The Africa Eco Race, the world’s largest cross-border rally raid, has introduced the listing of contributors for its 2025 version.
Created in 2008, the Africa Eco Race is a one-of-a-kind rally raid that follows within the footsteps of legendary African rallies, emphasizing a spirit of journey and environmental respect. This worldwide rally connects Monaco to Dakar, providing levels by means of the beautiful landscapes of Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, culminating on the shores of the enduring Lac Rose.
The Africa Eco Race stands out for its dedication to accountable competitors. The occasion integrates eco-friendly practices to reduce its environmental impression and implements solidarity actions to profit native communities. It attracts skilled and beginner racers from world wide — competing in vehicles, SSVs, bikes, quads, and vans — who share a ardour for pushing their limits, journey, and environmental preservation.
This yr’s competitors will kick off on Dec. 28, overlaying 5,903 km (3668 miles), together with 3,572 km of timed specials. With a complete of 155 contributors and 120 automobiles throughout the Moto, Quad, Automobile, SSV, Truck, Historic, and Raid classes, the occasion’s opponents characterize 21 nationalities, from the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia.
A complete of 66 drivers and co-drivers in 31 automobiles will compete within the Africa Eco Race throughout the Auto, SSV, Quad, Truck, Raid, and Historic classes.
Within the Auto class, the competitors guarantees to be tight and stuffed with surprises, with high-level groups within the combine. Amongst them are the Czech duo Tomas Ourednicek and Lukas Bartak from Workforce Toyota Gazoo Racing Czech, the French crew Benoit Fretin and Cedric Duple of their spectacular Century C6, the Hungarian pair Varga Imre and Toma József driving a Toyota Hilux Overdrive, the Dutch staff Wietse Tates and Koen Wessling with their Bowler Wildcat, and the duo of Vincent Vroninks (Netherlands) and Dave Berghmans (Belgium) of their Crimson-Lined VK56.
Moreover, some 10 groups within the Auto class have opted for the Raid class, following the opponents’ course by way of GPS with out the stress of timed competitors, permitting them to completely benefit from the Africa Eco Race expertise.
Within the Moto class, the battle guarantees to be fierce with 78
opponents. The 2-wheel class will probably be extremely contested with 78 riders, together with 28 within the Xtreme Rider by Motul class, devoted to “malle moto” contributors. This absolutely booked class highlights riders taking up the final word problem: going through the rally with out exterior technical help, managing their bike upkeep independently.
A number of riders are price preserving an in depth 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 completed second and third final yr, will once more characterize Yamaha, aiming to convey one other victory to the model. Norwegian Pål Anders Ullevålseter, a two-time Africa Eco Race winner with three runner-up finishes to his title, can be making his return to African tracks. Italian Matteo Bottino, recent off his victory within the 2024 FIM European Rally Cup Championship, will probably be one other contender to observe as he traces up along with his KOVE 800X Rally LS. This occasion marks the debut of the machine, with the model holding lofty ambitions in rally raid.
Frenchman Eric Bernard will even be part of the competitors, aiming for a robust efficiency. Bernard, who has 17 Dakar participations below his belt, is returning to African tracks 27 years after his first Paris-Dakar.
Among the many many expert beginner riders aiming for a robust end result, Patrice Carillon stands out. Winner of the malle moto class within the earlier version, he returns this yr with excessive ambitions. His expertise and willpower make him a robust contender for victory on this demanding class. Additionally noteworthy is the presence of British rider Stephanie Rowe and Frenchman Vincent Biau, who kind the Petokask staff. Having made a reputation for themselves in a number of rounds of the FIM European and World Rally Raid Championships, they too are aiming for a prime end within the malle moto rankings.
A particular point out goes to Thierry Costard, who, after a number of participations within the Africa Eco Race, will probably be embarking on a brand new journey along with his son and co-rider, Maxence Costard. Collectively, they goal to create a memorable household expertise on this difficult journey.
Among the many Moto entrants, 11 riders will take part within the Raid class, free from the pressures of timed competitors. Utilizing GPS navigation, these fans will give attention to the necessities: reaching Lac Rose and absolutely experiencing the distinctive journey of a rally raid from the within.
In Mauritania, these “raiders” will probably be joined by a particular visitor: Stéphane Peterhansel, a rally raid legend with a number of Dakar victories. He’ll return to the African tracks on a Yamaha, revisiting the terrain that cast his legacy.
The Historic class, launched in 2024 and overseen by Yves Loubet, gives a contest for automobiles constructed between 1970 and 2007. After a profitable first version final yr, this class continues to develop, offering an ideal stage for distinctive machines, together with a number of Porsche 911s, a MAN Kat1 truck, and Nissan Patrols.
Eric and Tom Clayes, winners of final yr’s version, will return with their 1978 Land Cruiser, a first-owner car in fully authentic situation. René Declercq and Kurt Dujardyn will even compete once more with their Bombardier Iltis after collaborating in 2024.
“We have now gathered over 150 passionate women and men, not counting help groups, able to embark on a rare journey and distinctive competitors throughout Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal,” mentioned Jean-Louis Schlesser, director of the Africa Eco Race. “The route designed by our reconnaissance and organizational groups awaits them, with its unbelievable landscapes, beloved native populations, challenges, and hard terrain.
“We invite all contributors, and anybody wishing to witness the departure of those heroes, to affix us within the Italian cities of Bordighera, Vallecrosia, and Camporosso for technical checks beginning Dec. 27, and on the Monaco port on Dec. 28 within the night for the rally’s departure ceremony in a festive environment. The arrival at Lac Rose in Dakar, scheduled for Jan. 12, 2025, will have fun a rare human and sporting journey.”
