Africa Eco Race: an epic journey from Monaco to Dakar!

On 30 December 2023, Jean-Louis Schlesser, the well-known French driver and mastermind behind the event, officially got the 15th Africa Eco Race under way at Monaco’s Port Hercule, alongside Adriana Karembeu, patron of this year’s race.

The African rally has been based in the Principality for some years now, creating a worthy combination of an environmentally-friendly race and a Principality always looking to the future, with a century-old love affair with motor racing into the bargain.
The African Eco Race is committed to protecting the environment in more ways than one.  In addition to the everyday actions recommended by the organisers and the sustainable events inspired by the rally, especially in Mauritania, many competitors use the race to raise awareness for ambitious projects.
This year, for example, saw Arnaud Jacquart riding an all-electric motorcycle, while Team Latvia went with an electric car, Willy Jobard opted for a hybrid water-powered motorcycle, and André Lenoble raced through the desert on a motorbike fitted with photovoltaic cells. All of these solutions encourage a keen interest in the future and give another facet to the Africa Eco Race.
This 15th edition of the race itself was won by motorcycle rider Aprilia Jacopo Cerutti, ahead of Alessandro Botturi and Pol Torres, both riding Yamahas. The top-placed woman was Vanessa Ruck, who finished 27th in the motorcycle category

One of the biggest feats of the fortnight came from famous rider Joan Pedrero, who successfully brought home a Harley-Davidson 1250 Pan America, confirming that the iconic big bikes aren’t just made for Route 66. The motorcyclists were on top form this year, with 34 of the 47 riders making it across the finish line.
The Africa Eco Race 2024 ended with a 15 km special stage around the majestic Lake Retba, a route that every year features incredible landscapes and unforgettable encounters with the local population.