On December 28, the stage is set for the highly anticipated 16th edition of the Africa Eco Race, as it launches from the stunning Principality of Monaco. Diane Thierry-Mieg, the former wife of Thierry Sabine—celebrated founder of the legendary Paris-Dakar—along with Jean-Louis Schlesser, director of the Africa Eco Race, will ignite the excitement with the starting signal during a ceremony sure to be filled with emotion and passion. This thrilling rally-raid will follow in the footsteps of Thierry Sabine, traversing Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, culminating in a spectacular finale at the shores of Lake Rose in Dakar on January 12.
In the lead-up to this grand departure, competitors will gather in Italy for two dynamic days of technical and administrative checks across the picturesque towns of Bordighera, Vallecrosia, and Camporosso. These essential preparations will ensure that all participants and their vehicles are fully equipped and ready to take on the challenges that the African desert has in store.
Expect large crowds to gather in Italy, where fans will celebrate the incredible vehicles and cheer on the participants in the accessible “parc fermé” areas, leading to an exhilarating start in Monaco.
A Unique Rally Awaits
From its inception, the Africa Eco Race has promised to uphold the original spirit of rally-raids by offering participants an exceptional route through breathtaking landscapes while championing eco-responsible values and respect for the territories traversed. This year, drivers, co-drivers, and support teams are bracing for an unforgettable adventure that will take them through Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, all leading to the iconic arrival at Lake Rose in Dakar on January 12.
A Departure Rooted in History and Purpose
The presence of Diane Thierry-Mieg as the patron of this 16th edition evokes a powerful sense of history and commitment, reminding everyone of Thierry Sabine’s enduring legacy and vision for rally-raids as events that promote self-transcendence, teamwork, mutual aid, solidarity, and appreciation for local cultures.
Jean-Louis Schlesser, the event’s director, extends his heartfelt gratitude to the Monaco and Italian authorities for their unwavering support and hospitality, as well as to all participants and partners who are gearing up to make this event a remarkable experience. The anticipation is building, and the adventure is about to unfold.
