Kalev Riivik wins the fifth Alakonnu Ralli on a KTM 990 Adventure. Argo Neumann follows in second on a Yamaha Ténéré 700, before Elary Talu on a KTM EXC 300 completes the podium. Erik Rist rides the KOVE 800 Rally to fourth overall. Two large adventure motorcycles therefore finish ahead of the lightweight enduros.
The event took place in southern Estonia from 2 to 4 October. The organiser reports 104 participants from seven countries. Its public overall overview contains 88 entries. The difference is not a verified retirement figure: that would require comparing the individual start and classification statuses.
3:51 minutes decide the duel at the front
| Position | Rider | Motorcycle | Total time | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kalev Riivik | KTM 990 Adventure | 5:05:08 | – |
| 2 | Argo Neumann | Yamaha Ténéré 700 | 5:08:59 | +3:51 |
| 3 | Elary Talu | KTM EXC 300 | 5:13:13 | +8:05 |
| 4 | Erik Rist | KOVE 800 Rally | 5:17:35 | +12:27 |
Source: official results overview, table as of 4 October 2026; checked on 9 October. Gaps calculated from the published times. The prologue is not added to the total time.
Riivik is 3 minutes and 51 seconds ahead of Neumann. His lead over Talu is 8 minutes and 5 seconds. The big-bike one-two therefore describes the two motorcycle concepts at the front, not a joint manufacturer success.
Rist is 4 minutes and 22 seconds off the podium on the KOVE. Fourth place is a concrete competitive result for rider and motorcycle. The results overview does not say which modifications, tyres or suspension settings were used.
The weight classes explain the appeal of the result
Alakonnu distinguishes three categories: Rally Enduro up to 130 kilograms, Rally Dual Sport over 130 and up to and including 180 kilograms, and Rally Adventure over 180 kilograms. Riivik, Neumann and Rist are assigned to the Adventure class in the official entry list.
The success of the 990 Adventure therefore extends beyond its own class. Even so, no blanket ranking of motorcycle concepts can be derived from it. The overall classification combines the performances of different riders on differently prepared machines.
Total time is more than speed
The rally centre is at Kaagjärve manor. According to the organiser, the route links public roads, village tracks, forest sections and farm tracks in the Valga and Võru regions. Navigation is by digital roadbook; traffic rules apply on public roads.
The regulations provide for penalties for, among other things, missed waypoints, ignored stop points and speeding. A single navigation penalty can be larger than the gap between two top positions. Whether such penalties influenced the duel at the front cannot be determined from the compact results overview.
A technical analysis would therefore require stage times, penalty-time records and information on the condition of the motorcycles used. Only that data could explain where Riivik built his lead. The overall classification proves the win, but not its technical cause.
For amateur riders, Alakonnu shows a possible use for large adventure bikes in roadbook sport. Low motorcycle weight alone does not guarantee a better overall position there. When choosing an event, its course profile, regulations and one’s own skills remain decisive.
Sources and photo credits
- Alakonnu Ralli: Results 2026. Total times, positions, 104 participants, seven countries and 88 entries in the overall overview. Table as of 4 October; checked on 9 October 2026.
- RoadbookRally: entry list. Motorcycles and class assignment.
- Alakonnu Ralli: Regulations 2026. Weight classes, prologue, navigation and penalty provisions.
- Alakonnu Ralli: event information. Venue and character of the route.
- Photo 1: Tartu ADV group at the start. Photo 2: digital roadbook on the motorcycle. Both: Arvo Meeks / Lõuna-Eesti Postimees, official gallery 2026, Start and SS1, images 023 and 004. The gallery does not state the exact time of capture.
- Banner: AI-designed editorial collages based on the two event photos mentioned; not documentary winner portraits. Event logo: official Alakonnu media materials.