“I’d like to pass on my experience to more Czech riders”
معلومات عن الطاقم
- Aged 34 years, Milan Engel is already a Dakar Legend since a few years! He’s gearing up for his twelfth Dakar after securing his eighth finisher's medal last year. The Czech reached the Top 25 for the fourth time, overcoming technical problems that prevented him from earning a Top 20 result.
- Before discovering rally-raid, the talented Czech biker enjoyed a great deal of success in enduro and now boasts over 25 national titles on two wheels. He also had an excellent record at the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), where he boasted three gold medals. It's no exaggeration to say that he's one of the best Czech riders in history, and one of the most complete.
- He got his first taste of the Dakar in 2015, showcasing his potential by finishing as the 4th fastest rookie and 30 th overall. He has taken part in every edition since, experiencing all the highs and lows you would expect to find on the world’s toughest rally. He was on course for a Top 20 finish in 2016 but suffered heartache when his engine failed two days before the finish. He came as high as 15th in 2019. He put in a particularly impressive performance in 2022, finishing 2nd of the Original by Motul class.
- Helping others is one of Milan's core values. He’s a generous man, as he has shown on several occasions. In 2022, he helped out teammate Martin Michek, who ran into all manner of problems. In October 2023, he did the Rallye du Maroc to lend a hand to Czech riders who were trying to get their entry ticket for the Dakar. Riders for whom Milan is now an inspiring model. He plans to pass on his experience to help grow the sport in his home country in the future.
- A new adventure awaits him in 2026: Milan is now riding a Kove, a bike that is becoming increasingly popular in the world of rally-raid, and which will equip nearly 10% of the competitors in 2026. He discovered it during the 2025 season and is still settling it. His experience will be invaluable in helping the Chinese manufacturer continue its rise.
طموح
M.E.: “Dakar 2025 was a tough race, but I felt very good throughout it because I was well prepared. I had a technical problem halfway, which pushed me back a bit, but otherwise, I was satisfied and I enjoyed the dunes. I first got to know the factory Kove bike in Baja Spain -that’s where my cooperation with the brand began. The Rallye du Maroc really tested me, since it’s the final check before the Dakar, and I was riding the Kove there as well. The result was average, but my main goal was to test the new bike and make sure it would be ready for Dakar 2026. My main goal is to reach the finish with the new equipment and enjoy the race in good health. The new Kove is a big change for me -it can’t be compared to the KTM. It handles differently, and we are constantly developing something on it. I had to get used to it at the beginning, but I believe we made a good step forward as a team and that we’ll do well. I feel good on it, and I’m already looking forward to Dakar 2026. It will be my twelfth Dakar, and the experience I’ve gained over the years is priceless. In the future, I’d like to pass on my experience to more Czech riders so that our country’s representation is as strong as possible.”
