Dakar and off-road legend Toby Price has parted ways with KTM. And it seems this was not by choice. The Aussie rider explained in a statement that KTM has dropped him from the racing team after his participation in the 2024 Dakar. 

“Everyone has been asking me about what events I’ll be riding in this year, but in some personal news, KTM has decided to not renew my contract so Dakar 2024 was my last event with them,” Price announced on social media. 

This news marks the end of a racing career with the Austrian manufacturer that has spanned 14 years, with KTM taking him on in 2010 when he competed in homegrown rally championships. Price continued his successful career in Europe and North America with KTM before moving to Dakar in 2015 where he snatched a stage win and finished in third place overall on his first attempt.

In 2016, Price dominated the Dakar, taking the overall victory and becoming the first Australian to ever win the event. The Aussie went on to win the grueling race again in 2019 ― an amazing feat in itself but this win was even more incredible since he did so riding with a broken wrist. 

Price has taken two podium finishes since then but beyond that his last stage win was in 2022. Notoriously, Price getting dropped comes after KTM was overpowered by Honda throughout the 2024 Dakar race. There were no overall podium wins for KTM and Price finished the race in fifth place.

As one of KTM’s longest-standing factory riders, the 36-year-old says he still has a lot to give. “I do feel like I’m still in my prime and going out there fighting for wins, especially at Dakar so it’s unfortunate to not have that opportunity to do it in 2025 but I’m really appreciative of the support they gave me in my career,” says Price. “We’ve been able to do some great things together like win two Dakars and get a couple podiums, a World Championship and our success in Australia too.”

It is undeniable that Price is a gifted rider as well as a fan favorite and we can’t imagine a world in which a rival manufacturer is not getting ready to snatch up the talented Aussie.

Photos by Kin Marcin, RedBull Content Pool, A.S.O