On December 28, 2024, the Africa Eco Race 2025 began in the enchanting setting of Monaco. A symbolic start for a legendary rally-raid, where passion, self-discipline, and teamwork come together.
This year, our team supported 11 riders across the racing and raid categories. Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarrés, our official riders, were joined in the racing category by Francesco Catanese, Iarno D’Orsogna, Nicolas Charlier, Laurent Cochet, Christophe Meillat, and Thierry Traccan.
In the raid category, Laurent Edouin, Christophe Edouin, and Reinhold Jakobi had the immense privilege of riding under the guidance of a living legend: Stéphane Peterhansel, who joined the team for the Mauritania stages, bringing his expertise and unique perspective of the terrain.
Memorable stages through breathtaking landscapes.
From the start, the intensity of the challenge is felt. Under a winter sun, our riders tackled tough tracks, moving forward. varied landscapes: majestic dunes, rocky tracks, and starry skies accompanying the nighttime camps.
- Stage 1 Alessandro Botturi secures second place, closely followed by Pol Tarrés in third. A promising start for the team.
- Stage 2: Pol Tarrés suffers a fall and is forced to withdraw from the race. Fortunately, he escapes without injury. Alessandro Botturi, fueled by the situation, secures a stunning stage victory.
- Stage 3: Alessandro Botturi continues his momentum and finishes second. Nicolas Charlier also stands out, securing 10th place in the overall standings.
- Stage 4 and 5: Alessandro wins Stage 4, while Nicolas Charlier shines on the following stage, securing a memorable victory for the team.
After a well-deserved rest day, Alessandro Botturi takes control on Stage 6, once again claiming victory and solidifying his lead in the overall standings.
A palpable tension right up to the final stretch.
As the end of the race approaches, the pressure intensifies. Alessandro Botturi remains in the lead despite some navigation mistakes on Stage 8. Adverse weather forces the cancellation of Stage 9, making the gaps in the overall standings even more critical.
Stage 10, the final battle, Alessandro finishes second, maintaining a narrow lead of just nine seconds.
Stage 11 proved decisive in the Africa Eco Race, solidifying the overall standings. After 6,000 km of racing, only 26 seconds separated the winner from Alessandro Botturi, who finished in second place. A unfortunate incident—a fishing net caught in his wheels during the stage—compromised his chances of victory.
This second place, though falling short of our expectations, remains a testament to the exceptional navigation and driving skills of our rider. The entire team is proud of his dedication and the fierce battle fought until the finish line!
Rider Results:
Our riders demonstrated unwavering commitment. Nicolas Charlier, despite his promising performance, had to retire due to a mechanical issue, just like Francesco Catanese, who was forced to withdraw.
Final Standings:
- Thierry Traccan: 24th
- Christophe Meillat: 28th
- Laurent Cochet: 44th
- Iarno D’Orsogna: 51th
As for our riders in the raid category, although out of the standings, they tackled the challenge with exemplary determination, supported by the expertise of Stéphane Peterhansel.
On the road to new horizons
The Africa Eco Race 2025 will remain a race full of twists, achievements, and moments of camaraderie. This edition once again demonstrated the strength and solidarity of our team in the face of the toughest challenges.
Next stop: Carta Rallye 2025.The event will take place from April 14 to 20 in Morocco. A new adventure is on the horizon, with the same passion for rally-raid and the desire to push our limits.
A big congratulations to all the participants, and see you soon for more exciting challenges!
THE CARTA RALLYE 2025
Since 2014, the Carta Rallye has offered competitors a rally-raid experience worthy of the greatest. Expect unique routes, precise navigation, professional electronic roadbooks, enhanced safety, an advanced tracking system, and international and Moroccan organization.
Date: 9th edition, from 14 to 20 April 2025
Limited to 30 Participants! Whether in the Raid or Racing category, the Carta Rallye offers an unforgettable experience full of camaraderie and discovery.
