While the Dakar Rally is just days away from starting in Saudi Arabia, on the original tracks of the iconic race, the Africa Eco Race is taking place. Under the motto «Sur les traces de Thierry Sabine» («In Thierry Sabine’s trails», referring to the creator of the Dakar), the lineup may not compare in terms of prestige and quality, but the unique toughness of the African routes and the original spirit define this event, now reaching its 15th edition.
Although the official start is this Saturday night in Monaco, the first stage is scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, from Madour to Boudnib in Morocco, covering 174 kilometers against the clock out of a total of 598 km. Until then, the next few days involve technical checks, boarding, and travel to Africa.
The first week will all take place in Morocco, with the rest day on January 7 in Dakhla. From there, riders head to Chami on January 8 in the sixth stage, now in Mauritanian territory. This country will dominate the second week before arriving in Saint-Louis, Senegal, for the 11th stage. The 12th and final stage on January 14 links Saint-Louis to Dakar, culminating at the iconic Lac Rose.
Regarding the bikes, there will be 80 riders at the start, being a mixed class with quads. The official entry list has not yet been published online. However, it is known that Yamaha will be officially present with the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team project led by riders Alessandro Botturi (winner in 2019 and 2020) and Pol Tarrés.
Last edition’s winner, Štefan Svitko, won’t be present as he’ll compete in the Dakar. Other official teams include Harley-Davidson, with Joan Pedrero, and Aprilia with the Tuareg project, where the riders will be Francesco Montanari and Jacopo Cerutti.
Africa Eco Race 2024 stages:
January 2: Stage 1, Nador (Morocco)/Boudnib – 174km SS/598 km total
January 3: Stage 2, Boudnib/M’Hamid – 383lkm SS/425 km total
January 4: Stage 3, M’Hamid/Assa – 463km SS/523 km total
January 5: Stage 4, Assa/Port Chacal – 468km SS/473 km total
January 6: Stage 5, Port Chacal/Dakhla – 405km SS/593 km total
January 7: Rest day in Dakhla
January 8: Stage 6, Dakhla/Chami (Mauritania) – 205km SS/635 km total
January 9: Stage 7, Chami/Chami – 454km SS/475 km total
January 10: Stage 8, Chami/Amodjar – 395km SS/485 km total
January 11: Stage 9, Amodjar/Amodjar – 363km SS/467 km total
January 12: Stage 10, Amodjar/Akjoujt – 390km SS/415 km total
January 13: Stage 11, Akjoujt/Saint-Louis (Senegal) – 248km SS/477 km total
January 14: Stage 12, Saint-Louis/Dakar – 15km SS/325 km total