Africa Eco Race – The competition is ready

Words and images courtesy AEC

The Africa Eco Race, which connects Monaco to the legendary Lac Rose in Dakar, will kick off on December 28, 2024. It will cover 5,903km, including 3,572km of timed specials. The race will end on January 12.

With a total of 155 participants and 120 vehicles across the Moto, Quad, Car, SSV, Truck, Historic, and Raid categories, this 16th edition of the race promises thrilling battles on the African tracks.

The competitors, representing 21 nationalities, hail from all over Europe as well as Japan, Australia, the United States, and Canada.

More than ever, the Africa Eco Race is a global event with a prominent place in the international motorsports calendar.

Don’t be confused…

To explain though, the Africa Eco Race should not be confused with the Dakar Rally. The Dakar Rally, held in Saudi Arabia, starts on January 3 and is the opening round of the World Rally-Raid Championship sanctioned by the FIA and the FIM.

The Dakar Rally was the brainchild of French motorcycle racer Thierry Sabine. He got lost in the Abidjan-Nice race and realised the desert would be an incredible adventure.

He launched the Dakar Rally in 1978/79, starting in Paris and culminating some 10,000kms later in Dakar, Senegal.

The event became internationally famous. However, security threats in Mauritania led to the cancellation of the 2008 event. The following year, the Dakar Rally was held in South America.

Sabine died in a helicopter crash in 1986.

Following the cancellation of the Dakar, the Africa Eco Race was launched in 2008 by Jean-Louis Schlesser and René Metge. They wanted to bring rallies back to Africa and to the Lac Rose in Dakar, Senegal, Sabine’s route. This race follows in the footsteps of legendary African rallies, emphasizing a spirit of adventure and environmental respect.

The motto of the race is ‘along the tracks of Thierry Sabine’. It connects Monaco to Dakar, offering stages through the stunning landscapes of Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. The race culminates on the shores of the iconic Lac Rose.

Metge, a legendary figure in African rallies and co-founder of the Africa Eco Race, passed away on January 3, 2024.

Commitment

The organisers of Africa Eco Race say their race stands out for its commitment to responsible competition.

The event integrates eco-friendly practices to minimize its environmental impact and implements solidarity actions to benefit local communities.

It attracts professional and amateur racers from around the world—competing in cars, SSVs, motorcycles, quads, and trucks. They share a passion for pushing their limits, adventure, and environmental preservation.

The Africa Eco Race has continued its traditional format. Meanwhile, the Dakar Rally was held in South America from 2009 to 2019 but since has been held in Saudi Arabia.

Discussing the Africa Eco Race, which is due to depart Monaco on December 28, AER Race Director, Jean-Louis Schlesser, said: “We have gathered over 150 passionate men and women, not counting support teams, ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure and exceptional competition across Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. The route designed by our reconnaissance and organizational teams awaits them, with its incredible landscapes, beloved local populations, challenges, and tough terrain. We invite all participants, and anyone wishing to witness the departure of these heroes, to join us in the Italian towns of Bordighera, Vallecrosia, and Camporosso for technical checks starting December 27, and at the Monaco port on December 28 in the evening for the rally’s departure ceremony in a festive atmosphere. The arrival at Lac Rose in Dakar, scheduled for January 12, 2025, will celebrate an extraordinary human and sporting adventure.”

The two-wheel category will be highly contested with 78 riders. There are 28 in the Xtreme Rider by Motul category, dedicated to ‘Malle Moto’ participants. This fully-booked category highlights riders taking on the ultimate challenge. Riders face the rally without external technical assistance, managing their bike maintenance independently.

Keep an eye on…

Several riders are worth keeping a close eye on including: Italian rider Jacopo Cerutti, winner in 2024 on his Tuareg Aprilia, will return to defend his title.

Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarres, who finished 2nd and 3rd last year, will again represent Yamaha. They aim to bring another victory to the brand.

Norwegian legend Pål Anders Ullevålseter, a two-time Africa Eco Race winner with three runner-up finishes to his name, is also making his return to African tracks.

Italian Matteo Bottino, fresh off his victory in the 2024 FIM European Rally Cup Championship, will be another contender to watch. He will line up with his KOVE 800X Rally LS.

This event marks the debut of the machine, with the brand holding lofty ambitions in rally raid.

Frenchman Eric Bernard will also join the competition, aiming for a strong performance.

Bernard, who has 17 Dakar participations under his belt, is returning to African tracks 27 years after his first Paris-Dakar.

Many participants aim to reach Dakar in the best possible position.

Among the many skilled amateur riders aiming for a strong result, Patrice Carillon stands out.

Winner of the Malle Moto category in the previous edition, he returns this year with high ambitions.

His experience and determination make him a strong contender for victory in this demanding category.

Also noteworthy is the presence of British rider Stephanie Rowe and Frenchman Vincent Biau, who form the Petokask team.

Having made a name for themselves in several rounds of the FIM European and World Rally Raid Championships, they too are aiming for a top finish in the Malle Moto rankings.

A special mention goes to Thierry Costard. After several participations in the Africa Eco Race, Thierry will embark on a new adventure with his son and co-rider, Maxence Costard.

Together, they aim to create a memorable family experience on this challenging journey.

Among the Moto entrants, 11 riders will participate in the Raid category, free from the pressures of timed competition.

Using GPS navigation, these enthusiasts will focus on the essentials. They aim to reach Lac Rose and fully experience the unique adventure of a rally raid from the inside.

In Mauritania, these ‘Raiders’ will be joined by a special guest: Stéphane Peterhansel, a rally raid legend with multiple Dakar victories.

He will return to the African tracks on a Yamaha, revisiting the terrain that forged his legacy.

Africa Eco Race tech rules

The motorcycle category has become the centre-piece of the Africa Eco Race.

Experienced riders behind the wheels of various engine displacements set off every year. They have the ambition to cross Africa and reach the finish line at Lac Rose in Dakar.