Ducati made a bold statement in the off-road world as the DesertX Rally claimed a standout victory in the Iron Road Prologue at the Erzbergrodeo. Guided by Antoine Meo, a highly decorated rider with multiple Enduro and Supercross titles, the bike secured first place among twin-cylinder machines and finished sixteenth overall against a massive field of more than 1,300 competitors.
This achievement marked a milestone for Ducati, coinciding with another high point for the brand as MotoGP riders Pecco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini took a brilliant first and second at Mugello the very same day.
The Iron Road Prologue is known for its demanding format—a high-speed climb over 13.5 kilometers with more than 600 meters of elevation gain. It’s a pure test of power, control, and stamina. Meo and the DesertX Rally, supported by the Entrophy Motorbike team, delivered a near-perfect run that secured a front-row position for the final race. Although brutal terrain brought Meo’s final push to an early stop, the initial performance demonstrated the bike’s capability at the highest level of competition.
What set the DesertX Rally apart was its purposeful design rooted in racing development. With only slight modifications such as a racing exhaust and removal of one front brake disc, the bike showed its strength through a refined chassis and Ducati’s proven powerplant. Its performance on the course validated the engineering behind it.
Other Ducati riders, including Patrick Neisser and Simon Marcic, also delivered strong results, placing fourth and eighth in the twin-cylinder category. Their consistency reinforced the DesertX Rally’s reputation as a competitive and reliable platform for serious off-road racing.
Fans played a big part in the celebration, gathering around Ducati’s dedicated area near the course. There, enthusiasts had the chance to see the DesertX lineup up close and engage with the growing Ducati off-road community.
This victory signals more than just a win—it highlights Ducati’s expanding presence in off-road motorsport. The next challenge awaits at the Italian Motorally championship in Foligno, where Antoine Meo will continue to push the DesertX Rally alongside Antonio Polidoro.
The DesertX Rally is built for riders who want more than adventure—they want race-bred performance. Equipped with components such as enhanced Kayaba suspension, central spoke wheels, forged carbon protection, and dedicated off-road controls, it’s designed to handle extreme terrain with confidence.
With Ducati’s 937 cc Testastretta 11° engine tuned specifically for dirt performance and multiple riding modes tailored for rugged conditions, the DesertX Rally blends endurance capability with high-performance intent. A generous fuel range, including optional rear tank expansion, supports long-distance exploration without compromise.
Finished in a distinctive Iron Giant livery, the DesertX Rally embodies Ducati’s spirit of competition and adventure. This win at Erzbergrodeo is just the beginning of what looks to be an exciting future for Ducati in the off-road world.
