KIWI RIDER 06 2019 VOL.1 | Page 94

“The new KTM EXC enduro range is ready for anything. With the serious challenges presented by the likes of the World Enduro Super Series, which includes classic enduro races as well as some of the toughest events in the world, the KTM EXC models have to be prepared for the most extreme conditions”, says KTM´s Senior Product Manager Offroad, Joachim Sauer. “ Thanks to the efforts of our R&D team around the globe, who enjoy riding themselves and understand the needs of our customers, along with our factory athletes who push our machines to the limits for the ultimate durability tests, the market-leading enduro range continues to improve at a rapid rate. Evolved from excellence, the 2020 KTM EXC’s are a new generation with the very latest innovation for the aspiring enduro rider right up to the professionals.” MORE DEETS ON DAKAR 2020 With the Dakar Rally confirmed to be moving from South America to the Middle East as of next year, details on the trails ahead for competitors have been released to give us a taste of what is in store. The 2020 Dakar Rally will kick off in the traditional early-January slot, with the first stage hitting the deserts of Saudi Arabia on January 5 and continuing on for two weeks. Race Director, David Castera confirmed the race will cover roughly 9000 kilometres over 12 stages of rally racing. After sending the participating vehicles by maritime transport from South of France to Saudi Arabia, the team will recover them in the port of Jeddah on New Year’s Day 2019. The build-up to the race will take place in the country’s second largest city, as events get underway with the ceremonial starting ramp on January 4. The start of the first stage is scheduled for January 5. The rest day will be held on January 11 in the country’s capital, Riyadh, and the event will conclude in Al Qiddiya on January 17 where the final podium and celebrations will take place.