The 42-year-old Ballaugh ace rounded off an impressive first race by claiming a second top-20 finish on the final stage into Jeddah today (Friday).

The Manxman safely navigated the 447-kilometre route around Saudi Arabia in a time of two hours 44 minutes and 33 seconds, some 27m 31s behind stage winner Ricky Brabec, which was enough for 20th place on the day.

That result enabled Knighter to move up one place in the overall classification to 24th at the end of the extreme endurance rally raid.

In doing so, the Manxman was the fifth highest rookie and the second best British rider in the event behind third-placed Sam Sunderland. The overall winner was Kevin Benavides.

Knighter is being supported by UGGLY & CO, a clothing brand created and woven from a passion for extreme sports including skiing, skateboarding, motorsports and downhill mountain biking.

After his title sponsor pulled out, the company approached him with one aim in mind, helping Knighter get to the Dakar.

Continue to support him through www.ugglyandco.com