Mark Dando and Matt Kneesch will be representing New
Zealand at the second KTM Ultimate Race in Morocco
T
he now annual KTM Adventure Rallye is
always an incredible experience for those
lucky enough to secure a place in the sell-
out event.
While this year’s rally took in the sights of the
top of the South Island, with some spectacular
roads and scenery well worth booking a few
days off to explore, the rally also served as the
qualifier for the second KTM Ultimate Race.
The KTM Ultimate Race sees riders take on the
mighty Merzouga Rally in Morocco aboard KTM’s
new 790 Adventure R. Last year’s race saw Kiwi’s
Kevin Archer and Elliot Kent fly the flag for New
Zealand for the first time after winning their
respective spots at the 2018 KTM Adventure
Rally. Both put in a great effort in the sands of
Morocco, securing Top 10 placings in the class to
boot.
This year the qualifying was just as tough and
with both Archer and Kent out of the running
due to the rule that previous winners can’t enter
the Ultimate Race again, it was anyone’s guess as
to who would be representing NZ at the end of
the year.
However, only two riders could come out on
top, with this year’s winners battling through the
pre-arranged challenges to prove they have what
it takes to take on the world being Mark Dando
and Matt Kneesch.
While both now have an all-expenses-paid
trip to compete at the KTM Ultimate Race at
the Merzouga Rally in May, they have a lot of
expectations resting on their shoulders after the
performances of Archer and Kent.
Will Dando and Kneesch go even further? We’ll
keep you posted when the 2020 Merzouga Rally
kicks off on May 23, 2020.
KIWI RIDER 91