Triumph confirms Dakar ambitions
Triumph has discussed its hopes of a Dakar Rally appearance in 2026 following the debut of its first-ever enduro modelsTriumph is weighing up its options for the 2026 Dakar Rally, with a possible factory-supported effort on the cards.
However, the British firm admits it doesn’t currently have the capacity to field a full factory-led race team, and will instead rely on external assistance from established riders.
Speaking via video call at the Australian media launch of the new TF 450-E and TF 250-E enduro models, Triumph’s Scott Lanzi explained that the company has been approached by several parties interested in racing a TF 450 at Dakar 2026.
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“From a core Triumph perspective, we don’t have the in-house capacity to think about a Dakar campaign or a bike,” said Lanzi. “But there are some people involved in the enduro world who have approached us with ideas, concepts, and standing renders, and they want to champion a factory-supported Dakar campaign.
"We’re not sure how we can support or structure it, but we’re just starting to have those conversations now. We’ll do something if we can, but I don’t think, in the short term, it will be a factory-led campaign.”
While Lanzi couldn’t reveal who Triumph is in discussions with, he confirmed that one of the riders is European and was involved part-time in the development process of Triumph’s off-road models.
“I’m pretty sure that if we don’t support one of these approaches straight away, I’d imagine this outfit will attempt a bit of a solo campaign on a TF 450,” Lanzi continued.
“So, if not for next year, then hopefully someone else will represent. They’ve got good ideas and the passion to get out there — so we’ll see.”
Lanzi also hinted that Triumph’s partnership with two-time Dakar winner Sam Sunderland is unrelated to its rally ambitions.
“I know obviously we’ve got him on board now, but I think we’ve got other plans with Sam, with our adventure bikes and what we do in that world in the future.”
Triumph has just launched its new enduro range in Australia, with the TF 250-E and TF 450-E joining the TF 250-X and TF 450-RC motocross models.
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