The Africa Eco Race, the ultimate long-distance rally, will kick off on December 28, 2024, in Monaco and take participants over 5,903 km to the legendary Lac Rose in Dakar. With 155 participants and 120 vehicles from 21 nations, including Europe, Japan, Australia, the USA, and Canada, the 16th edition promises thrilling competition across Moto, Quad, Car, SSV, Truck, Historic, and Raid categories.
Top-Tier Competition on Two Wheels
In the Moto category, 78 riders will compete, including 28 in the “Xtreme Rider by Motul” category for “Malle Moto” participants who race without external technical support. Italian defending champion Jacopo Cerutti, riding his Tuareg Aprilia, is ready to defend his title. Yamaha will be represented by Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarres, who finished second and third last year. Norwegian rally veteran Pål Anders Ullevålseter, a two-time Africa Eco Race champion, also returns to the competition. Another contender is Italian Matteo Bottino, the 2024 FIM European Rally Cup champion, who will compete on his KOVE 800X Rally LS. Frenchman Eric Bernard, with 17 Dakar participations under his belt, returns to African tracks 27 years after his debut in the Paris-Dakar.
Route Highlights for 2025
This year’s route offers new challenges:
- Morocco: From the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to the dunes of Erg Cheggaga and the vast chotts of Irikki, participants will experience breathtaking scenic diversity.
- Mauritania: Endless dunes, demanding navigation, and scorching heat define the stages. Notably, two loops starting from Amodjar delve into the rich history of African rallies.
- Senegal: A special stage leads through the Sahelian savanna, passing baobabs and acacias, before reaching the finish line at Lac Rose.
Stephanie Rowe: On the Path to History
British rider Stephanie Rowe is chasing the ambitious goal of becoming the first woman to complete the Africa Eco Race in the Malle Moto category. After a severe motorcycle accident delayed her plans, she is now striving to achieve this historic milestone. To gather the remaining funds, she has launched a crowdfunding campaign.
Conclusion
The Africa Eco Race 2025 once again promises to be a truly special rally. No other event so seamlessly blends the spirit of the early days of great desert rallies with the modern era of motorcycle rallying. The unique route ending at Lac Rose in Dakar is a dream for any rally fan. The inclusion of larger capacity motorcycles like Yamaha and Aprilia, digital roadbooks, and a top-notch safety concept showcase the organizers’ commitment to staying current. Additionally, the large Malle Moto class and inspiring stories, such as that of Stephanie Rowe, make the Africa Eco Race a one-of-a-kind event.
While the AER has long been overshadowed by the Dakar Rally, whether that is fair or not is something every fan must decide for themselves!
