Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge 2025

This was a key event for us, the Dakar officials had indicated that we needed to do another desert-based rally to qualify for 2026 Dakar Rally, after our 2025 entry being declined. Rally Du Maroc was our first choice, because logistically it’s easier for us to get the bikes to that event, we had competed in this one back in 2023. However, the dates for Rally Du Maroc didn’t work this year, as it’s after the 2026 Dakar entry processing, so we had to look for a desert-based rally that we could get done before June 2025.

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge was the rally that lined up with us the best, which is what we went for. Although it was a difficult one logistically and cost wise for us to get the bikes out there. It also meant that our Dad couldn’t come out in the support truck, all tools and spares had to be sent out in small boxes with the bikes. We flew the bikes out from Heathrow airport in wooden crates and would meet them out there a few weeks later.

Competing in the rally was brilliant, it’s great to mix with world champions and their huge bivouac set ups. Our bivouac set up consisted of a borrowed gazebo, two small boxes and a hire car. The rally consisted of one day for prologue and five days of special stages. The average day consisted of around 350km total distance including the liaison at either side of the special stage. The majority of the stages were around 30% dunes, 60% sand, and the last 10% being tracks/dry lake beds/gravel.

Day 1, Carl had issues with his digital roadbook not working, an issue with the organisations equipment. Craig made the decision to wait back for Carl to make sure he got through the stage, and ended up losing 20 minutes of his own time. It wasn’t plain sailing from here either, on Day 3 Carl crashed 40km into the special stage and ended up with a big impact from the handlebars to the chest. The rest of the rally was difficult for Carl finding it hard going to stay on the bike with the rib pain. But Craig rode on point, navigating the both of us through the massive dunes and keeping an eye on Carl.

We got to finish on the last day, as planned, riding over the finish line together. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge was a great experience for us, we learned a lot and can’t wait for the next one… which will hopefully be the 2026 Dakar Rally!

What’s next?

No big rallies are planned between now and Dakar, but we will be racing the British Enduro Championship, Welsh Sprint Championship and various other races like the Enduro GP of Wales. We’ll also be attending some festivals and events, such as ABR Festival and some rounds of the Bennetts British Super Bike Championship.

Our rally bikes will be going into the workshop now, they’ll be completely stripped and rebuilt with new engines and parts as required ready for Dakar. It’s going to be busy for us throughout the year, and we can’t wait!