The Real Race To Dakar

Back in 2009, the Paris-Dakar Rally keft Africa and set trail for South America. With the move, legendary rally to the Senegalese capital became history. But that same year, in order to keep the tradition- laden route alive, the Africa ECO Race (AER) began, and every year since has led its participants to Dakar....

- Bastian Brusecke

The official 2017 start took place in Monaco, where 6,500 kilometers separated us from Dakar. Included were more than 30 nationalities, 37 motorcycles, 50 cars and trucks, and a quad. Joining me were Alessio Corradini and Sandra Biegun—together we call ourselves the “Rally Cool Photographers.”

During the 32-hour ferry crossing to Africa, racer Jörg Majoli told me how in 2014 his dream of the Dakar Rally in South America came true, and after that the Africa Eco Race in 2015. With eyes aglow, he was starting out for a second time toward Dakar. Why was he here and not in South America? “The level of difficulty is similar, but in the Dakar many riders simply fall victim to difficulty and are out of the race early on,” he explains. “Here it’s still all about the adventure, and riders can continue on even if they don’t complete a stage.”

Everyone departed the ferry at Nador and set off toward the cold Rif and Atlas Mountain ranges. The first stage of 610 kilometers was an easy ride.

At the first bivouac—a nomadic camp that’s very much a part of the rally’s character—it was like an ant colony. Mechanics changed motor parts and made repairs, getting vehicles ready for the next day; drivers dedicated themselves to their road books; event organizers called for the evening’s meal; and the media crew edited their day’s work.