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Press release
Tangier, January 25th, 2026 |
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Africa Eco Race – Weather disrupts the opening of the rally
Prologue and first special stage cancelled
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| Photos, videos, entry list, route… CLICK HERE |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
PRESS CONTACT
Cédric Bret – +33 6 50 70 60 50
presse@africarace.com
About the AFRICA ECO RACE
Created in 2008, the Africa Eco Race follows in the footsteps of legendary African rallies and embraces a spirit of adventure, challenge and authenticity. From Morocco’s tracks to Mauritania’s dunes, the rally reaches its legendary finish at the iconic Lac Rose in Senegal.
Open to motorcycles, cars, SSVs and trucks, the event also features the Historic category and the Raid format for enthusiasts who want to experience the adventure without racing for the overall ranking. Committed to responsible competition, the Africa Eco Race promotes eco-friendly practices and solidarity actions for local communities.
More info: www.africarace.com |
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Copyright (C) 2026 AFRICA ECO RACE. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address: AFRICA ECO RACE, 14 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco, Monaco |
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