Kevin Benavides is one of the top contenders for victory in every edition of the Dakar, and 2025 will be no exception. The Argentine rider has won the event twice, but this time he enters after dealing with a serious injury.
In May, the Red Bull KTM rider suffered a major accident resulting in an axonal brain injury, a fractured humerus, damage to a radial nerve, and cervical injuries.
Speaking to the Dakar website, Benavides reflected on his participation this past January: ‘I went to the 2024 Dakar after three injuries during the year. I started a bit slow, without rhythm, but then I got the feeling and felt more in the groove. As the days went by, I won stages, and to finish fourth after a difficult year was a great result for me’.
Regarding this year’s severe injuries, the South American commented: ‘The accident happened on May 11, and since then, things have changed a lot for me. I don’t give up. I work hard every day to try to make it to the Dakar. I will make it; the question is, at what fitness level? I plan to give it my all in the gym, have physiotherapy, use the hyperbaric chamber, watch my diet and train’.
The work of Red Bull KTM has encouraged Benavides, in a year when his brother Luciano will also be one of his teammates: ‘The team looks excellent. The addition of my brother is something historic for both of us. It’s a great thrill to be with Luciano, be part of the same team, and wear the same colours. They did a great job in the Morocco Rally, with [Daniel] Sanders first and Luciano third. They have shown that they are strong for this Dakar’.
Finally, the Argentine spoke about his expectations and ambitions: ‘[David] Castera always surprises us with many things. The 48-hour stage will be less in the dunes but more on hard ground. Of course, being with my brother is a super motivator that helps me recover from my injuries. My goal is to do my best every day. I’m not going with a result in mind. I’m going with the aim of feeling good on the bike. If I feel good, the result will come. I have nothing to prove. The team supports my recovery, and I thank them for their trust’.