Nicolas Horeaux will make his Dakar Rally debut in 2026, bearing the fruits of labor that include two World Rally-Raid Championship starts and contending for the Morocco Desert Challenge.

He posted on Friday after getting his acceptance letter:

The selection of motorcycle riders for the @dakarrally has been announced! How proud I am to be part of this Start List!!! #roadtodakar2026 to experience the adventure with the @nomaderacing team! A chapter of my life written with admiration, passion and pleasure alongside them! I can’t wait!!!!

Thank you to all the people who, from near and far, helped make this dream come true!

Horeaux made his W2RC debut at the 2024 BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, where he finished 17th in Rally2. The Frenchman ran in the top 15 for much of the race, placing as high as 12th in Stage 2 before a 27th and 23rd in the final two legs dropped him to his final position.

His next W2RC start came at the season-ending Rallye du Maroc. His best run as 28th in Stage 3 en route to a 33rd in class.

Between Portugal and Morocco, Horeaux also entered the Baja Aragón. Rather than a KTM 450 Rally, he opted to take part on his KTM 890 Adventure R but did not finish.

In April, he took part in the Morocco Desert Challenge and was among the top four bikes. Horeaux won Stage 2 and finished third overall, just 7:34 behind winner Valentin Sertilhanges.

He intends to race the Rallye du Maroc on October 10–17 to get more track time before Dakar in January.

Featured image credit: Nomade Racing