Raid Category in Rally-Raid: Who is it for, and why choose it?

Raid category

Accessible to everyone, the Raid category lets you discover the rally-raid adventure without time pressure, rankings, or stress!

Joining the Yamaha Ténéré Rally Team in the Raid category means experiencing a rally-raid adventure from the inside — but at your own pace!

What is the Raid category in rally-raid?

The Raid category is a format specifically designed for adventure enthusiasts. It allows you to ride through the same landscapes and tracks as the competitors, but with an adapted route and in a more relaxed atmosphere.

A more accessible route: The most technical sections are avoided to ensure both fun and safety.
No performance pressure: No stopwatch, no rankings — the goal is to enjoy every moment.
Simplified navigation: You can choose between the traditional roadbook or a more user-friendly GPX file.

How to choose your category in rally-raid?

In rally-raid, what truly matters is never pushing beyond your limits and riding with confidence.

The Raid category stands apart from the Racing category, particularly in terms of navigation. In Racing, the roadbook is mandatory. If you don’t know how to read a roadbook — something that can’t be improvised — you can train at one of our Ténéré Centers, or simply choose the Raid category, which allows GPS navigation via a GPX track.

Another key difference: the stopwatch. In the Racing category, every stage is timed, adding an extra layer of pressure. You need to manage your pace, meet time controls, and ride with precision to stay within the rules of competition.

On the other hand, if your goal is more about adventure, without time constraints, and to fully enjoy the landscapes along the way, then the Raid category is perfect for you.

The special bonus of the Raid category?

During events like the Africa Eco Race and the Carta Rallye, our raiders were joined by none other than Stéphane Peterhansel.

For two to three days of riding, they enjoyed a truly unique and exclusive experience, full of tips, advice, and unforgettable anecdotes from Monsieur Dakar himself! A once-in-a-lifetime adventure at the heart of rally-raid!

Testimonials

Laurent Edouin – Africa Eco Race 2025

“Being immersed in a team, surrounded by professional riders, was an incredible experience. Thanks to the Raid category, we enjoyed optimal comfort and safety: no roadbook navigation and a simplified route — this format makes rally-raid accessible to any rider with decent off-road experience.

But the real cherry on top was meeting Stéphane Peterhansel.. Not only did we have the chance to meet Stéphane Peterhansel, but we also rode with him over three stages! Watching him ride was simply mesmerizing. His ease, control, speed, and fluid riding style were absolutely breathtaking.

As for the Ténéré 700, it proved to be a perfect machine for raid adventures. Its comfort, suspension setup, smooth and reliable engine, and impressive fuel range — up to 700 km with efficient fuel use — make it the ideal partner for this kind of journey. Over 12 days of riding, we didn’t face a single mechanical issue — a real luxury in such a demanding environment.”