The 2026 EnduroGP of Wales is already shaping up to be one of the biggest weekends of the season, but one of the most eagerly anticipated storylines will be David Knight MBE giving the all-new Ducati Desmo450 EDS its competitive debut in the FIM EnduroGP World Championship.
The seven-time Enduro World Champion will line up in the Enduro Open class at Rhayader on 7-9 August, marking Ducati’s first-ever appearance in the championship just days after the Italian manufacturer officially unveiled its new enduro machine to the world’s media.
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Fresh from attending the international launch in Italy, Knight is excited by what he has experienced so far and believes Ducati has produced an impressive package.
“I thought the 450 EDS was great,” Knight told Dirt Hub.
“It’s got very linear, usable power, which is what I was happiest about as most 450s are too aggressive. Also, the chassis is very neutral and the suspension worked very well. I particularly liked the front fork. I think they have nailed it with this model.”
While his initial impressions have been extremely positive, Knight knows that racing in the EnduroGP paddock is a completely different challenge to a media launch.
“It is exciting, but I try not to think about it too much,” he explained.
“Obviously we were in the same situation with the 450 MX bike at Weston, but this is even more difficult in some ways because I still don’t have the bike, so it’ll literally be pretty much completely stock.”
Knight admits the Welsh forests will provide the perfect first test for Ducati’s latest creation and is hoping the weather plays its part.
“I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully we have good old Welsh weather for it. I know it’s not great for spectators, but the past two years have been like Spain, so it would be nice to have some good old mud and heavy rain for sure.”
Having sampled the bike in Italy, Knight is confident the Desmo450 EDS has the potential to perform well, even if there is still plenty to learn.
“The bike will work well for sure, but at GP level it’s a different ball game. All the small things with set-up and testing play a massive part, but I’m excited to jump in at the deep end and race. The power delivery is very good, so that will make my job much easier.”
The appearance forms part of Ducati’s growing commitment to off-road racing and Knight hopes it will be just the beginning of an exciting programme aboard the Desmo450 EDS.
“Hopefully more races on the Ducati. I’m trying to plan a USA trip as I love racing in the States, hopefully Weston Beach Race, then in November I’m going to do a Japanese cross-country race, JNCC, for Ducati, so there are some good, exciting events coming up.”
A Huge Weekend in Wales
The official pre-entry lists for the 2026 EnduroGP of Wales have confirmed 121 riders for the seventh and final round of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship at Rhayader.
While Josep Garcia has already wrapped up both the EnduroGP and Enduro1 world titles, there is still everything to play for in the battle for the remaining EnduroGP podium positions, while the Enduro2 and Enduro3 World Championships remain undecided. British hopes will be carried by Steve Holcombe and Brad Freeman, who are both still in the hunt for Enduro3 honours.
Home fans will also be cheering on a strong British contingent across the Junior, Youth, Women and Open categories, while the event will feature high-profile wildcard appearances from Billy Bolt and Jonny Walker.
However, one of the biggest talking points of the weekend will undoubtedly be Ducati’s World Championship debut and whether one of enduro’s greatest-ever riders can help write another chapter in the Italian manufacturer’s off-road story.
For more information and tickets for the EnduroGP of Wales, click HERE.
Images courtesy of David Knight & Ducati
