Former world enduro champ David Knight says he will start the Dakar rally on January 3 following a crowd funding campaign to get him to the start. The Manxman was due to race the event until he lost his biggest sponsor.

So he decided to go it alone and started a fund-raising page which is currently up to almost £50,000 of his £85,000 target. Now he says he will be going despite the shortfall, but hopes dirt bike enthusiasts will keep donating as the start date nears.

“We’re going to Dakar! Thanks to all of the support each and everyone of you has donated, I’ve been able to make the call and go for it. The fund still has a way to go but you’ve helped me raise enough to commit. I couldn’t have done it without you, so thank you all,” he said.

You can donate HERE