The Enduropale du Touquet, one of the most highly anticipated motocross events, entered its 50th edition this year, promising thrills and excitement for participants and spectators alike. Between February 7 and 9, 2025, this renowned race captivated the attention of about 100,000 spectators gathered on the stunning beaches of Touquet-Paris-Plage, Pas-de-Calais, France. Organizers were eager to celebrate this milestone with a menu of events spread across the three-day festivities.
The weekend kicked off with the Enduro Vintage race on Friday, February 7, from 14:30 to 15:30, where riders competed on motorcycles from before 1996. This initial race set the scene with nothing short of excitement, as spectators eagerly awaited the performances of their favorite riders. Among them was local favorite Nicolas Dercourt, who had the crowd cheering. The atmosphere was festive, as families including a colorful group dressed as unicorns came to show their support. One of the family members, Christopher, expressed their hopes stating, "On espère voir de beaux duels" as they settled down to watch the race.
Saturday was dedicated to showcasing young talent, with races for the Espoirs and Juniors, as well as the popular Quaduro event. The Enduropale Espoirs, occurring from 9:00 to 10:00, featured racers aged between 11 and 15, racing on a 3.5 km course along the sandy beachfront. Following them, from 11:00 to 12:30, were competitors aged 13 to 17 participating in the Enduropale Juniors race, which highlighted the competitive spirit and skills of the younger generation.
The Quaduro, regarded as one of the highlights of the weekend, started at 14:00, running for 2 hours and 30 minutes. This event matched the iconic quality of the main race scheduled for Sunday, promising tight competition on its 13 km circuit filled with challenging turns and sand obstacles.
With approximately 2,700 riders participating throughout the events, anticipation grew for the grand finale on Sunday, February 9, when the main race would start at 14:00. Viewers could also tune in for live broadcasts available on various platforms, including France 3 and La Chaîne L'Équipe. Additional coverage included social media channels, providing plenty of options to follow the thrilling events.
Notably, this year the course had been lengthened to 15 km, providing even more challenge to the riders. Among the favorites competing for the top position were Milko Potisek and Todd Kellett, who promised to deliver relentless rivalry. This year's race not only marked Potisek's return—having missed last year due to injury—but also positioned him as one of the major draws, with his previous three victories (2018, 2020, 2022) and local fame.
Alongside him, applauded Belgian racer Amandine Verstappen, aiming for her third consecutive victory after her wins in 2023 and 2024, adding to the event's competitive intrigue. The atmosphere buzzed with expectation, delighting both fans and families present.
Families were also deeply intertwined within this event—Christopher's family, proudly donning unicorn-themed attire, expressed their passion for motocross. "Des fois, on crie, mais ils ne nous entendent pas, alors j'ai amené ça," discovered Christopher, brandishing a toy chainsaw, elicited laughter from the crowd, as children played and prepared for the day’s excitement.
Léonore and Elsa, Christopher's daughters, were bubbling with enthusiasm, with Léonore exclaiming, "J'ai commencé il n’y a pas longtemps, mais j'adore déjà." This dilated love for biking showcased the family connection to the sport and their participation as spectators on Saturday for the Quaduro event.
This year’s Enduropale du Touquet wasn’t just another race; it was the signature event embodying the essence of motocross culture—the unity of families, backgrounds, and the collective thrill of competition against the backdrop of stunning sandy beaches. The event stood not only as a reminiscence of 50 years of racing history but also as hope for the future generations of motocross riders.
With the roots firmly embedded, the Enduropale du Touquet's legacy continues, echoing the sentiments of the old and new, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.