This is out from Jean-Louis Schlesser:
Our rally has always been about passion, a race organized by people passionate aboutAfrica and Cross-Country rallies which bring together adventurers, travellers and mechanical sport lovers, all inrespect of the economic and environmental aspects of the countries and populations we cross.
Despite the year 2020 being hit by this sanitary crisis, all was put in place by the organisation team of the AFRICA ECO RACE to succeed in organizing this 13thedition. The main objective was to adapt to the Covid-19 restrictions: a new route “Dakar –Dakar”, new logistics, new dates, setup of a specific sanitary protocol, and not forgetting to take into account all the restrictions set by the various countries our competitors come from.The competitors, volunteers, providers and partners of this edition were ready and set.
Today, it is 63 motorbikes, 42 cars/SxS and 13 trucks who gave us their trust and were part of this 600 people caravan with over 30 nationalities.
After all my team’s efforts, I had to come this morning to the very painful decision to cancel the 13th edition of the AFRICA ECO RACE which was taking place from the 5th to 17th of January 2021. Despite all the organizational work and our aim for this edition to go well, the exterior factors which are out of control, force us to make this immediate decision, because cancelling last minute is not an option and would be far too risky financially for everybody involved. Out of respect for our competitors, providers, volunteers and partners, we refuse to let anyone take any risk related to Covid-19 and its consequences on our health which is today, still a blur. For our competitors, the amounts already paid will be refunded or maintained for the next edition, upon the team’s request. A specific information will be sent to you rapidly. I will be back very soon to announce our new 2021 projects. We look forward to seeing you in 2022 for the 14th edition of the AFRICA ECO RACE.