The Africa Eco Race 2026 has officially begun, but not without a stormy prelude. The adventure started even before reaching the first bivouac or covering the first meters on bike, in car or truck. Severe weather impacted not only the ferry crossing over the Mediterranean, but also caused a chaotic start on Moroccan soil. Still, all vehicles are set to move tomorrow, heading toward the bivouac in Boussaïd.
Snowfall in the Atlas mountains
The rally’s first real stage, originally scheduled for Monday 26 January between Tangier and Boussaïd, was ultimately cancelled. Just a week ago the route was muddy but passable, yet parts of the Atlas Mountains are now covered in up to one meter of snow. Storm Harry has firmly gripped northern Morocco, bringing snow, rain and strong winds that make the region difficult to traverse.
800-kilometer transfer toward the desert
The entire rally caravan, including competitors, support vehicles and the organization, is preparing for a long 800-kilometer liaison to the first proper bivouac in Boussaïd, just south of Errachidia. This route avoids the snow-covered mountain passes and is expected to offer more favorable conditions. The first motorbike rider, Jacopo Cerutti, will depart at 05:30 tomorrow morning. The last truck, driven by Belgian Noël Essers, follows at 06:44. Along the way, the conditions remain tough, with wet roads and low temperatures, but the sun is finally expected to appear, marking the real beginning of the desert rally adventure.
The race continues
Anthony Schlesser, executive director of the Africa Eco Race, remains optimistic: “The weather disrupted a well-prepared program, but this is exactly what makes this kind of adventure so unique. We adapt, we find alternatives. From the second stage onward, the focus returns to sport, with self-reliance and adventure at the core of the race.”
Despite an unusual and challenging start, the Africa Eco Race 2026 is truly underway. The coming days promise sun, sand and speed — the very essence of what this rally stands for.
Watch It on RTL7
Starting tonight, the Africa Eco Race will be broadcast daily on RTL7. With three fixed air times at 00:30, 12:30 and 17:30, viewers can follow the journey toward Dakar. From 25 January to 8 February, this legendary rally raid is on screen every day, with a full television program produced by RallyTracks. This ensures that the race is not only up to date but also consistently visible to a broad audience. The focus lies on the Dutch competitors, their teams and the stories they create along the way.
