arrival at the bivouac is a daily victory. These are the victories that count at this stage. We are collecting moments that will remain in our memory, far beyond what happens in the stages. Experiencing this Dakar from the inside is about sharing, laughter, the not-so-good moments, and the constant support we receive. It is a privilege to be able to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the sport and to be able to show our mettle and strength every day. There's not long to go now. We must remain focused and vigilant. But we can already see the finish line!
Stage 12 – So close to the end
Tomorrow, January 16, the caravan faces Stage 12, which takes Maria and Rosa from Al Henakiyah to Yanbu, returning to the Red Sea coast. It will be a 310-kilometer special stage on intermediate terrain: some dunes, river beds, with some faster sections alternating with more technical sections. The first view of the sea, which symbolically marks the approaching end of the Dakar, will serve as an emotional and mental beacon.
But the 310 km of desert still require absolute concentration. So close to the finish line, mental distractions are the most dangerous. It is at this stage that many drivers make mistakes due to lack of focus or excessive anticipation of the end. For Maria Luís, the message is clear: keep up the pace, respect the terrain, and arrive in Yanbu ready for the final kilometers. The end is near, but it is not there yet.
Source: Official Press Release
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