As autumn takes hold in Europe, engines roar to life again in the south of Morocco. From November 9 to 15, the Addax Rally is on the calendar — a compact yet unforgiving rally raid that has quickly built a name for itself as a true test of rider skill and machine endurance. With Merzouga as its home base and the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes as the backdrop, competitors will tackle nearly 1,300 kilometers of special stages over the course of a prologue and five demanding legs. The rally attracts both seasoned Dakar veterans and ambitious newcomers, with categories accommodating everything from lightweight enduro bikes to twin-cylinder machines and SSVs.
Starting point: the gateway to the dunes
The rally kicks off at the Anasser Palace in Merzouga, literally on the edge of the sand. The 50-kilometer prologue is no mere formality. It delivers a fast-paced introduction to soft dunes and winding tracks, meant to sharpen the field from the very start. Stage 1 then pushes south toward Begaa and Erg Znagui. Rocky sections, loose dunes, and small navigation traps ensure that only those with sharp focus and precise control make it through the day unscathed.
Queen stage of navigation
Stage 2 instantly becomes the rally’s main challenge. With nearly 390 kilometers of timed special, riders cross the heart of the Moroccan desert. Fast tracks near Taouz fade into dry riverbeds and deceptive dune fields around Ramlia. Things get serious near Sidi Ali and Tisseoumine, where navigation becomes pure intuition. With no visual references, trust in the roadbook and one’s internal compass becomes critical. This day will separate the true competitors from the survivors.
False trails and discipline
Stage 3 looks more straightforward on paper, but appearances deceive. The route from Erfoud to the Rissani region features long stretches without clear landmarks. Near Jorf, participants face dry wadis, sharp rocks, and deceptively hard surfaces. Riders who find their rhythm can make up time here — but mistakes come at a high cost. This stage is about rhythm, discipline, and mental clarity.
Dunes, wide plains, and the true rally spirit
Day four is widely considered the heart of the rally — a stage that captures everything rally raid stands for. From Merzouga to Ouzina and back past Ramlia, the terrain shifts between soft dunes, fast sandy tracks, and wide open plains. It is technical, fast, and tough — all in a spectacular setting of red valleys and jagged rock formations. This is where legendary rally moments are born and machines are pushed to the edge.
Final stage: last gasp towards Merzane
The fifth and final stage may be shorter, but it is no less intense. From Merzouga to Merzane, competitors face a shifting mix of sand, stones and high-speed transitions. Fatigue, strategy, and emotion all come into play. A single steering mistake could cost a podium finish, while each clean kilometer is worth its weight in gold. The return to Merzouga marks a personal triumph for many — proof that they have conquered the sand, the heat, and their own limits.
Yamaha’s Ténéré offensive with Botturi and Maio
One of the most eye-catching entries is the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team, led by two-time Africa Eco Race winner Alessandro Botturi. After a strong run in the Italian championship and victory at the Swank Rally, the Italian rider returns to Africa as part of his buildup to the 2026 Africa Eco Race. He is joined by none other than António Maio — Portuguese champion and Dakar finisher. His entry is part of the Ténéré Spirit Experience, a program designed to give passionate riders the chance to participate in international rallies with factory support.
With three additional TSE riders lined up in the Race category, the Addax Rally provides Yamaha with the perfect opportunity to further test the Ténéré 700 Rally in harsh desert conditions. It is not just a learning ground for new talent — it is also a technical proving ground ahead of the challenges that lie ahead in 2026.
