KOVE Completes Rallye du Maroc 2026 with Two Victories

KOVE Factory Racing has successfully completed its fourth Rallye du Maroc campaign, with the 450 RALLY EX delivering competitive results and KOVE riders securing victories in the Malle Moto and Women’s categories.

The 2026 Rallye du Maroc brought together 132 motorcycles for six days of competition across more than 2,600 km. From fast desert tracks and rocky valleys to deep sand and demanding navigation, the five competitive stages tested both rider endurance and motorcycle performance. A total of 19 motorcycles from the KOVE 450 RALLY series took part in the event.

KOVE Factory Racing Battles Through Morocco

Representing KOVE Factory Racing, #66 Neels Theric and #45 Sunier competed aboard the 450 RALLY EX.

Theric faced an early challenge on SS1 when a rear shock preload ring came loose, affecting the motorcycle’s handling. Despite the setback, he continued to push through the following stages, recording P11 finishes on both SS2 and SS3. His strongest performance came on SS4, where he secured P9 overall and P2 in Rally2.

Theric finished the rally P11 overall and P4 in Rally2, while Sunier, the only Chinese rider in the competition, overcame navigation setbacks to complete the event P46 overall and P34 in Rally2.

Two Category Wins for KOVE Riders

Beyond the factory team, KOVE riders achieved two category victories.

#99 Javi Vega claimed Malle Moto P1. Racing without a dedicated support crew, Vega managed his own motorcycle maintenance throughout the competition, making his victory a notable demonstration of endurance and determination.

#140 Lilimay Mansuy also delivered an impressive performance, securing P1 in the Women’s category and adding another victory to KOVE’s Rallye du Maroc campaign.

These results highlight the growing presence of KOVE motorcycles in international rally raid competition, with both factory-supported and independent riders competing across different categories.

Building Toward Dakar 2027

Rallye du Maroc provided a demanding test for the 450 RALLY EX, generating valuable feedback on suspension, handling and durability. KOVE will use these insights to refine the motorcycle as the team prepares for its next major challenge: Dakar 2027 in Saudi Arabia.