“I draw on my experience”
RIDER FACTS
- He may only be 33 years of age, but Milan Engel is already a Dakar Legend! He’s gearing up for his eleventh Dakar, after a successful 2024 edition. The Czech reached the Top 25 for the third time, warding off bad luck of the 2023 race and the engine problems that led to a withdrawal.
- 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 also 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 in 30th 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 behind the defending champion Arunas Gelazninkas.
- 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.
2025 AMBITION
M.E.: “Dakar 2024 was special for me because it was my tenth participation and I wanted to finish it. It was a very hard race but I managed to complete it and I finished in 22nd place, which is great for me! Now I am a Dakar Legend, it’s been hard work and I draw on my experience in every event. Now I would like to do the ISDE next year, where I also miss my tenth participation. But before, Dakar 2025! The goals are clear: to finish the race and to do it healthy. I would also like to be in the Top 20.”
