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?

The Raid category is a format specially designed for adventure-loving amateurs.. It allows participants to ride through the same landscapes and tracks as the competitors, but with an adapted route and a more relaxed atmosphere.

A more accessible route: The most technical sections are avoided to ensure both fun and safety.
No pressure to perform: no stopwatch, no rankings: the goal is to enjoy every moment.
Simplified navigation: navigation is available either with a roadbook or GPX tracks.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR RALLY-RAID CATEGORY?

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

The Raid category is different from the Racing category, mainly in terms of navigation: GPX track or roadbook.
If you don’t know how to read a roadbook,which is not something you can improvise — you can train at one of our Ténéré Centers, or simply choose the Raid category, which allows you to participate using GPS navigation.

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 little extra in 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!

TESTIMONIAL

Laurent Edouin – Africa Eco Race 2025

Being immersed within a team and surrounded by professional riders was an incredible experience. Thanks to the Raid category, we enjoyed optimal comfort and safety: without roadbook navigation and with a route that was less demanding, this format makes rally-raid accessible to any rider with some 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.”

THE RAID CATEGORY IN VIDEO:

Bryan BLKMRKT TransAnatolia 2024 EP1

Bryan BLKMRKT TransAnatolia 2024 EP2