Stéphane Peterhansel: "My shoulders are burning"

Dakar 2026 | Stage 1 | YANBU > YANBU
January 4 ^th 2026 - 18:32 [GMT + 3]

Stéphane Peterhansel's Defender lost its power steering, turning it into a makeshift exercise machine for the French champion. The unexpected workout cost "Monsieur Dakar" 48′49″ in the overall, led by his teammate Rokas Baciuška.

"It's not the start I was hoping for. Our power steering gave in after 50 kilometres. Our massive wheels, combined with the trial-like terrain in certain sections, made it almost impossible to turn the steering wheel. I pushed as hard as I could and it still wasn't enough. My shoulders are burning. It's a shame because we did 6,000 kilometres of testing and never broke this specific part. I look forward to better days. It wasn't the first time I had power steering problems in a car and I know it's crazy hard to turn the steering wheel, not least because wheels are getting bigger and bigger. But it's all right, we're still in good spirits."