VENUM BUD RACING KAWASAKI TEAM SHINES AT THE ENDUROPALE DU TOUQUET
This weekend saw the 50th edition of the Enduropale du Touquet-Pas-de-Calais, the world’s biggest sand motorcycle race and the final round of the FIM World Sand Racing Championship. The event brought together nearly 2,800 international riders and more than 700,000 spectators.
This legendary event also marked the start of the sporting season for Team Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki, with the first race of the 2026 season.
Outstanding performance in the Espoirs category: Tim Lopes dominates
Bud Academy’s young rider Tim Lopes delivered an impressive performance in the Espoirs race. Starting in the top 15, Tim quickly set his pace and took the lead in the pack on the second lap. He was never challenged, crossing the finish line with a comfortable lead of more than 3 minutes over his pursuers. A superb first victory in his first race of 2026.
Spectacular comeback and podium finish for Jake Cannon in the Junior category
The first Australian rider to compete in this sand race, Jake Cannon was completely new to the discipline when he took part in the legendary Le Touquet event in the Junior category for the first time. For this grand debut, the day was full of twists and turns. After crashing in the first corner, Jake restarted in 140th place before embarking on a spectacular comeback. Thanks to his determination and speed, he managed to climb up to 3rd place overall, securing a remarkable podium finish for his very first experience on the sand of Le Touquet.
The Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki Team is now back to training, with Jake Cannon and Francisco Garcia set to compete in the International Race of Sommières on February 22 before tackling the French Elite Championship on March 1st in Castelnau-de-Lévis and the EMX250 European Championship in Almonte, Spain, on March 21 & 22.
Check out the Enduropale du Touquet INSIDE vlog here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmneZpYYdrQ
Stephane Dassé: “Le Touquet is always an important race because it brings together hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts. Every year, we try to recruit talented young riders who are capable of winning. I am proud of our riders, who gave it their all. Now we are refocusing on our main objectives: the French and European motocross championships.”
Tim Lopes: “I’m happy to have gotten my revenge after finishing third last year. I managed my race well, and that allowed me to win. I’m leaving for Spain tomorrow to train. I’m going to do everything I can to make my last season in 85cc a success.”
Jake Cannon: “I didn’t know what to expect when I came here. In Australia, we don’t have sand, and I never thought I’d be able to ride a race like this before coming to Europe. I’m disappointed that I crashed because I would have liked to fight for the win, but I had a lot of fun and I’m happy with my performance. I hope to come back and ride this race again one day.”
