Unsung heroes to newcomers, in the shadow of official riders, their dedication and unwavering support to their teammates are essential for the team’s success. Let’s examine the role of the water carrier.
The role of the water carrier emerged with the professionalization of Rally Raid, following the advent of major events like the Paris-Dakar. Although the term “water carrier” is frequently used, there are still many commonly unknown facts about the position these particular riders hold within their team.
A crucial role in the performance of the riders.
The role of “water carrier” is essential in the world of Rally Raid.
This teammate’s primary mission is to assist and support the lead riders. This includes carrying spare parts, as well as being able to provide assistance in case of a breakdown or crash of a main rider.
The water carrier is therefore responsible for the logistical and moral support of the other riders in their team throughout the entire race. In the history of Rally Raid, many teams and champions owe their success to the crucial role of their water carriers.
In essence, the water carrier is the backbone of the team, ensuring that the riders can focus entirely on their performance without worrying about unforeseen issues.
An unwavering support for the team.
The water carrier is not merely an assistant to the more experienced riders. On the contrary, he holds a key role within his team, which depends on and relies on him in crisis situations. Being a water carrier means being, above all, a team player.
And this involves, in certain critical situations, knowing how to sacrifice oneself to allow the main riders to continue their race toward the final victory.
He is expected to exhibit exemplary professionalism and unwavering flexibility to respond to the needs and unexpected situations that arise. As a full-fledged and cornerstone member of the team, his integration and relationships with all members of the crew must be excellent to facilitate decision-making and create an atmosphere conducive to the performance of all riders.
Nicolas Charlier, the water carrier for the YAMAHA TENERE RALLY TEAM.
For example, the Yamaha Tenere Rally Team includes Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarrés as official riders, but also Nicolas Charlier, who fulfills the role of the water carrier for the two headliners in the Africa Eco Race 2025. He had already successfully participated in the 2024 edition in the Raid category, riding an official Yamaha.
He will therefore focus not only his own race but also the race of his two teammates. He must therefore fulfill his mission and contribute to the team’s success in logistical, mechanical, technical, and personal ways throughout the season, all around the world. A very demanding role full of adventure for these highly valued riders.
Nicolas Charlier explained to us in a previous article how to finance an adventure in Rally Raid.
A stepping stone towards being a top rider.
Many great riders have honed their skills in Rally Raid as water carriers. Here is a list of examples:
- Franco Picco and Stéphane Peterhansel: Franco Picco has also been a mentor and supporter for Stéphane Peterhansel, a Dakar legend with numerous victories in both the motorbike and car categories. During their years together at Yamaha, Picco often played a tactical support role, helping Peterhansel navigate and avoid the pitfalls of the terrain. Their collaboration allowed Peterhansel to develop his skills and become one of the greatest Rally Raid riders in history.
- David Frétigné: David Frétigné is a French Rally Raid rider who played a crucial role as a water carrier for Yamaha. Known for his team spirit and dedication, he often supported the leaders of the Yamaha team, ensuring their bikes were in good working condition and helping to maintain a competitive race pace. Although David has had his own successes, notably winning stages of the Dakar, he is also famous for his contributions as a water carrier.
- Cyril Neveu and Gilles Lalay: Although Cyril Neveu is primarily associated with Honda for his Dakar victories, he also raced for Yamaha. Gilles Lalay, before becoming a champion in his own right, often played the role of water carrier for Neveu when they were at Yamaha. Their collaboration demonstrated the importance of water carriers in the success of a team. Gilles Lalay, known for his talent and team spirit, was crucial in ensuring that Neveu always remained competitive.
- Jean-Claude Olivier: Jean-Claude Olivier, nicknamed “JCO,” was not only a rider but also the head of Yamaha Motor France. He participated in several editions of the Dakar, often playing a crucial support role for his teammates. In 1985, he finished second in the Dakar, demonstrating that a water carrier can also be competitive. He also contributed to the introduction of new technologies and motorcycle preparation techniques that benefited the entire team. His commitment to continuous improvement has allowed Yamaha to remain competitive and maintain a technological lead over its competitors.
- André Malherbe: André Malherbe, multiple time motocross World Champion, was also part of the Yamaha team in Rally Raid. As a water carrier, Malherbe used his experience and in-depth knowledge of motorcycles to support the leaders of the Yamaha team. He was known for his ability to quickly diagnose and resolve mechanical issues in the middle of the desert, which was vital for the team’s success.
- Helder Rodrigues and Olivier Pain: Helder Rodrigues and Olivier Pain often alternated between the roles of leader and water carrier within the Yamaha team. During the 2012 Dakar, Helder Rodrigues finished third, aided by the constant support of Olivier Pain, who provided assistance throughout the race. In 2014, Olivier Pain shone by finishing third, benefiting this time from the support of his teammates, including Helder Rodrigues. Their partnership was a perfect example of team spirit and the crucial role of support riders.
Anecdotes and stories of water carriers
- Franco Picco and tactical support: Franco Picco has often been the strategist for the Yamaha team, using his experience to identify dangers on the course and adjust race strategies. His role as a water carrier wasn’t just mechanical and logistical; it was also tactical.
- David Frétigné and navigation: David Frétigné is known for his navigation skills, crucial in rallies such as the Dakar. In 2009, he played a crucial role in helping navigate the Yamaha team through particularly challenging terrain, ensuring that the leaders could focus on speed and performance.
- Jean-Claude Olivier’s sacrifice in 1985: In 1985, during the Paris-Dakar, Jean-Claude Olivier set aside his own podium ambitions to help Thierry Sabine, the founder of the Dakar, repairing his struggling vehicle. This strong gesture reinforced JCO’s reputation as a true pillar of the Rally Raid community.
- JCO’s sacrifice in 1986: In 1986, during the Paris-Dakar, Jean-Claude Olivier sacrificed his own chances of victory to help his teammate Serge Bacou, who was experiencing mechanical issues. This act of camaraderie strengthened the team spirit at Yamaha and highlighted the importance of support riders.
Support riders perform a behind-the-scenes role, overshadowed by the spotlight on the world’s top riders. However, their sense of sacrifice, resilience and courage have undoubtedly left a mark on the history of Rally Raid.
And for many of them, the role of support rider has been a pathway to resounding success as a lead rider.
Participate in your first Rally Raid
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