The Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team, in partnership with Riders for Health (powered by Two Wheels for Life), continued its impressive run at the 2026 Addax Rally in Morocco, with defending champion Kevin Gallas securing his third consecutive podium after finishing second on Wednesday’s Stage 3. Alessandro Botturi finished fourth and now sits third in the general classification, while Gautier Paulin sat out the stage as planned following Tuesday’s technical issue.
Following two demanding days of racing around Merzouga, Wednesday’s stage once again tested the riders and their Ténéré 700 Rally machines, with challenging desert terrain and the physical demands of the event continuing to play a significant role.
Starting at the front of the field after winning the opening two stages, Gallas spent much of the day opening the road, maintaining a strong pace and navigating confidently. The German felt comfortable with the navigation throughout the stage, making the most of his experience as he continued to build momentum.
Despite encountering a few minor issues, Gallas managed the stage well and was classified second in four hours, 48 minutes and 13 seconds, just three minutes and 11 seconds behind the stage winner. It marked his third podium in as many stages and continued his excellent title defence.
Botturi also enjoyed a positive day, overcoming a few minor mistakes to finish fourth in four hours, 54 minutes and 35 seconds. The physically demanding conditions tested both riders and their machines throughout the stage, but the experienced Italian maintained a strong pace to secure another valuable result as the team continued its preparations for the 2027 Africa Eco Race (AER).
Meanwhile, Paulin did not start Stage 3 following the technical issue caused by a heavy impact towards the end of Tuesday’s special. The team used the day to test components and continue its development work with the Frenchman, who is no longer classified in the overall standings following his absence.
After three stages, Gallas remains firmly in control of the general classification, with a combined time of 15 hours, 31 minutes and nine seconds, holding a 25-minute and 31-second advantage over his nearest challenger. Botturi is third overall in 16 hours, six minutes and four seconds, just nine minutes and 24 seconds away from second place, leaving both riders well positioned heading into the final two days.
Thursday’s Stage 4 will see Paulin return to action alongside Gallas and Botturi after his planned one-stage absence. The riders will face another demanding test around Merzouga, with rocky sections and dunes providing further challenges for navigation and endurance. With the rally concluding on Friday, the team will aim to maintain its strong results while continuing to gain valuable experience ahead of the 2027 AER.
Stage 3 Results
Overall Classification
Kevin Gallas – P1 Overall (15:31:09)
Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team
“Stage 3 was really good. I was opening the road for most of the day, and the navigation was pretty straightforward. We managed the day well and had a few small issues, but that’s exactly why we’re here. It’s great to see how we work through these situations and continue improving. We’re making really good progress with the bike, my navigation, riding, fitness and confidence ahead of the AER, so I’m very happy with how things are going. Now I’m looking forward to the final two days.”
Alessandro Botturi – P3 Overall (16:06:04)
Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team
“It was another good stage for me today. This rally is extremely demanding, both physically and for the bikes, which are being put under a lot of stress. I’m happy with how I rode, and it’s excellent training and preparation for the AER.”
Marc Bourgeois
Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team – Team Manager
“Kevin did another great job today. He had a few minor issues, but he managed them very well, and it’s encouraging to see him improving day after day. Alessandro also had a good stage, and although he made a few small mistakes, it’s important to keep gaining experience, reaching the finish and collecting as much data as possible. Gautier didn’t race today, but we used the opportunity to test some parts and continue our development work with him. Everything we’re doing here is focused on preparing for the AER. We have two stages remaining, and tomorrow will be another demanding day with rocky sections and dunes, so the goal is to keep improving and ride safely.”
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