Jamie McCanney is in Saudi Arabia putting the finishing touches to his preparations for the Dakar Rally.

The event gets under way from Jeddah on Sunday, when the 25-year-old will become the first Manxman to participate in the long-distance rally.

The former Junior World Enduro Champion admitted before he left the island 10 days ago that it was a big step into the unknown for him.

He will ride a 450 Yamaha backed by TT title sponsor Monster Energy.

McCanney has already been in a race against time to get fit following a major shoulder operation, but is looking forward to the two-week, 12-stage, 7,500 kilometres event.

After a 10-year sojourn in South America, the ’Dakar’ heads into Asia for the first time, with the entire route contained within the borders of Saudi Arabia.

The official Yamaha line-up also features Adrien van Beveren and Xavier De Soultrait of France, and Argentina’s Franco Caimi.