While the Kove 450 Rally is the Chinese manufacturer’s bike of choice for cross-country rallies (not that they have any other choice due to the FIM’s 450cc restriction), Matteo Bottino was instrumental in putting the Kove 800X Rally adventure bike on the discipline’s map.

On Monday, he announced he and Kove have parted ways.

Bottino signed with Kove Italia in late 2024, coming off winning the European Motorally Championship. He made his Africa Eco Race debut in 2025, finishing eighth for multi-cylinder bikes. This was followed up by a tenth in class at this year’s edition.

The 800X Rally was also fielded in FIM Bajas World Cup races in the Trail category for bikes with an engine displacement over 600cc. Bottino finished runner-up in this category at the 2025 Baja Aragón.

“These have been incredible years, during which I had the privilege of living experiences that I will carry with me forever,” said Bottino. “Together, we completed two Africa Eco Races, won two European Championship titles, and today we are leading the FIM Baja World Championship. But what I will carry in my heart goes far beyond the results.

“I will remember every kilometer, every sacrifice, every crash, every late night in the workshop, every smile after crossing the finish line, and every person who shared this journey with me.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to represent this brand. Thank you to the mechanics, the engineers, my teammates, and all the people who, often behind the scenes, made all of this possible.”

Despite his runs with the 800X Rally, he did the Hellas Rally Raid in May with a Beta RR 350. Still, he has not revealed his plans.

“It hurts. It really does,” he continued. “Because when you give everything you have to a project, that project becomes part of your life. Racing, however, teaches you that every ending can become a new beginning.

“Today, a very important chapter of my career comes to an end, but my desire to race, to challenge myself, and to keep fighting for my goals is stronger than ever.

“I hope to find a new home soon—one that believes in me and gives me the opportunity to continue this journey, bringing with me all the experience I have gained over these years.”

Featured image credit: Actiongraphers