Tobias Ebster, a pilot from HSV-Ried, achieved remarkable success at the Dakar Rally, finishing ninth overall in the Rally 2 category. His journey began with unexpected challenges in Riyadh, including a car accident and missed baggage, forcing him to drive 800 kilometers to the rally start. Despite health issues during Stage 2 and harsh weather conditions, he persevered, ultimately securing a second-place finish in his category. After the event, he returned home to a warm welcome and is now preparing for Dakar 2026.
A Thrilling Dakar Adventure: Tobias Ebster’s Journey
Tobias Ebster, the talented pilot from HSV-Ried, made headlines at the Dakar Rally this past January by securing impressive finishes in the Rally 2 category, ultimately landing in ninth place overall. Recently, he shared his exhilarating experience from the rally in Innviertel, which began with an unexpected twist upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Unexpected Challenges in Riyadh
After touching down in the bustling capital of Riyadh, Ebster faced unforeseen challenges. “My taxi driver, who was supposed to take me to the airport the next day, had a minor accident shortly after we set off. Thankfully, it wasn’t serious, but it did halt our journey,” he explained. Although he managed to reach the airport, he arrived at baggage check just four minutes late. “The staff suggested sending my belongings via post to the start location, but that was not an option for me,” Ebster recalled. In a pinch, he opted to rent a car and embarked on an 800-kilometer drive from Riyadh to Bisha to kick off the legendary Dakar Rally.
Upon his arrival, the atmosphere shifted to one of camaraderie. “The paddock feels like a big family. While there’s fierce competition on the track, the support off the track is incredible,” shared Ebster, noting the friendships he’d developed over the past year. After triumphing in the opening stage of the ‘Rally 2’ category, he faced the daunting challenge of ‘Stage 2’. However, the morning of the start presented him with significant health hurdles: “I felt awful, vomiting multiple times and utterly drained. I thought my rally was over—competing in the longest stage of the toughest rally in such a state seemed impossible.” Nevertheless, he rallied his strength in time to conquer the 992-kilometer stage over two days, maintaining his momentum in the subsequent stages.
Throughout the rally, the weather was a relentless challenge. “I kept wishing for warmer temperatures, but unfortunately, it just got colder,” he reminisced. During ‘Stage 9’, he found himself donning a heated jacket to combat the chill.
Ultimately, Ebster clinched second place in the Rally 2 category and secured a position within the top ten overall. “I absolutely thrive on the challenge. There’s still that fan moment when I encounter my idols on the track. Just three years ago, I was a spectator, and now I’m competing alongside the likes of van Beveren and Sanders—it’s surreal,” he reflected. His early years in Dakar were focused on learning the ropes, but his current successes are a testament to his hard work and dedication. “I pour a lot into this sport. Financing everything takes a lot of effort. The rally’s entry fee is 18,000 euros, and you have to pay your team; otherwise, you’re on your own,” explained the KTM pilot.
After the awards ceremony and celebrations, the Tyrolean returned home to a warm welcome. “So many people gathered outside my grandma’s house to greet me. She even surprised me with her lasagna—my all-time favorite dish,” he said, filled with gratitude. As he gears up for more rallies ahead, his sights are firmly set on the ambitious goal of Dakar 2026.