Get ready for one of the most thrilling rally raids on the planet! Pol Tarrés and Alessandro Botturi, stars of the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team, are set to conquer the Africa Eco Race, kicking off in Monaco on December 28. This grueling adventure spans nearly 6,000 kilometers across Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, culminating at the iconic Lake Rose in Dakar on January 12, 2025.
This year’s 16th edition of the Africa Eco Race (AER) will have Tarrés and Botturi navigate the challenging terrain aboard their Ténéré World Raid GYTR bikes. Following the historic routes of the Paris-Dakar rally, the race comprises 12 stages over 13 days, testing their limits as they traverse the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert.
Botturi, a two-time AER champion from 2019 and 2020, and Tarrés, who made headlines in 2022 for his groundbreaking performance on a twin-cylinder adventure motorcycle, are returning with confidence after finishing second and third, respectively, in the previous edition. With Tarrés recently securing victory at the Morocco Desert Challenge and Botturi finishing strong at the TransAnatolia, their preparations remain solid.
The duo is eyeing overall victory within the multifaceted category for motorcycles between 650cc to 1000cc. Joined by racing legend Stéphane Peterhansel, the team is ready for action, and the official start in Monaco promises intense competition.
The Africa Eco Race is considered one of the most challenging and exhilarating rally raids globally. Set to begin on December 28, 2025, the race promises to be extraordinary, covering nearly 6,000 kilometers across Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, with the finish line at beautiful Lake Rose, Dakar, marking the culmination on January 12, 2025.
Competitors will navigate through diverse landscapes, including the rugged Atlas Mountains and the vast Sahara Desert. This year, the race will highlight motorcycles between 650cc to 1000cc, allowing participants to compete within this multifaceted category.
Notable competitors include rally veterans Pol Tarrés and Alessandro Botturi, bringing unique skills and experiences. Botturi, the two-time champion, and Tarrés, recognized for his impressive performances, set the stage for fierce competition.
The competitive environment this year promises to be intense. With racing legend Stéphane Peterhansel joining the team, their chances of victory appear even more promising.
Participators of the AER reap various benefits, such as the thrilling challenge the terrain presents, networking opportunities with motorsport enthusiasts, and cultural exposure as the race runs through multiple countries.
Yet, the event also has its drawbacks, including the necessity for peak physical fitness and mental resilience due to the grueling nature of the race and the logistical challenges participants must face.
Security is also emphasized, with organizers planning enhanced measures, including GPS tracking, medical support, and communication systems for the safety of both participants and spectators throughout the race.
With increasing interest in rally racing, the Africa Eco Race is rapidly gaining popularity among motorcycling and adventure sports enthusiasts, igniting trends within adventure tourism. The growing demand for high-performance adventure motorcycles is expected to rise as such events gain mainstream status.
Anticipation is building as the countdown to the Africa Eco Race 2025 begins. With seasoned competitors like Pol Tarrés and Alessandro Botturi preparing to tackle the elements, it’s poised to be an unforgettable contest. For more information and updates, participants are encouraged to visit the official site of the Africa Eco Race.
FAQs
What is the Africa Eco Race? The Africa Eco Race is an annual rally raid traversing various countries within Africa, following historic routes similar to the Paris-Dakar rally.
How long is the Africa Eco Race? Covering nearly 6,000 kilometers, the race takes place over 13 days.
Who can participate? Motorcycle riders with bikes ranging from 650cc to 1000cc are eligible to compete.
Stay tuned as the event approaches and support your favorite racers!