AFRICA ECO RACE:
THE COMPETITION IS READY TO BEGIN
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The list of registered participants is revealed
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The Africa Eco Race, the world’s largest cross-border rally raid, officially unveils the list of participants for its 2025 edition. This exceptional competition, which connects Monaco to the legendary Lac Rose in Dakar, will kick off on December 28, 2024, covering 5,903 km, including 3,572 km of timed specials.
With a total of 155 participants and 120 vehicles across the Moto, Quad, Car, SSV, Truck, Historic, and Raid categories, this 16th edition 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.
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In the Moto category, the battle promises to be fierce with 78 competitors in the race.
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The two-wheel category will be highly contested with 78 riders, including 28 in the Xtreme Rider by Motul category, dedicated to "malle moto" participants. This fully booked category highlights riders taking on the ultimate challenge: facing the rally without external technical assistance, managing their bike maintenance independently.
Favorites ready to battle
Several riders are worth keeping a close eye on. 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, aiming to bring another victory to the brand. Norwegian legend PĂĄl Anders UllevĂĄlseter, 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 as he lines 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.
Talented amateurs ready to compete
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, who, after several participations in the Africa Eco Race, will be embarking 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.
The Raid: A unique experience without the pressure of the clock
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: reaching Lac Rose and fully experiencing 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.
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On four wheels, 66 participants for a unique adventure
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A total of 66 drivers and co-drivers in 31 vehicles will compete in the Africa Eco Race across the Auto, SSV, Quad, Truck, Raid, and Historic categories.
In the Auto category, the competition promises to be tight and full of surprises, with high-level teams in the mix. Among them are the Czech duo Tomas Ourednicek and Lukas Bartak from Team Toyota Gazoo Racing Czech, the French crew Benoit Fretin and Cedric Duple in their impressive Century C6, the Hungarian pair Varga Imre and Toma JĂłzsef driving a Toyota Hilux Overdrive, the Dutch team Wietse Tates and Koen Wessling with their Bowler Wildcat, and the duo of Vincent Vroninks (Netherlands) and Dave Berghmans (Belgium) in their Red-Lined VK56.
Additionally, about ten teams in the Auto category have opted for the Raid class, following the competitors’ course via GPS without the pressure of timed competition, allowing them to fully enjoy the Africa Eco Race experience.
Historic: A growing category
The Historic category, introduced in 2024 and overseen by Yves Loubet, offers a thrilling competition of regularity and navigation for vehicles built between 1970 and 2007. After a successful first edition last year, this category continues to grow, providing a perfect stage for exceptional machines, including several Porsche 911s, a MAN Kat1 truck, and stunning Nissan Patrols.
Eric and Tom Clayes, winners of last year’s edition, will return with their 1978 Land Cruiser, a first-owner vehicle in completely original condition. René Declercq and Kurt Dujardyn will also compete again with their Bombardier Iltis after participating in 2024.
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A line-up and course worthy of the legend
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“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.”
Jean-Louis Schlesser, Director of the Africa Eco Race
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