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Michael Docherty: Built by Motocross, Revealed By Dakar

Born in South Africa in 1994, Docherty’s background is firmly rooted in motocross. He showed early talent, winning national titles as a child, before racing internationally in the United States, Europe, and later the Middle East. But it was only in his mid-20s that he made the decisive move toward rally-raid.

His rally-raid breakthrough came in 2021 at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, where he immediately won the Rally2 class. It was a clear signal that the transition was working.

Dakar 2023: A Remarkable First Attempt
Michael Docherty made his Dakar Rally debut in 2023, entering the Rally2 category. Expectations were cautious. Dakar debuts rarely go smoothly, even for experienced riders.

Early in the rally, things became more complicated. On Stage 3, Docherty suffered a dislocated wrist, an injury that would normally end a first Dakar. Instead, he continued. Over the course of the rally, he adapted his riding, managed the pain, and focused on consistency rather than outright risk.

He won four Rally2 stages, finished third overall in the Rally2 class, and earned the Best Rookie award.
Photographer: @_edophoto
Photographer: @_edophoto

Dakar 2024: A Year Cut Short

The following Dakar, however, showed the other side of the sport. In Dakar 2024, Docherty crashed heavily early in the event and was airlifted out by helicopter. His rally ended before it had properly begun.

Dakar 2025: Proof of Progress

Docherty returned to Dakar in 2025 with BAS World KTM, riding the KTM 450 Rally in Rally2. On Stage 10, in the heart of the Empty Quarter dunes, Docherty claimed his first ever Dakar stage win. It was a significant result — not only personally, but historically, as stage wins by Rally2 riders are rare. He followed it up by winning the final stage of the rally (Stage 12), confirming that the first victory had been no fluke. Docherty finished the 2025 Dakar 14th overall, an outstanding result for a Rally2 competitor and a clear indication that he now belongs at the sharp end of the field.

Dakar 2026: A Statement Start

Riding for the BAS World KTM Racing Team, Michael opened the event by winning the Prologue, placing sixth overall against the RallyGP field, before backing it up with a Rally2 victory on Stage 1. A second-place finish on Stage 2 was enough to retain the overall Rally2 lead, underlining a controlled and confident start to the rally. He has just won Stage 3 after a brilliant day of navigation in the dunes.