The long-distance Africa Eco Race race will take place through January 15th. The last international rally-raid to take place on the African continent, the race started in Monaco this past Sunday before streaking through Morocco. It was Adriana Karembeu, the former model, philanthropist, and sponsor of the competition who gave the start.
Quai Antoine I, this past December 30th. The start to the day was relatively quiet, unremarkable to most. But that would soon change as the residents caught wind of the automotive rumblings. It was on the Quai Antoine I that were gathered the vehicles and drivers for the beginning of the tenth edition of the Africa Eco Race. Motorcycles, cars, and trucks started the race from there, after a symbolic wave from Adriana Karembeu. Local spectators were treated to a delightful moment too, when Alexey Titov, driving a Ford Raptor 4 × 4, proposed to his wife just before the start!
A race like no other
The eighty-five vehicles involved in the Africa Eco Race are going through Morocco and Mauritania to reach Senegal on January 13th. A few hundred kilometers of special, rather technical and imposing terrain, which demand sufficient preparation before navigation. Indeed, the world of rally-raid was shaken up a few years ago by the departure of the Dakar to Latin America, leaving the Africa Eco Race as the only race to reach the African continent from Europe. By displaying a desire for eco-responsibility at all levels, the event manages to reconcile high-level mechanical sport and ethical requirement. Values shared by the sponsor of the competition, who will have appreciated the near-perfect organization of the Africa Eco Race’s start on Sunday.
*Originally reported on the French edition of the Monaco Tribune.