Pol Tarrés and the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team dominate the 2024 Morocco Desert Challenge, winning six from eight stages to claim victory and make history as the first to win on a twin-cylinder adventure bike.

Pol Tarrés claimed six of the eight timed special stage victories over 3000 kilometres across the infamous Moroccan deserts. Opening a significant lead in the standings in the first three stages, the Andorran, like all competitors, had to deal with mixed weather, sandstorms plus two missing waypoints due to an incorrect roadbook on the days where he was beaten.

Tarres bounced back with another victory on the penultimate special before a sixth and final stage win on Saturday onboard the Yamaha Tenere 700 World Rally machine kitted with GYTR parts.

Tarres took the win with a lead in the general classification of well-over two hours ahead of Amaury Baratin and Valentin Sertilhanges, both riding adapted KTM enduro bikes.

Racing alongside Pol as a part of the Ténéré Spirit Experience was Stephane Poulet. The French rider made it a Yamaha one-two in the M1.2 class (601cc and above) and claimed a best stage finish of 12th overall, ending the rally in a respectable 17th in the general classification.

Pol Tarrés, Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team: “It is my first rally victory in Africa, and it means a lot to me. I could attack on most stages because I had such a great feeling with the bike. The Morocco Desert Challenge certainly lived up to its tough reputation, but we did it, and we won, and I am delighted. Not just for me but for the whole team who have worked tirelessly to get us here. I learned a lot during the rally and cannot wait for the next one.”

Marc Bourgeois, Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team – Team Manager: “The last stage was short but tricky. I feel that Pol has really proved his navigation skills and has gained huge amounts of experience, as he showed on the final stage. It would have been very easy for him to have made mistakes, but he was faultless.

“Pol is still relatively new to rally raid, so he is still learning, but his attitude is superb, and he is always learning. The bike was amazing and allowed Pol to ride at his best. I want to thank the whole team for their efforts at this rally. Honestly, this whole event has been amazing, and securing a Yamaha one-two in class with Stephane caps off an excellent rally for us.

It has also been great to have the Ténéré Spirit Experience Raid category riders with us, enjoying the thrills and spills of the rally raid along with the team without the pressure of racing against the clock. The 2024 Morocco Desert Challenge has been epic, and we are already planning for our next race!”

Next up for Tarrés and the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team is the Hellas Rally in Greece from May 27 to June 2.

Stage results and general classification here

Photo Credit: Hilde Lenaerts | Yamaha