The Bol d'Or is the most legendary motorcycle endurance race in the world. 24 hours of non-stop racing, rider relays at 300 km/h in the dark, mechanics changing brake pads in under 15 seconds: it's the ultimate motorcycle spectacle. Here's your complete guide to the 2026 edition at Circuit Paul Ricard.
History of the Bol d'Or
Created in 1922, the Bol d'Or is the oldest motorcycle endurance race in the world. Originally held at the Vaujours circuit near Paris, the race migrated to Le Mans, then Montlhery, before permanently settling at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet (southern France) in 2000. The name "Bol d'Or" comes from the original trophy: a solid gold bowl given to the winner.
The race is part of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) and traditionally serves as the most prestigious round of the calendar. Teams must complete as many laps as possible in 24 hours, with relays of 2 to 3 riders per bike.
What Makes Endurance Special
Unlike MotoGP where a single rider races for 45 minutes, endurance is a total team sport. Each team fields 2 or 3 riders who swap every 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. The bike must last 24 hours: engine, transmission, brakes, tires. Pit stops are timed to the second: rider change, refueling, tire change, all in under 30 seconds for the best teams.
Night changes everything. When the sun sets over Paul Ricard, the race takes on another dimension. Riders race at over 250 km/h with only their bike headlights and reflective track markers for guidance. This is when mistakes cost the most.
Teams to Watch in 2026
Factory teams dominate the championship:
- Yoshimura SERT Motul (Suzuki): the most titled team at the Bol d'Or
- YART Yamaha: always competitive with their factory R1
- Honda Endurance Racing: the CBR1000RR-R in endurance spec
- Kawasaki SRC: the French team with the ZX-10R
- BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: outsiders with the M1000RR
