The 2026 Africa Eco Race was shaping up to be a keenly anticipated showdown between former Africa Eco Race champions, Jacopo Cerutti and Alessandro Botturi. Once again, it was mostly a twincylinder battle for the lead, but instead of the expected contenders, it was another Teneremounted pair who would control the campaign through consistency and patience. Kevin Gallas rode with maturity beyond his years in what was his third rally raid, while ex-MXGP rider Gautier Paulin executed a calculated rise through field on his first raid event. Across Morocco, Mauritania and into Senegal, the rally lead changed hands repeatedly before settling into a decisive finalweek of riding.
STAGE 1 Torrential rain, strong winds and deep snow in the Tangier area saw the cancellation of the opening special stage. Riders negotiated icy liaison sections instead of sand, so no times were recorded and no leader declared, making for an unusual, tension-building start to a supposedly hot, sandy event.
KIWI RIDER 23