At just 19 years old, Edgar Canet has taken the Dakar Rally world by storm, reaching the rest day in 10th position in the overall standings. The rider, born in La Garriga, Barcelona, and recently signed by the official Red Bull KTM Factory team, has shown not only exceptional talent but also the maturity to tackle one of the most demanding competitions in motorsport. Within just one week, Canet has shone with a third-place finish in the prologue and two eighth-place results in stages 3 and 5, cementing his lead in the Rally2 subcategory.
“I’m very happy. This edition has been extremely challenging, but I feel ready for what’s ahead,” Canet said from the Ha’il bivouac. His youth and determination have made him one of the most promising names in the Dakar, a competition he debuted in after just one season in rally-raids.
THE RISE OF A PRODIGY
Edgar Canet is no stranger to motorcycling. His journey began at the age of 4 with a small KTM 50cc bike, influenced by his father and grandfather, both passionate about motocross. During his teenage years, he won four Spanish championships and one European title in the discipline, showcasing a natural talent for two wheels early on. However, his transition to rally-raids came by chance in 2023, after participating in the 1,000 Dunas in Morocco, where he achieved an impressive second place.
That performance caught the attention of the KTM team, which signed him as an official rider for 2025. “He’s an exceptional rider, but we still need to guide him and prevent him from taking unnecessary risks,” said Jordi Viladoms, KTM’s sports director for Dakar.
BEYOND THE TRACKS
In his personal life, Edgar Canet describes himself as a young man passionate about motorcycles and adventure. His admiration for legends like Marc Márquez and Nani Roma has inspired him to overcome every challenge: “Nani is my mentor and an invaluable support, although at first, he didn’t want me to race in Dakar because it was dangerous. Now, he’s very proud of what I’m achieving,” Canet confesses.
In addition to his love for the sport, Canet has shown exceptional resilience. In 2021, he suffered a serious injury that kept him off the tracks, but he returned stronger, determined to excel in a new discipline. Today, he not only pursues his dream of making a mark in Dakar but also aims to become a role model for future generations of riders.