Matthias Walkner Bio, Injury, Dakar 2024, Age, Wife, Career

Matthias Walkner Bio, Wiki

Matthias Walkner is an Austrian rally raid motorcyclist and former motocross rider. He currently serves as the official driver for the Red Bull KTM Factory team in the Dakar Rally.

He secured victory in the 2012 FIM Motocross World Championship (MX3 class) and the 2015 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. As part of the cross-country world championship events, he emerged triumphant in the 2015 Sardegna Rally Race and the 2017 Rallye OiLibya du Maroc.

Matthias Walkner to miss Dakar 2024 due to left leg injury

Matthias Walkner, a notable participant in Dakar 2024, will be absent from the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) event due to a leg injury. Unfortunately, he sustained fractures to his left leg during training in the United States on Tuesday, December 5th.

The Red Bull KTM rider experienced a fall that led to fractures in his tibia, fibula, and ankle joint. Following the incident, he was promptly transported to a hospital, where he underwent immediate surgery. A subsequent surgery is anticipated as part of what is expected to be an extended recovery process. Walkner’s absence will be felt as the rally community prepares for Dakar 2024.

Matthias Walkner Age

The Austrian rider is 37 years old as of 2023, born on 1 September 1986 in Kuchl, Austria

Matthias Walkner Height

Walkner stands at a remarkable height of 1.78m ( 5 feet 8 inches).

Matthias Walkner Family

Walkner was born to his parents Anneliese Walkner and Matthias Walkner. He was raised alongside his siblings Eva Walkner and Gerald Walkner. His family has been a number one fan and supporter of his career.

Matthias Walkner Wife

Walkner is a very private person when it comes to his personal life details mostly his romantic life. Thus details about his romantic relationship status are not known to the public. We will be sure to update you once this information is available to us.

Matthias Walkner Career

He secured victory in the 2012 FIM Motocross World Championship (MX3 class) and the 2015 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. As part of the cross-country world championship events, he emerged triumphant in the 2015 Sardegna Rally Race and the 2017 Rallye OiLibya du Maroc.

Dakar Rally

Matthias Walkner, the MX3 world champion, has joined the Red Bull KTM Factory team, marking a significant development. This news is particularly noteworthy as the last Austrian driver to participate in the Dakar was the legendary Heinz Kinigadner nearly 15 years ago. The 29-year-old from Salzburg expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s a dream come true. I’m not going to let this fantastic opportunity slip away.” Kinigadner, a MotoX world champion in 1984 and 1985, officially recruited Walkner for the Austrian team, underscoring their strong mentor-student relationship.

Matthias Walkner’s journey into motorcycling began at a young age, and by 2002, at 16, he was already working in a motorcycle shop, honing his mechanical skills. In 2004, he joined the KTM family, initially serving as a test rider and eventually clinching the MX3 world title. Walkner’s career took a pivotal turn when he crossed paths with Kinigadner, who guided him from Hard Enduro to rally raids. Reflecting on his MX3 world title, Walkner remarked, “My world title will not be of much use to me moving forward. At the moment, my primary goal is to reach Buenos Aires.”

In 2015, Walkner participated in his first Dakar with the mission to support reigning champion Marc Coma and learn from top riders. Coma acknowledged Walkner’s speed and bright future but emphasized the need for caution, acknowledging the challenges of the Dakar. Despite retiring due to illness after an impressive performance in the third stage, Walkner went on to become the Cross-Country world champion, showcasing his resilience and determination.

Matthias Walkner Net Worth

He has an estimated net worth of between $1 Million – $5 Million which she has earned through his career as a rider.