THE TÉNÉRÉ SPIRIT EXPERIENCE AT THE CARTA RALLY 2025
2000 km later, a major first for the Ténéré Spirit Experience: we’ve proudly completed the Carta Rallye!
It was our first participation in this rally and also the debut rally-raid for our two new Ténéré 700 Rally bikes. For this Moroccan adventure, we were joined by Alessandro Botturi and Gautier Paulin, alongside eight amateur riders.
- Kevin Gallas
- Bertrand Gavard
- Nicolas Charlier
- Yann Duprey
- Frédéric Murat
- Jérôme Clastre
- Patrick Morisseau
- Alessandro Biglioli
This rally was a first for Gautier Paulin and Kevin Gallas, who were discovering motorcycle rally-raid and roadbook navigation. Well prepared, with solid riding experience, they still felt a bit of apprehension at the start.
Gautier Paulin aimed to apply everything he had learned from Loïc Minaudier and follow Jordi Arcarons‘ advice: no pressure, just a personal challenge, having fun, and avoiding navigation errors.
Kevin Gallas, always smiling, simply wanted not to get lost and to enjoy riding the Ténéré 700 GYTR.
And yet, both riders far exceeded those initial goals!
Some of our riders joined the rally as a form of training: Yann Duprey and Bertrand Gavard are already eyeing the Africa Eco Race 2026. The Carta Rallye offered a great chance to get familiar with the Ténéré 700 GYTR in Moroccan terrain.
Nicolas Charlier, a true competitor, wanted to continue building on his impressive performance at the Africa Eco Race 2025.
Finally, Jérôme Clastre and Frédéric Murat were making their debut in the Racing category.
Despite arriving a bit under the weather after a weekend of racing in Italy, seasoned rally-raid Alessandro Botturi took the Carta Rallye start with his usual determination.
The Stages of the Carta Rally
The rally began at Plage Blanche, with a legendary setting reminiscent of the Enduropale, and a first stage of 373 km.
Just 20 km into Stage 1, the riders were met with their first dune sections—a major test for those discovering the Ténéré 700 in this terrain.
While the Ténéré 700 offers excellent stability on tracks, it requires experience to master in dunes.
The Carta Rallye featured one shakedown and seven stages ranging from 183 km to 390 km. Navigation was technical, with tightly spaced notes, and each stage offered its own mix of challenges across varied landscapes.
Rally Highlights:
- Stage 1: Botturi finishes 3rd
- Stage 2: Kevin Gallas wins, Gautier Paulin takes 2nd
- Stage 3: Gallas finishes 2nd
- Stages 4 & 5: Botturi 3rd
- Stage 6: Gallas 3rd
FINAL RANKING:
- Gautier Paulin finishes 3rd overall, thanks to consistent riding and few penalties
- Kevin Gallas finishes 4th
- Alessandro Botturi 5th
- Bertrand Gavard 7th
- Nicolas Charlier 9th
Five Ténéré 700 GYTRs in the top 10: an incredible result!
Yann Duprey completed his very first rally-raid in 31st position. Steady and determined—bravo for rising to the challenge!
And the Raid category?
Initially entered: Patrick Morisseau and Alessandro Biglioli, later joined by Jérôme and Frédéric, who switched from Racing to Raid.
This switch is possible during the rally if Racing becomes too demanding, though switching from Raid to Racing is not allowed.
Alessandro Biglioli :
“What mattered most to me was the accessibility. Even without much desert experience, we were able to push our limits safely. No pressure, and an incredible opportunity to learn, especially with advice from Stéphane Peterhansel.”
Our Raid riders were accompanied by Jordan, an AMIS team doctor, a huge asset during the rally.
And the cherry on top: Stéphane Peterhansel, aka “Monsieur Dakar,” joined the team in Merzouga for the final stages. Our riders had the privilege to ride with him and benefit from his expert advice.
What's next?
Next up: The Transanatolia, taking place in Turkey from August 30 to September 6, 2025.
