The experienced off-road motorcycle engineer Andreas Hölzl will take over the leadership of all KTM AG Rally Teams with immediate effect having previously held the role of Husqvarna Factory Racing Enduro Team Manager. Hölzl will replace Norbert Stadlbauer, who led the group to Dakar victories in 2022 and 2023, and FIM World Rally-Raid Championship titles in 2021 and 2022.

Stepping into the role of KTM AG Rally Team Manager ahead of the final round of the 2023 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, Andreas Hölzl comes into rally team management following a successful tenure as Husqvarna Factory Racing Enduro Team Manager and having worked for KTM AG for 20 years.

“My aim is not just to continue this winning history but to build on it.”

Overseeing Husqvarna’s EnduroGP and Hard Enduro World Championship programs in recent years, while also being heavily involved in the development of the latest generation of enduro bikes, Hölzl assisted Colton Haaker in winning the 2016 and 2017 FIM SuperEnduro World Championships, Billy Bolt in winning the 2018 World Enduro Super Series, 2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, and the 2020, 2022, and 2023 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship titles.

Prior to his time in enduro team management, Andreas Hölzl was closely connected to rally, taking part in the 2009 Dakar Rally in South America in one of KTM’s rapid assistance trucks. Despite his involvement and commitment to enduro in recent years, Hölzl has remained close to the rally project, putting him in the perfect position to take over the management of the prestigious rally program.

Andreas Hölzl with Cyril Despres at Red Bull Romaniacs 2023.

Andreas Hölzl – KTM AG Rally Team Manager: “It goes without saying that I am super excited to be officially appointed as team manager of our prestigious rally program – it really is both an honor and an incredible opportunity for me. Over many decades KTM group’s rally program has enjoyed so much success, which is testament to the always ongoing work and commitment behind the scenes. Stepping into the role, I’m fully aware of the rich heritage and high standards that have been set by those before me. My aim is not just to continue this winning history but to build on it. Drawing from my past experience and the strength of our team, I hope to maintain the momentum we have carried through the 2023 season into the upcoming Rallye du Maroc and then, of course, the Dakar Rally early in January.”

Andreas Hölzl will begin running the rally program with immediate effect, with Norbert Stadlbauer assisting KTM AG as a consultant during the coming months. Under Stadlbauer’s leadership KTM AG got back to their winning ways, successfully developing the latest generation rally bike to win the Dakar Rally 2022 and 2023. (source: ktm)

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photos (c) HartEnduro.at & KTM