A FIRST SUCCESSFUL WEEK

After a night under the magnificent starry sky of the camp at the edge of a cliff overlooking the lagoon of Dakhla, the convoy of the Sonangol Africa Eco Race awoke peacefully this morning. A brunch was provided from 7:00 to 10:00 for competitors before each left for a 382 km liaison to Boulanouar in Mauritania. A day to let men and machines recuperate and repair after a hard week in Morocco.

It was also an opportunity for the Race Director Rene Metge to reflect on the race so far. "The results of this first week of the Sonangol Africa Eco Race are very positive. Saint Cyprien, where scrutineering was held was a great success and was popular for the media, so at this rest day in Dakhla, I think we have every reason to be satisfied. The overall atmosphere of the camp is excellent with great friendliness between competitors and the organization. For the sportsmen I warned that the journey through Morocco is not very easy for the navigators and this was the case, but competitors realized that it was important to attend the briefing and better still, they took into account the advice I gave them. Therefore, everything went relatively well and we have a minimum number of retirements. We are now entering  Mauritania and the race will change with the dunes and navigators will have a new challenge. Whether by bike, by car or truck, nothing is clear and is there is no one who can now give the names of future winners at the Pink Lake!"

Tonight, the entire convoy of the Sonangol Africa Eco Race got safely to the camp at Boulanouar 80 km over the border. Tomorrow, the 10th stage will consist of a special stage that is 426 km of pure sand with rolling dunes that the drivers will either love... or hate!