The Africa Eco Race has officially taken off, already delivering its share of unforeseen challenges and adventure, true to the rally’s DNA. Even before the official start and the first stage, competitors have faced an intense introduction, largely influenced by particularly difficult weather conditions.
On Tuesday, January 20, the majority of competitors and vehicles boarded the Massilia in Marseille, a vessel operated by La Méridionale, partner of the Africa Eco Race. The three-day crossing to Tangier proved challenging, marked by heavy seas and stormy conditions in the Mediterranean. Despite this, the atmosphere on board remained excellent, driven by the spirit of solidarity and camaraderie that defines the event.
This eventful crossing caused delays upon arrival, disrupting the initial schedule of technical and administrative scrutineering in Tangier. The majority of competitors and vehicles eventually disembarked on Friday, January 23, while some teams were already present on site.
Prologue cancelled
In Tangier, severe weather conditions — heavy rain and strong winds — made life on the vehicle park particularly difficult. As a result, the prologue initially scheduled for Sunday, January 25 on Tangier’s beach had to be cancelled, as the site was not practicable.
First special stage cancelled
Scheduled for Monday, January 26, the first timed special stage between Tangier and Boussaïd was also cancelled by the race direction. Heavy snowfall affecting the Moroccan mountain ranges did not allow safe conditions to be guaranteed for competitors and teams.
Faced with this situation, the organization reacted quickly. The entire Africa Eco Race caravan — competitors, assistance crews and organization — is now preparing to reach the first bivouac in Boussaïd by road, avoiding the main mountain ranges, via a liaison of nearly 1,000 kilometers.
Anthony Schlesser, Executive Director of the Africa Eco Race, said: “The weather has disrupted what was a well-prepared program, but this is also the very nature of this type of adventure. We know how to adapt and implement alternative solutions to ensure safety and the continuity of the rally. From the second stage onward, sport will take center stage again, with self-achievement and the spirit of adventure that are at the heart of the Africa Eco Race.”
Despite a disrupted start, the essentials remain unchanged: the Africa Eco Race is well and truly underway, and the sporting adventure promises to intensify from the upcoming stages.
