BTS VIDEO: ERZBERG WITH MEO & HIS DESERTX!

A couple of months back, we threw you an info-and-image teaser about Antoine Meo’s escapades aboard a Ducati DesertX at the 2023 Red Bull ErzbergRodeo, as the former World Enduro champ hammered this big twin around ball-busting course at the infamous Austrian iron ore quarry, and notched up a couple of landmark wins for the super-capable new adventure model. Meo’s performance in Austria also appeared to act a springboard for Ducati, inspiring a new era of off-road racing for the Italian brand.

No wonder you all wanted more of this tantalizing combination of man, machine and mountain! So, here you go…

Check out this classic behind-the-scenes edit about Meo putting on a show at ErzbergRodeo and taking the DesertX to a couple of Iron Road Prologue race wins in the process. The video really gives us an insight into the preparation and sheer gnar that Erzberg throws at bikes and riders who attempt to conquer it, and the fierce competitive spirit that still drives Meo.

Even more impressive was the DesertX being the only twin-cylinder bike that qualified for the Superfinal of the Mitas Rocket Ride. And while Meo’s lightly modded Duc was no-doubt dialled, we’re thinking pilot skills may have played a solid part in the result…

Meo’s work ethic is epic, working through suspension, tyre and strategy in the lead-up to the event. But more to the point, his skills aboard the big twin against two- and four-stroke singles is just nuts. Strap in for a wild ride!