For its 7th edition, the AINduro retains its usual format of a 3-hour race divided slightly differently, with 1h45 for the first round and 1h15 for the second.

It’s mainly in terms of categories that things are changing. Rally-raid and Trail machines join the event. Back in 2025, Benjamin Melot and Julien Dalbec took part, finishing 3rd and 4th overall respectively. The Pont de Vaux route is a fast one, allowing the Dakar machines to show their full potential. Will Benjamin Melot, winner of the Dakar 2026 Original By Motul category (motorcycle trunk), try to reach the top step of the podium this year?

Two other categories have been added: the Classics or, in other words, cross-country and enduro machines over 25 years old, and the US Bikes, following the participation in 2025 of Antonin Bergeron and his Harley Davidson “Sports Terre” proto in Rodkill Garage livery, which put on quite a show. A challenge for these machines is due to be launched at the Lyon show, so watch out!

Of course, the traditional categories will still line up on the starting grid: Mx1, Mx2, Mx3, 125cc, Women’s, Aindinois, Veteran, 125 Vintage. Electric bikes will be the only ones allowed to run in pairs, to overcome the constraints of autonomy.

This plethora of categories has become the DNA of the AINduro, a race in which anyone can take part with almost any machine. A little fantasy and freedom in this world can’t hurt.

See you on August 21, 22 and 23 at the 72 heures de Pont de Vaux.

Rules/registration on https://72h-pontdevaux.com/my-72h/inscription