Ducati DesertX Rally Secures 1st Position Erzbergrodeo with Antoine Meo

Hold onto your helmets, Ducati fans! The DesertX Rally has once again taken the spotlight by storm, clinching a stunning victory in the Iron Road Prologue at the Erzbergrodeo. Antoine Meo, the multiple Enduro world champion and European Supercross Champion, piloted the DesertX Rally to triumph, securing the top spot among twin-cylinder machines and placing an impressive sixteenth overall out of more than 1300 participants.

A Historic Triumph

This victory wasn’t just any victory but a monumental day for Ducati. On June 2nd, while Meo was making waves at Erzbergrodeo, Ducati’s MotoGP heroes Pecco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini celebrated a spectacular 1-2 finish at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello. Talk about a weekend to remember!

The Iron Road Prologue: A Test of Endurance and Skill

The Iron Road Prologue is no ordinary race. Riders face an ultra-fast climb with over 600 meters of altitude difference spread across 13.5 km. This gruelling course demands skill and speed, making it one of the most anticipated and competitive events at Erzbergrodeo. Meo and his DesertX Rally, backed by the Entrophy Motorbike team, delivered a flawless performance, setting the fastest time in the twin-cylinder category.

This stellar result earned the DesertX Rally a coveted front-row start in the final event. Though the treacherous terrain eventually halted Meo’s progress, his initial performance and the bike’s capabilities left an indelible mark on the competition.

Racing Excellence: The DesertX Rally

What makes the DesertX Rally so formidable? It’s all about the racing-derived components and Ducati’s relentless pursuit of perfection. With only minimal modifications—a Ducati Performance racing exhaust and removing one front disc—the bike showcased its superior engineering and adaptability. The DesertX Rally’s high-quality chassis and powerful Ducati engine were put to the ultimate test and emerged victorious.

Not to be overshadowed, Patrick Neisser and Simon Marcic also delivered commendable performances on their DesertX bikes, finishing fourth and eighth among the twins. Their successes further highlight the DesertX Rally’s prowess and reliability.

Celebrating with the Ducati Community

The Ducati team was met with enthusiastic support from fans at the Erzbergrodeo. Spectators gathered at the hospitality area set up by Ducati’s Austrian importer, Exclusive Cars, where they could experience the DesertX range firsthand through dedicated tours in the stunning Eisenerz iron quarry.

Looking Ahead: Ducati’s Off-Road Ambitions

This triumph at Erzbergrodeo underscores Ducati’s growing commitment to off-road racing. The adventure continues with the Italian Motorally championship in Foligno, where Antoine Meo and Antonio Polidoro will take on new challenges with their DesertX Rally bikes on June 29 and 30.

The DesertX Rally: Born for Adventure

The DesertX Rally isn’t just a bike—it’s a bold statement of Ducati’s engineering excellence and adventurous spirit. Designed with input from the 2023 Erzbergrodeo, it features top-tier components like Kayaba suspension with increased travel, central spoke wheels, a forged carbon skid plate, and specialized gear pedals and brake levers. All these elements make it a true off-road powerhouse.

At its heart lies the 937 cc liquid-cooled Testastretta 11° desmodromic distribution engine, delivering 110 hp and optimized for off-road performance with specific riding modes. With a fuel tank capacity of over 21 liters and an optional rear tank adding another 8 liters, the DesertX Rally ensures you’re ready for long, epic journeys.

Available in the striking Iron Giant livery, the Ducati DesertX Rally is your ticket to conquering the toughest terrains with unmatched style and power. Get ready to embark on your next adventure with Ducati’s off-road champion!