KTM Namibia has renewed its partnership with Namibian Enduro champion Quinton Z van Rooyen for the 2026 racing season, following a dominant 2025 campaign in which he won every round of the national championship.
Van Rooyen, a four-time Namibian National Enduro Champion, will again compete aboard the KTM 300 EXC Six Days, equipped with WP suspension components widely regarded as a benchmark in international Enduro racing. The renewal strengthens KTM’s presence in competitive off-road racing in Namibia while enabling van Rooyen to defend his title and expand his racing calendar beyond the country’s borders.
“Enduro racing is far more of a team sport than most people realise,” said van Rooyen. “Spectators see the rider on race day, but behind the scenes, there is constant testing, preparation and technical support. That level of backing from KTM Namibia and Central Cycles makes a massive difference during both training and race weekends.”
The demands of hard Enduro racing place significant pressure on both rider and machine, often requiring rapid mechanical repairs during a race.
“In a single race day, you can return from a lap with serious damage on the bike,” he said. “Your crew needs to fix it quickly, often with limited tools and parts. Having the right team and technical support is crucial.”
Van Rooyen said KTM’s suspension performance was a decisive factor in renewing the partnership.
“Suspension is the single most important component on an Enduro bike because you are constantly riding terrain you cannot predict. KTM’s WP suspension is widely regarded as the best in the sport.”
Looking ahead to 2026, van Rooyen’s immediate goal is to defend the Namibian National Enduro Championship, where he is chasing a fifth consecutive title.
“My focus is to protect the national championship this year,” he said. “There are some very talented young riders coming through, so there is definitely a target on my back.”
Beyond Namibia, he is also targeting major regional races, including the legendary Roof of Africa, with the possibility of competing in selected European events later in the season.
The 2025 season marked van Rooyen’s first full year on the KTM platform and proved decisive in building confidence and performance.
“As I became more comfortable on the bike during the season, I could relax more and really push both myself and the machine. That connection with the KTM platform has been key.”
With a championship defence ahead and an expanded racing calendar planned, the renewed partnership positions KTM Namibia and QZ van Rooyen for another competitive Enduro season in 2026.
