The Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team, in partnership with Riders for Health (powered by Two Wheels for Life), enjoyed a superb Stage 10 at the 2026 Africa Eco Race. Gautier Paulin secured his third stage victory of the rally to move into the overall lead, while Alessandro Botturi recorded his third podium. Ténéré Spirit Experience (TSE) rider Kevin Gallas finished fourth to move to second in the general classification, with fellow TSE riders Mike Wiedemann in second and António Maio in fifth, ensuring a top-five lockout for the Ténéré on the stage.
Stage 10 at the Africa Eco Race (AER) was a loop starting and returning to the bivouac in Ouad Naga, featuring 25 km of liaison and a 445 km timed special consisting of soft sand and multiple dune crossings. The last long special stage of the rally has traditionally been where the race has been won and lost in the past, and once again, it may have proved pivotal in deciding the outcome.
Former MXGP rider Paulin, who is riding in his first AER in the motorcycle class after winning the 2024 edition in the car category, produced the ride of the rally so far to power to a stunning win on his Ténéré 700 Rally. The 35-year-old’s victory margin was eight minutes and 24 seconds, which saw him jump from third in the general classification to take the overall lead. This means he has an advantage of one minute and 25 seconds, with just one 102 km timed special remaining that counts towards the result.
His teammate Botturi was back on the podium too, as he continues his fightback from a technical issue on Stage 4 that cost him over an hour. The experienced Italian finished the stage 12 minutes and 48 seconds behind Paulin and is now seventh overall in the general classification.
The rally leader after Stage 9, TSE rider Gallas, once again belied his lack of experience, with the German competing in only his third rally raid, to end the stage in fourth, conceding 14 minutes and 45 seconds to Paulin in the process. This saw him drop to second overall, but with just one minute and 25 seconds separating the duo, and a margin of over 20 minutes to the rider in third, he is still firmly in the victory battle.
Demonstrating the domination of the Ténérés against their 450cc single cylinder rivals, not only did the bike lock out the top five on the stage, but with Paulin and Gallas in first and second respectively, and Wiedemann fourth, Maio fifth, and Botturi seventh in the general classification, there are five in the overall top seven. They also hold a 1-2-3-4 in the Over 650cc class.
Stage 11 of the AER sees the bivouac move from Ouad Naga and cross the border into Senegal on its way to Mpal. It features a long 343 km liaison to the start of the special, but then a reduced timed segment of just 102 km, which involves lots of soft sand and vegetation. Despite its short length, it will still prove challenging due to tricky navigation and many different trails to follow. It is the last stage to count towards the general classification. It should prove a fitting conclusion to the rally, with everything on the line, because the final stage, a race along the beach towards Lac Rose in Dakar, is considered a parade for the riders.
General Classification After Stage 10
Gautier Paulin – P1 Overall – 38h05m11s
Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team
“Today was spectacular. I felt really good on the bike and was able to attack the stage. I had a little moment at the start, a reminder of just how tricky the dunes of Mauritania can be, but honestly, once I got in the zone, I could surf them on the Ténéré. This allowed me to make up time in the general classification, and to take the lead of the rally for the first time is amazing. On paper, it looks like it will come down to Kevin and me, but anything can happen in rally raid, plus I will be opening, which is a massive disadvantage, but I am just enjoying this adventure, and whoever wins will deserve it.”
Alessandro Botturi – P7 Overall – 39h54m05s
Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team
“That was another tough and physical stage, but I really enjoyed it. It is great to be back on the podium, and I was able to make up more time in the general classification. Despite not being in the victory hunt, I am still pushing as hard as I can, helping my teammates, and enjoying the rally. The next stage is the last one that counts towards the overall time, and it looks like we are set for an epic duel between Gautier and Kevin, and I wish them both the best of luck.”
Kevin Gallas – P2 Overall – 38h06m36s
Ténéré Spirit Experience
“That was a tough stage. I gave it everything, but I was opening, which is obviously not easy. I managed to stay in touch with the leaders on stage, which meant I lost less time, and now I am looking forward to the final timed stage. It seems it will come down to Gautier and me, and what a great position to be in on my first AER. Whatever happens, it has been a superb rally and may the best man win.”
Marc Bourgeois
Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team – Team Manager
“What a stage! Locking out the top five places shows just how good the Ténéré is. Gautier produced an amazing ride to take the lead, while Kevin showed incredible fortitude and maturity to stay in the battle. Honestly, they both have been amazing the whole rally, and both deserve to win, but this is rally raid, and anything can happen. I am proud of the whole team, all of the TSE riders, and tomorrow, whatever the outcome, we can be very proud of our efforts. Now we must try to remain calm and focused to ensure we bring home the best results possible.”
