RIDER FACTS

R.T.

• Robert follows in the footsteps of his parents, who gave him their love for adventure and motorsports. They drove their Jeep Cherokee XJ to different terrains and took part in some events in Germany. His father did the El Chott race in 1996, which sparked Robert’s interest for rally. Later, Robert competed in the Rallye Breslau Poland with some friends. He also did El Chott in Tunisia, and other rallies as a helper.
• In November 2023, Jorg Sang asked him to transport a truck, destined to do the Dakar Classic, from Serbia to Germany. Robert took the vehicle to Troisdorf on time, then picked it up in February 2024 in Barcelona. Being in the Dakar atmosphere triggers an irremediable desire to be part of the race, and he vows to return next year as a competitor.
• The German mechanic spent part of the year working on the truck he will drive, the legendary Mercedes-Benz NG 2636 6x6. It has already experienced the Dakar tracks since it participated in 2024, but was also previously the vehicle of the Mitsubishi Dakar Team back in 1986-1987.

M.K.

• Markus is a regular off-roader in Germany, and also did some races in countries like Albania, as a co-driver and mechanic. His first contact with the off-roading world dates back to the 2007 Rallye Breslau Poland. On his road, het met inspiring people such as Jutta Kleinschmidt, a former Dakar winner.
• Markus joined the team through Jorg Sand, who covered the rally as a journalist for many years, before becoming a competitor in the Classic category. It was through him that Markus met Robert Thiele and Nils Schmdt, who will be his teammates during the race.
• Markus is passionate about diving, a sport he practiced in the Mediterranean Sea, in Mexico but also in the Red Sea. He has already gone down to fifty meters underwater! Diving is an activity where you have to know how to manage stress, adapt to every situation and communicate well. Many qualities that will be very useful to reach the finish line during his Saudi journey!