Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
The Africa Eco Race, the world’s premier cross-border rally raid, has revealed the list of participants for its highly anticipated 2025 edition.
Launched in 2008, the Africa Eco Race honors the legacy of historic African rallies while championing sustainability and adventure. This iconic rally stretches from Monaco to Dakar, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, and concludes at the picturesque Lac Rose.
Renowned for its eco-conscious approach, the race integrates environmentally friendly practices and supports local communities through solidarity initiatives. Attracting both professional and amateur racers, the event showcases vehicles ranging from motorcycles and quads to trucks and cars, uniting competitors with a shared passion for adventure and environmental preservation.
A Global Competition
The 2025 rally kicks off on December 28, covering 5,903 kilometers, including 3,572 kilometers of timed specials. This year’s edition features 155 participants and 120 vehicles across categories such as Moto, Quad, Auto, SSV, Truck, Historic, and Raid. Competitors hail from 21 nations, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia.
In the Auto category, 66 drivers and co-drivers in 31 vehicles will vie for victory, with notable teams like Tomas Ourednicek and Lukas Bartak from Team Toyota Gazoo Racing Czech, Benoit Fretin and Cedric Duple in a Century C6, and Varga Imre and Toma József in a Toyota Hilux Overdrive. Additionally, 10 Auto teams will participate in the Raid class, navigating the course via GPS to fully embrace the rally experience without the pressure of timed competition.
Moto Category Highlights
The Moto category promises intense competition with 78 riders, including 28 in the Xtreme Rider by Motul class for “malle moto” participants who manage their bike maintenance without external assistance. Italian rider Jacopo Cerutti, last year’s champion, will defend his title on a Tuareg Aprilia. Yamaha representatives Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarres, along with former champion Pål Anders Ullevålseter, are among the top contenders.
Other notable entrants include Matteo Bottino, debuting the KOVE 800X Rally LS, and Patrice Carillon, returning to the malle moto category with high ambitions. British rider Stephanie Rowe and Frenchman Vincent Biau of the Petokask team also aim for strong finishes, while Thierry Costard embarks on a unique journey alongside his son, Maxence.
Spotlight on Legends and Historic Vehicles
Mauritania will welcome rally raid icon Stéphane Peterhansel, who returns to the African tracks on a Yamaha. Meanwhile, the Historic category, featuring vehicles from 1970 to 2007, continues to grow. Standout entries include Eric and Tom Clayes with their original 1978 Land Cruiser and René Declercq with a Bombardier Iltis.
A Celebration of Adventure
Jean-Louis Schlesser, director of the Africa Eco Race, emphasized the event’s unique blend of competition and camaraderie. “Over 150 passionate participants, supported by dedicated teams, will embark on this extraordinary journey across Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. We invite fans to join us for the technical checks in Italy on December 27 and the festive departure ceremony at Monaco port on December 28. The finish line at Lac Rose on January 12, 2025, will mark the end of a remarkable human and sporting adventure.”
The Africa Eco Race continues to inspire with its commitment to sustainable exploration and the enduring spirit of rally racing.
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