Jamie McCanney and David Knight are putting their finishing touches to a frustrating and protracted run up to the Dakar Rally.

The two Manxmen finally arrived in Jeddah on Monday afternoon following numerous changes to their original travel plans.

They had arranged to travel together by boat on Boxing Day and join the Pro-Drive rally team’s charter flight from Amsterdam on Sunday.

But Storm Bella forced the cancellation of Ben-my-Chree’s sailing and the pair swiftly arranged for a private jet to fly them direct to Amsterdam on Sunday morning to link up with the charter.

But, as Isle of Man port authorities do not allow planes to land without 12 hours prior notice, they then caught Sunday morning’s boat and drove to Stansted, where they took a flight to Prague to liaise with those travelling on the event’s Amaury Sport Organisation [ASO] charter flight.

They weren’t allowed through passport control and had to stay in the arrivals hall.

Overcoming further immigration issues, the flight departed and touched down in Jeddah on Monday afternoon.

All competitors have undergone Covid-19 tests before being allowed to commence final preparations for the 13-day event. It will commence with a short prologue stage on Sunday.