AFRICA RACE 2021: ORGANIZATION CANCELS 2021 AFRICA RACE RALLY

Despite all efforts my be the organizing team of Africa Race to make possible the 2021 edition of the rally, in the end, there was no other option besides canceling the race.    Jean-Louis Schlesser - chief of the organization,  wrote a letter to explain the reasons for this decision and made it public yesterday. 
Here is what the Schlesser had to say:

 Dear friends of the AFRICA ECO RACE,  
 
Our rally has always been about passion, a race organized by people passionate about Africa and CrossCountry rallies which bring together adventurers, travellers and mechanical sport lovers, all in respect of the economic and environmental aspects of the countries and populations we cross.    
 
Despite the year 2020 being hit by this sanitary crisis, all was put in place by the organisation team of the 
AFRICA ECO RACE to succeed in organizing this 13th edition. The main objective was to adapt to the Covid19 restrictions: a new route “Dakar – Dakar”, new logistics, new dates, setup of a specific sanitary protocol, and  not forgetting to take into account all the restrictions set by the various countries our competitors come from. 
 
The competitors, volunteers, providers and partners of this edition were ready and set. Today, it is 63 motorbikes, 42 cars/SxS and 13 trucks who gave us their trust and were part of this 600 people caravan with over 30 nationalities. 
 
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 the 5th to 17th of January 2021.  
 
Despite all the organizational 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 be far too risky financially for everybody involved.  
 
Out of respect for our competitors, providers, volunteers and partners, we refuse to let anyone take any risk related to Covid-19 and its consequences on our health which is today, still a blur.  
 
For our competitors, the amounts already paid will be refunded or maintained for the next edition, upon the team’s request. A specific information will be sent to you rapidly.  
 
I will be back very soon to announce our new 2021 projects.  
 
We look forward to seeing you in 2022 for the 14th edition of the AFRICA ECO RACE.  

Jean-Louis SCHLESSER, AFRICA ECO RACE