Benjamin Melot: “It was a good day”

Dakar 2026 | Stage 12 | AL HENAKIYAH > YANBU
January 16 ^th 2026 - 14:07 [GMT + 3]

Benjamin Melot has been chasing victory in the Original by Motul class for seven editions. After four podium finishes, half of which were as runner-up in the class for unassisted bikers, the Frenchman may finally get meet with success this time. A new rival has emerged this year in the form of Josep Pedro, who trails him by 19'32’’. Cyril Despres’ former mechanic could finally achieve his goal tomorrow.

 “I admit that this morning I had a big knot in my stomach. I was a bit tense because it's never over until it's over and the conditions today were difficult and rocky, which is not my favourite terrain. When I saw at the refuelling point that I had caught up with Josep, I was delighted. I told myself that I could manage my race a little more and rode behind him, telling myself not to make the same mistake as last year by trying to get ahead and then doing something stupid. I stayed on his wheel and he was the one who made a mistake. I stayed on course and didn't see him again, so it was a good day. There's still a one-hundred-kilometre stage to go tomorrow, so we mustn't underestimate it, but I can't wait for tomorrow evening”.