ended with a twist on the final stage for the motorcycles: D. Altangerel made up a deficit of more than 20 minutes and moved to the top of the overall standings. The premiere, held in Mongolia from 9 to 12 September, thus delivers a gripping sporting story. At the same time, attention is already turning to a longer edition in 2027.
The premiere: three long stages between Altanbulag and Buren
Organised by Nomadic Off-Road, the rally used a route designed by Cap 204 SL and roadbooks to FIM specification. The published route plan for 2026 comprised a 22-kilometre prologue near Altanbulag and three major tests: 372 kilometres to Buren, a 379-kilometre loop and 370 kilometres back to Altanbulag. These figures describe the route as announced.
According to the organiser’s website, entry for 2026 was fully booked. The overall results list available contains 44 entries: 24 motorcycles, 15 SSVs and five cars. This is the number of listed participants or vehicles, not a confirmed number of finishers. Some records contain DNF notes with a 20-hour penalty.
Motorcycles: Altangerel turns the race around on SS3
Among the motorcycles, the fastest times on the three tests were shared by three different riders. B. Davaa set the fastest time in his class on SS1 with 7:11:00 hours. On SS2, B. Bayarsaikhan was the fastest motorcyclist with 6:36:37 hours.
Before the final test, Davaa led the motorcycle standings with an accumulated time of 14:39:40 hours. Bayarsaikhan followed with 14:54:01 hours, and Altangerel was on 15:00:15 hours. For Altangerel, that meant a deficit of 20:35 minutes to the leader.
On SS3 the order changed. Altangerel set the best motorcycle time with 7:23:46 hours. Davaa needed 7:55:54 hours. Altangerel thus took 32:08 minutes out of his rival on the final test and, according to the overall results list available, won the motorcycle classification by a margin of 11:33 minutes.
The top three in the motorcycle classification, with total times and gaps within the class:
- D. Altangerel, number 021: 22:24:01 hours.
- B. Davaa, number 004: 22:35:34 hours, 11:33 minutes behind.
- B. Bayarsaikhan, number 001: 22:51:57 hours, 27:56 minutes behind.
The times make this change of lead clearly traceable. However, the table does not show which navigation errors, technical problems or tactical decisions lay behind it.
SSVs and cars: Udiikhuu and Sharkhuu in front
In the SSVs, B. Udiikhuu, number 405, set the best class time on all three tests. His total time of 18:31:43 hours was also the lowest in the list across all classes. B. Gansukh followed with 19:46:57 hours, ahead of E. Jargalsaikhan with 20:09:10 hours.
G. Sharkhuu, number 203, led the Cars class in 21:35:05 hours. Behind him were C. Natsagdorj with 22:57:22 hours and E. Ganbaatar with 25:32:28 hours. For sporting context, the respective classes remain decisive.
2027: six stages and a date in August
The official announcement for 2027 names six stages in August. Registration is due to open on 20 September 2026. Compared with the three main tests of the premiere, the number of stages would thus double. The announcement does not yet give an exact event date with start and end dates.
For riders, a longer rally changes preparation: more consecutive race days demand a maintenance routine that stays reliable over a longer period, and sufficient recovery. In our view, this very expansion will show how well the format can develop into a permanent event for international participants.
What prospective entrants can already plan for 2027
The organiser’s FAQ gives a motorcycle rate of US$5,000 for 2027. US$8,000 is listed for cars and US$7,500 for SSVs. No personal total budget can be derived from this yet; what matters are the services actually included and one’s own travel and vehicle planning.
For navigation, the FAQ provides for robust digital roadbooks. F2R devices are said to be available to rent; RallyComp is planned for tracking and timekeeping. The organiser also describes the transport of luggage, spare parts and tools. Private assistance vehicles are possible subject to the relevant rules and logistical requirements.
Nomadic Off-Road describes its 2027 rally package as a further option: it combines a fully equipped rally motorcycle with mechanic service, entry fee, accommodation and meals. The price is given on request, and flights are not included. Anyone considering this offer should have the scope and schedule confirmed for the six-stage edition.
A premiere with sporting tension and a concrete sequel
The motorcycle standings show how much can change on a single long test. Altangerel’s chase gives the first edition a clear sporting highlight. For the future, the next steps have already been named: more stages and a new edition in August 2027.
Whether this becomes a firmly established rally date remains to be seen. A fully booked premiere and the announced expansion do, however, give reason to keep following the Genghis Khan Rally.
As of: 16 September 2026. Basis for results: the overall results file provided, “Overall_Results.xls”, classifications SS1 to SS3. Names are given as in the file; class gaps were calculated from the total times. Information on the route and on 2027 comes from the linked organiser information.