The 2026 Africa Eco Race gets underway for Aprilia Tuareg Racing following the cancellation of the prologue and the first stage
THE VERY FIRST STAGE FOR THE APRILIA TUAREG RACING RIDERS, WITH REIGNING CHAMPION JACOPO CERUTTI FOURTH OVERALL
The Aprilia Tuareg Racing Team officially kicked off the 2026 edition of the Africa Eco Race. This followed after both the prologue and the first stage were cancelled in recent days due to adverse weather conditions.
The prologue, which was intended to determine the starting positions, did not take place. The first stage was originally planned to run from Tangier to Bousaïd over around 800 km. However, it was also run as a non-competitive liaison stage due to snow along the route.
The new opening stage was originally planned as the second stage. During this new opener, the Aprilia Tuareg Racing riders set off from Bousaïd to tackle a navigation stage. It featured long fast sections, particularly demanding rocky stretches, and the first iconic dunes of Merzouga.
Jacopo Cerutti was riding the Aprilia Tuareg Rally and is the reigning champion of the Africa Eco Race. He finished the opening stage in fourth place overall, +2’36’’ behind the leader. Francesco Montanari concluded in ninth place overall, +16’49’’, while Marco Menichini had a more challenging start. He finished the stage in eighteenth place overall, +30’24’’ from the leader.
JACOPO CERUTTI
“The first stage went well. I started first and was managed to lead for practically the whole day. Even though the timed section was shortened to 218 km, it went well, and I’m happy with the pace. The bike is performing well, and we’ll see if we can make any improvements ahead of the second stage. There are many strong competitors this year, but we’re ready to compete”.