Jacopo Cerutti Dominates in Africa Eco Race 2024’s Initial Stages

The Africa Eco Race 2024 kicked off with a spectacular start as competitors touched down on the quayside of the port of Nador in northern Morocco. Italian rider Jacopo Cerutti took the motorcycle category by storm, claiming victory in both the first and second stages aboard the Aprilia Tuareg 660. This marked a significant moment for the celebrated Italian brand as it marked its return to off-road rallies, positioning Cerutti at the top of the overall standings.

Cerutti, a former European and Italian enduro champion, expressed his satisfaction with the challenging 179-kilometer first stage. Despite the complex navigation required from day one, he managed to maintain focus and secure an excellent start to the rally. The tough terrain and the competition behind him, including the two Yamaha Ténéré 700s ridden by Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarres, did not deter Cerutti as he relished the thrilling experience.

The Africa Eco Race spans over twelves special stages, with around 122 participants undertaking a 6000 km odyssey through Morocco and Mauritania. The journey commences in Monaco, with competitors then crossing the Mediterranean by boat from France, traversing various challenging terrains inclusive of wadis, dunes, and rugged tracks.

Another notable competitor firing up the rally was Gautier Paulin, a former motocross world championship runner-up, who drove the innovative hybrid Apache. Paulin remarked on the balance between careful navigation over tricky wadi crossings and the sheer excitement of powering through in two-wheel drive on faster sections. Managing the vehicle’s hybrid system effectively was vital, with the low-rev high battery consumption posing an additional challenge — one that Paulin and his Apache tackled with great enthusiasm.

The Africa Eco Race is celebrated not just as a test of endurance and skill but as a beacon of sustainability within the motorsport realm. Initially launched in response to the cancellation of the 2008 Dakar Rally, the event emphasizes the importance of eco-responsibility and the development of zero-emission technologies within the context of rally raids. The current 15th edition stands as a testament to this commitment and is set to conclude on the picturesque shores of Lac Rose on January 14th.

The rally, while fiercely competitive, also serves to heighten the awareness of participants and spectators alike about individual eco-responsibility and the need for environmentally conscious practices in all aspects of life, including motorsport. This complements the thrill of the race with a deeper purpose, showcasing the intricate balance between sporting excellence and ecological consideration.