After six years, Noël Essers returns to the desert for the Africa Eco Race
On January 26, the Africa Eco Race officially begins, and Noël will once again take his place at the start line in the African desert. He has participated multiple times before and his most recent entry was in 2020, when the team secured an impressive fourth place. It will once again be a remarkable moment to join this demanding adventure.
About the Africa Eco Race
The Africa Eco Race follows the classic Dakar route through Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal. It is an international rally where participants cover long distances every day across sand, dunes and rocky terrain. Navigation, focus and strong preparation play an essential role. The race traditionally finishes at Lac Rose near Dakar, a symbolic and emotional end point for all competitors.
In addition to the sporting aspect, the race organisation places great importance on sustainability. They measure and offset all CO₂ emissions, reduce their impact on the environment and use solar energy to rely less on diesel. They also encourage innovation, such as vehicles powered by alternative energy. Together with AMADE Mondiale, they support local communities along the route by providing solar lamps, school supplies and medical equipment. This way, the adventure becomes not only athletic but also mindful and engaged.
Meet the team
This year, Noël departs with a renewed crew. Davy Vanden Boer joins the team and strengthens the line up for this edition. Frits Driesmans is also part of the crew. The latter is no stranger to the Africa Eco Race. In 2020 he achieved strong performances together with Igor Bouwens and Ulrich Boerboom in the truck category and even won stages during that campaign. With this combination of experience and teamwork, the crew ensures that Noël can fully focus on the driving each day.
Follow the race
Throughout the rally, we will share regular updates via our social media channels. You will find photos, short reports and footage from on and off the course. This way, we can follow Noël from a distance during the new edition and share in his journey across the desert.