Argentine Racers Shine at Dakar Rally 2025, Cavigliasso Tops Stages
Impressive performances from Nicolás Cavigliasso and Valentina Pertegarini lead the charge for Argentina.
The Dakar Rally 2025 is off to an exhilarating start, with Argentinian racers making headlines as they tackle one of the competition's most grueling challenges, the marathon stage. The second-day action of the rally revealed the relentless spirit and determination of racers, especially the duo of Nicolás Cavigliasso and his navigator Valentina Pertegarini
Cavigliasso emerged victorious, topping the Challenger category and extending his lead overall after claiming victory in the first two stages. The team, which has drawn from vast experience, led the pack as they clocked impressive times over the nearly 1,000-kilometer course, including the testing overnight camping challenge without mechanical assistance.
On the first day of the rally, Cavigliasso showcased his talent by inching to the front, reaching the 452-kilometer mark with the fastest time, solidifying his overall position and leaving competitors like Portuguese driver Gonzalo Guerreiro trailing more than 11 minutes behind.
“We aimed for speed and strategy,” said Cavigliasso after crossing the finish line on the first day, highlighting the team’s focus on maintaining efficiency amid the demanding conditions.
The exacting race conditions of the marathon stage require not just physical endurance but also mental acuity, as drivers navigate treacherous terrains across the diverse landscapes presented by the Dakar. For Cavigliasso and Pertegarini, past successes served to boost their morale; Cavigliasso was the champion of the Dakar 2019 in quads, and Pertegarini is celebrated as the first world champion of Rally Raid, marking her achievements as navigator.
Meanwhile, other Argentine racers are also faring well. Juan Cruz Yacopini, racing with the Overdrive Racing team, secured a commendable fifth position among the cars, propelling him to 14th place overall. His teammate’s performance adds to the feel-good factor for Argentine racing fans, who are watching eagerly as the competition progresses.
On the motorcycle front, the Benavides brothers are showing solid form, with Luciano currently occupying the seventh position, closely followed by his brother Kevin, who is recovering valiantly to compete after experiencing serious injuries from last year’s race. Kevin, the two-time Dakar champion, is currently 18th as he showcases immense resilience.
The tension is palpable as riders like Australian Daniel Sanders from Red Bull KTM lead the pack on two wheels, yet the Argentine racers continue to hold their ground within the top standings.
Racers like Manuel Andújar and Jeremías González Ferioli are making strides within the SSV division, with placements around tenth and thirteenth respectively. These performances are indicative of the collective strength within the Argentinian team, and their competitive spirit emphasizes the depth of talent represented.
While the racers continue to push through obstacles, the excitement surrounding this year's Dakar Rally only amplifies with each successive stage. With the next phase of the rally set to test their limits even more dramatically, the Argentinian racers have set challenging standards for their competition, showing their strength and determination to conquer the formidable Dakar territory.
The Dakar Rally embodies not just competition but also camaraderie and shared experiences among racers from different backgrounds. This year’s edition encapsulates how teamwork, skills, and endurance can lead to remarkable achievements even amid high-stakes racing.