Twenty-year-old Swiss motorcycle racer Yann Damond will be a rider for the Slovak Maco Racing team in the international Superstock 1000 championship Alpe Adria in season 2026.
The young rider successfully introduced himself in this series in 2024, when he won the vice-champion title in the Supersport class. This year he will change classes, switching from a 600 cc motorcycle to the 1 000 cc Yamaha R1 being prepared by the Maco Racing team.
The Slovak team is entering its 24th season in the FIM EWC World Endurance Championship and also in the Alpe Adria International Motorcycle Championship, with which he already has extensive experience and has achieved many successes there.
Yann Damond:
“After the title of European Vice-Champion in 600 Supersport in 2024 and a 2025 season full of experience, 2026 is shaping up to mark the beginning of a new era.
I am pleased to announce that I will be changing categories to move up to 1000cc and will be joining Maco Racing in 2026.
Maco Racing is a team that has been competing in both the European Championship and the Endurance World Championship for over 20 years.
Specialized in 1000cc motorcycles, Maco has proven its competitiveness and longevity over the years.
By joining this team, an entire project is coming to life.
I will compete in the European Championship in the Superstock 1000 category, with the opportunity to serve as a reserve rider for the Endurance World Championship.
The goal is then to become an official rider for this same team in the Endurance World Championship in 2027.
I am very happy to be part of a team that combines a true competitive mindset with a long-term vision.
My experience in European championships and their expertise will be key assets to help me learn this new category as quickly as possible and grow together.
I am convinced that the 2026 season will be the beginning of a fantastic, solidly-built project!
Martin Kuzma, team owner:
“I am delighted to welcome Yann to our MACO RACING team because I am convinced with his qualities, which he has already proven in the Alpe Adria series and with our technology, he will be able to fight for the TOP positions in the Superstock 1000 class. He will be able to count on the maximum care from the team, supported by 25 years of experience with Yamaha motorcycles. Our aim will be to bring Yann to participate in the FIM EWC Championship with our team in 2027.”
