Robbie Wallace’s second Dakar Rally was brutal, but he successfully reached the finish and improved upon his 2025 finish.

Back home in Northallerton, he hosted a reception at the Golden Lion Hotel on Friday night to discuss his race. His MP and former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak even gave him a shout-out for his performance.

Sunak, who served as PM from 2022 to 2024, sent the following letter to Wallace dated February 26:

Dear Robbie,

I wanted to write to you following your extraordinary achievement in completing the Dakar Rally earlier this year.

To finish what is widely regarded as the most demanding endurance motorsport event in the world is remarkable in itself, but as the top British competitor is a truly exceptional accomplishment.

Your determination in overcoming both injury and illness while navigating thousands of miles of unforgiving terrain speaks volumes about your resilience, skill, and character.

Stories such as yours remind us that global success is often built on local foundations, quiet dedication, and the support of family and community.

I was very grateful to hear about the forthcoming reception in your honour at the Golden Lion Hotel, it sounds like it will be a wonderful opportunity for people to hear first-hand about your experience and to celebrate what you have achieved.

I was also especially pleased to learn that the evening will support such important causes, including the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Mind, both of which provide vital support to so many individuals and families.

In the meantime, I wanted to offer my personal congratulations and thank you for representing our area with such distinction. I have no doubt that your achievement will inspire many others, particularly young people locally, to pursue their ambitions with the same courage and determination.

With my very best wishes,

Rishi Sunak
Member of Parliament
Richmond and Northallerton

Wallace had finished 74th in Rally2 at his Dakar debut in 2025, but didn’t receive a medal since he missed a stage due to a back injury. Consequently, he considered the effort a disappointment and strived to better his results in January. In particular, he set a goal of finishing in the top 30.

While the 2026 edition was certainly an improvement, it wasn’t any easier. The first half was fairly smooth save for some navigation errors, one of which resulted in a 15-minute time penalty. After the rest day, however, Stage 7 saw him crash into an unmarked dip 94 kilometers in. After confirming he hadn’t broken his back, Wallace completed the stage. He was cleared of actual injuries save for the nerves in his back taking the brunt of the landing, though it still left him in weaker shape. To make matters worse, he later contracted a stomach bug.

Although increasingly dehydrated and unable to lift his bike on most occasions, he pressed on. Wallace scored his best class finish of 17th on the final day to secure a 32nd overall for Rally2 and 43rd among all bikes.

Other adventures he recalled included crossing paths with cycling great Sir Mark Cavendish, who was following the race, and even beating Sébastien Loeb in a drag race back to the Stage 6 bivouac.

Featured image credit: Julien Delfosse / DPPI / ASO