Animations
The Elite of freestyle
Incredible shows in the meadow at Pont-de-Vaux!
David Tharan is back on the freestyle hill with his incredible quad backflip—a feat he’s one of only a few riders in the world to pull off. Having started competing at a very young age, this passionate rider has also already raced in the 12 Hours of Pont-de-Vaux, finishing in9th place. He’s back this year with a quad that’s been specially redesigned for the 72 Hours.
In 2024, he’s bringing champion David Rinaldo along for the ride—currently the best French rider and the 2023 X Games gold medalist. He’s mastered numerous tricks, including backflips. David Rinaldo has created his own body varials (tricks) and lands at least one in every session. During the 72 Hours of Pont-de-Vaux, David is expected to perform a front flip on his motorcycle, using a tilting launch ramp… Don’t miss it!
William Saule was here last year, too. Originally from Lyon and 28 years old, this friendly rider only started FMX three years ago, but thanks to his boundless passion, he’s already mastered a wide variety of tricks and developed a unique style on his bike that really stands out!
A newcomer to this 38th edition: Fred Wasner. A native of Franche-Comté, Fred started motocross at age 10 and competed for four years in the regional 80cc MX championship. After watching the “Crusty Demons of Dirt” video (which he admits to having watched nearly 100 times), he stepped up his BMX training and began turning his attention to freeride. At age 16, he built his own ramp, and in January 2005, he performed his first FMX show… marking the start of a career dedicated to Freestyle Motocross, which led to his transition to the professional ranks in 2011.
All three riders are riding Yamaha motorcycles.
David Rinaldo and David Tharan have each launched their own clothing lines, which will be available at their booth near the freestyle hill, where they’ll be welcoming their fans for selfies and autographs.
A new freestyle trial show in the heart of the Quad Expo Village
This year, Fred Crosset (Circus Trial Tour) is teaming up with Chris Bruand (Dust Motor Show) to present a new two-part show: 200 Triumph and E-Motion. Several shows are scheduled each day so that spectators can admire the feats of these two trial riders before the eyes of the large crowds that flock to these events every year.
While Fred Crosset is already well known on the prairie, this will be an opportunity for spectators to discover Chris Bruand, currently the only rider in the world to perform various tricks such as the DROP FLIP (a backflip in mid-air, without a ramp, landing flat), the Backloop on a 1961 motorcycle, and the mini-backflip on an electric motorcycle!
Initiation for all
With two motorcycle and quad tracks for kids and one adult track, SMX Concept is back to introduce visitors to these motor sports at the 72H.
Created by Julien DalbecSMX Concept is an FFM-approved training center based in Saône-et-Loire.
Rider in the Burgundy championship for 20 years and with 10 years of French championship behind him, Julien Dalbec is a state-qualified instructor and educator at the Site d’Excellence Sportive Motocross de Dijon for 6 years.
After competing in the Morocco Challenge and Rallye du Maroc in 2023, Julien realized his dream in 2024 by taking part in the Dakar Rally, an experience successfully repeated in 2025 with a 33rd-place finish.
By enrolling in a SMX Concept training course, apprentice quads and bikers will be accompanied by a highly experienced professional.
Exhibition “Dakar” Exhibition
An exceptional campsite on the 72H meadow in Pont-de-Vaux, featuring an exhibition on the legendary Dakar Rally.
A number of vehicles will be on display this year at the 72H event, including Alexandre Giroud’s quad bike—which he rode to two victories at the Dakar Rally—as well as motorcycles, SSVs, cars, and perhaps a support truck.
From the Ultra4 to the Dakar
The REUL Group is taking center stage at the 72H event by showcasing an Ultra4 model developed as part of the U4RS PROJECT.
Ultra 4 is a discipline that combines several categories: rock crawling, cross-country, Baja, and rally raid. As an off-road racing series, it is one of the most demanding forms of off-road motorsports.
Alongside this SSV ULTRA 4 on display in the Quad Expo village at the 72H de Pont-de-Vaux, the REUL brothers are working on the MINOTOR project
The Minotor CH1 is a hybrid vehicle for the T3U Challenger class, designed for the 2026 Dakar Rally. Complete chassis design in partnership with Vaison Sport, featuring a closed carbon fiber monocoque, a Rotax Minotor-spec engine coupled to an electric motor via a custom-built transmission, and a second electric motor driving the front axle.
Design, project management, organization, and ultimately participation as a team in the 2026 Dakar Rally—this is a comprehensive project for REULPARTS.
Feel free to stop by their booth—they’ll be happy to tell you all about this project they’re so passionate about!
Rally Story
Erwan Tufel, a seasoned volunteer with the 72H, is also an experienced rally driver. He competes in several rounds of the French Gravel Rally Championship, where the routes are not revealed until the last minute, with only one reconnaissance run. The variety of routes covered—most of which are on dirt roads—provides the perfect courses for drivers looking to improve their skills.
His car, a Porsche 924 rallye Terre, will be on display at the Quad Expo Village before Erwan prepares it for the 2026 Morocco Terre Historique Rally.
Fun Fair
The Quad Expo village takes on a vacation atmosphere, with several funfair stands for young and old alike. To complete the entertainment, there are a number of food and beverage outlets, as well as accessory and souvenir stores throughout the Quad Expo village.
Holeshot
party
When night falls on the meadow at the end of August, the party’s not over just yet, as the Holeshot tent lights up for lively evenings of electro, house and pop music.
Join us at the Quad Expo in the heart of the village on Friday and Saturday during the 72 Hours of Pont-de-Vaux, starting at 10:30 p.m.
