“It’s the ultimate challenge for any racer”
Crew facts
- One of the most talented bikers ever to come out of Mongolia, Khaliunbold Erdenebileg is preparing to make his Dakar debut on two wheels for the renowned BAS World KTM Team.
- The 37-year-old has been racing since the age of four and became Mongolia's first child rider. He followed in the footsteps of his father Shagdarsuren, a former national champion in motocross, car racing and ice speedway.
- After winning his first Mongolian motocross championship in the 250cc class in 2003, Khaliunbold stepped up to the 450cc class and won 12 consecutive national titles between 2004 and 2015.
- In 2008 he enjoyed perhaps his biggest sporting achievement by becoming the first rider from Mongolia to be crowned Asian motocross champion. He also took silver medals at the continental championships in 2009 and 2010.
- He recently switched his focus to rally-raid and warmed up for the Dakar with solid performances at the 2025 editions of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (14th) and the Rallye du Maroc (16th).
- Khaliunbold will be competing alongside another Mongolian, Murun Purevdorj, at Dakar 2026, and says he is "glad to be racing with his fellow countryman".
Ambition
K.E.: "My father was injured during the Master Rallye 1996 and was unable to finish his race. Ever since then, it has been my dream to race in a rally-raid and complete what he started. Eventually, I had the incredible opportunity to join a wonderful team that helped make this lifelong dream a reality. We called this project 'Steppe to Dakar'. I'm fortunate to have a good relationship with Yoshio Ikemachi, a Japanese rider who has raced in the Dakar many times. He helped me to establish a connection with the BAS World KTM team. Dakar is Dakar. It’s the ultimate challenge for any racer, and I’m proud to be taking part. Every stage is a challenge but also a chance to show our hard work and passion. Since it’s my first Dakar, my main goal is to challenge myself, finish the race safely, and gain as much experience as possible. I want to learn from every stage and improve my skills."
