Matthias Walkner

Matthias Walkner – Kini Red Bull team driver

Matthias Walkner a Kini Red Bull Motocross clothing team rider. Matthias Walkner, born in 1986 in Kuchl, in Salzburg. As a teenager, the young Salzburg dreamed of a career as a ski racer. He won state cup races in Salzburg and was one of the best until he was ten years old. He even drove with Marcel Hirscher, who is still a close friend to this day. The two chatted about cross-riding even then.

Matthias father has always been a passionate motocrosser. As a little boy he took Matthias with him on his cross. But it was only at the age of 14 that Matthias changed his skis for a motocross.

After only 3 weeks on the cross, Matthias celebrated his first success on the podium at the Carinthian Cup. From then on it was clear that he had a great talent for motocross.

Matthias was the first Austrian to win the World Championship in the MX3 class in 2012 and in 2013 became the Salzburg Vice World Champion.

Heinz Kinigadner recommended Matthias to switch to Rally Sport. In 2015 Walkner immediately won the Hellas Rally in Greece. He then becomes rally raid world champion and signs a 3-year contract with the KTM factory team. Since then Matthias has been driving KINI Red Bull MX gear.

Rally Dakar Champion 2018 – Matthias Walkner

As a major highlight, Matthias Walkner celebrated the title at the Dakar Rally in 2018. He was the first Austrian to win the motorcycle classification.

Rewinding to the 2018 Dakar Rally: The decisive moment for victory was the tenth stage of the world’s most legendary and toughest rally. The right decision in navigation brings the lead and Matthias was able to get out 45 minutes before the runner-up.

Matthias can keep this lead to the finish line and celebrates his Dakar Rally victory on January 20, 2018. He makes sports history and is one of the most successful KINI Red Bull Team drivers.