From the Africa Eco Race to the TransAnatolia
After successfully completing the Africa Eco Race 2025, Laurent Cochet isn’t slowing down. His next destination: the Transanatolia, a European-flavored rally raid, where he’ll once again ride the new Ténéré 700 Rally 2025!
To kick off 2025 in style, Laurent joined our team to take on the legendary Africa Eco Race aboard a Ténéré 700 GYTR.
But before hitting the African tracks, a mandatory step: a roadbook training session with Loïc Minaudier, using the GYTR-equipped Ténéré. The goal? Fine-tune his navigation skills and get comfortable with the bike in race conditions. Fortunately, Laurent is no stranger to rally raids or desert riding—he had already completed the Africa Eco Race in the past.
And once again, he tackled the challenge brilliantly—thanks to his experience, discipline… and a touch of that trademark “Lolo” madness!
Ténéré 700 GYTR: A Rally-Ready Machine
To perform in a rally raid, you need a solid rider—and a bike built for the job. The Yamaha Ténéré 700, fitted with GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) components, ticks all the right boxes:
Premium Suspension:
- KYB 48 mm closed-cartridge fork: 270 mm of travel, DLC-coated tubes for added durability, and external adjusters for precise tuning.
- Fully adjustable Paioli rear shock: optimized for both high- and low-speed compression and rebound, offering maximum shock absorption and increased stability.
Upgraded Wheels & Braking:
- GYTR Rally wheels: Lightweight Excel rims with CNC-machined Haan hubs, designed to reduce weight and improve handling.
- High-performance braking system: Featuring Brembo calipers and Braking discs (300 mm front / 267 mm rear), delivering sharp and reliable braking control.
Cooling and Electronics Built for the Extreme
- High-capacity water radiator and separate oil cooler: Deliver effective cooling even under the harshest rally conditions.
- GYTR Stage 2 ECU: Disables ABS and the immobilizer system, giving the rider full control over the bike—no compromises.
Tires
- Michelin Tires: Equipped with Michelin Desert Race tires at the rear and Enduro Medium at the front, all mounted with Bib Mousse inserts to eliminate punctures and ensure optimal grip and performance across all surfaces.
Next Stop: Transanatolia 2025
After conquering the African dunes, Laurent is now heading to an entirely different kind of challenge: a European-style rally raid. He will take the start of the Transanatolia 2025, an intense race through the heart of Turkey:
📍 Start: Bursa
🏁 Finish: Abant
📆 Dates: August 30 – September 6, 2025
🛤️ Total distance: approx. 2800 km
🧭 Number of stages: 7
This time, Laurent will be riding a Ténéré 700 Rally 2025, specially prepared for the event. And he won’t be alone—our team will be there every step of the way, handling logistics, mechanical support, and race management. The goal? Let Laurent ride like a factory rider—with nothing to worry about but enjoying the adventure.
Stay tuned!
