The organisation behind the Africa Eco Race Rally Raid, set for a historic “Dakar to Dakar” route in 2021, have regretfully announced the cancellation of the event set for January 5-17.

Despite heavily revised logistics, new dates, protocols and “every consideration possible” being in place, the annual rally raid event running across traditional African terrain has been cancelled out of “respect for the economic and environmental considerations of the countries and populations”.

The organising committee behind Africa Eco Race, headed by John Louis Schlesser (pictured), had created the Dakar-to-Dakar route for 2021 partly out of respect for Covid-19 restrictions and protocols but still maintained a challenging route for the 600+ people caravan already signed up to compete in January.

COVID-19 isn’t stopping Africa Eco Race 2021

In a press release issued October 23, John Louis Schlesser explains the “painful” decision:

“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 5 to 17 January, 2021.

“Despite all the organisational 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 far too risky for everybody involved.

Out of respect for our competitors, providers, volunteers and partners, we refuse to let anyone take any risk related to the Covid-19 and its consequences on our health which is today still a blur.”

All competitors will get any entries already paid refunded or alternatively maintained for the next edition of AER – the organisers say to get in touch and that further news about future events will come asap.

More information: www.africarace.com