A Grueling Marathon Stage Leaves Loprais Without Spares at Dakar 2025

The fourth stage of the 2025 Dakar Rally turned into a major test for Ales Loprais, David Kripal, and Darek Rodewald. Representing the InstaForex Loprais Team De Rooy FPT, their journey was plagued by three separate tire punctures, leaving them without spares. Despite the hurdles, they managed to retain their position as second overall in the truck standings.

The day’s route covered 588 kilometers from Al Henakiyah to AlUla, with a 415-kilometer timed selective section. It began in rugged volcanic terrain scattered with sharp stones, leading to technical, slow-paced trials before transitioning to faster stretches over solid ground.

The final leg unfolded against the striking backdrop of AlUla’s rock canyons, but for most participants, enjoying the view was not an option. Instead, their attention remained fixed on the brutal demands of the stage, with tire issues becoming a common theme, particularly among truck teams.

“We started strong, setting a good pace,” recalled navigator David Kripal. “But around 70 kilometers in, we got our first flat. Then, at the 150-kilometer mark, it happened again. By the time we reached the 350th kilometer, we had a third puncture. Each stop allowed other vehicles to pass, forcing us into their dust clouds. Once we regained our position, another puncture would set us back. It was a frustrating cycle, but challenges like these are part of the Dakar experience. We’ll push forward.”

Despite these complications, the #601 truck crossed the finish line in ninth place for the stage, holding on to second overall. However, their gap to leader Martin Macik expanded to over 45 minutes. Loprais remains ahead of third-placed Vaidotas Zala of Lithuania by ten minutes.

This stage ended at the marathon bivouac in AlUla, where competitors are left without external support from their teams. This includes the absence of critical spare parts, tools, and additional tires.

“We’re in a tough spot right now,” admitted Kripal. “We started with three spare tires, which barely got us through today. Unfortunately, it looks like we’ll be starting tomorrow’s stage with no spare wheels at all.”

The next stage, set for Thursday, January 9, will take the teams to Ha'il, covering nearly 500 kilometers. The 428-kilometer timed section promises more high-speed tracks, soft sand, and challenging rocky paths. On Friday, competitors will finally enjoy a well-earned rest day in Ha'il.

Loprais Tatra Team and Dakar Classic Triumphs

The Loprais Tatra Team, competing in the Dakar Classic category, has been steadily improving. On Tuesday, their efforts paid off as both crews achieved top positions in individual tests, dominating the H2 Truck group for the stage. The Tatra 815-2 “Puma,” driven by Igor Pazdera, alongside Olga Lounova and Milan Holan, climbed to fourth in the group rankings. Meanwhile, Jiri Husek, Lubomir Dockal, and Dominik Holan took fifth place with their Tatra 815 4×4 HAS.

Wednesday’s stage was equally challenging for the Dakar Classic competitors. Like the main rally teams, they faced the marathon stage conditions without access to their mechanics. Covering a total of 519 kilometers, including a 313-kilometer timed section, the stage featured five regularity tests. Additionally, competitors faced a mandatory nine-kilometer dune challenge that, while unscored, carried penalties for being skipped.

Despite these demanding conditions, the Loprais Tatra Team continued to excel. Jiri Husek’s “fireman truck” emerged as the top performer in four of the five regularity tests in the H2 Truck group, placing second in the fifth. This performance secured the team the best overall ranking for the day in their group. Pazdera’s “Puma” followed with consistent results, claiming second place in three tests and third in the remaining two.