The highly anticipated 16th edition of the Africa Eco Race commenced on Saturday evening from Monaco’s Quai Antoine I, with 120 vehicles embarking on a challenging journey following the legendary Paris-Dakar route to Senegal…
This year’s race, which highlights endurance, strategy, and resilience, features 80 motorcycles, including two electric models debuting in the competition, and around 30 cars, accompanied by logistics support trucks to ensure safe arrivals.
Participants are set to traverse nearly 6,000 kilometres over the coming weeks, with timed events beginning in Morocco. This rally is not just about speed; it demands mechanical preparedness, self-discipline, and clever navigation, as emphasised by French competitor Benoît Fretin, who spent over a year preparing for this adventure. “It’s not always the fastest who wins, but the smartest,” he remarked, capturing the spirit of the race.
The start of this year’s event was marked by a poignant moment as Diane Thierry-Mieg, the former fiancée of Thierry Sabine, the creator of the original Paris-Dakar rally, gave the ceremonial start. Thierry Sabine tragically lost his life in 1986 during the rally, and this occasion served as a heartfelt tribute to his legacy.
The Africa Eco Race celebrates the essence of adventure, blending the spirit of exploration with the thrill of competition. The event’s conclusion at Senegal’s Lac Rose on January 12 promises to crown the champions of this remarkable journey. Fans can track the race’s progress on social media and the official Africa Eco Race website.
Image: Monaco Info
