Africa Eco Race 2020: Ashish Raorane Takes 33rd And 24th In Opening Two Stages

India’s Ashish Raorane took 24^th place out of the 74-rider field in the second of twelve stages in the eleventh annual Africa Eco Race, which kicked off yesterday from Tangiers in Morocco.

Raorane was the 33^rd fastest rider in the short opening stage yesterday, which covered just 23.18km from Kenitra to Zardal.

The first big test of the event lay today, however, on the 329.47km special stage from Tarda to Mahmid. 

“The stage was a good mix of fast sections,” said Raorane to Zigwheels. “Very technical stony tracks through mountains and some small dunes.

“My aim today was to regain my confidence in navigation as this is only my second roadbook rally and the last one was in September 2018.

“There were a few close moments, but then this is Morocco!”

The field of riders consists of privateer riders, including a cult-favourite among the two-wheel off-road community, Lyndon Poskitt.

Raorane and the rest of the field will now have to tackle a massive 497.44km special stage tomorrow as the Africa Eco Race moves on from Mahmid to Assa.

The competitors will then have two more special stages to tackle before being able to rest at Dakhla on the 12^th of January. The rally then resumes on the 13^th when it leaves Morocco to cross into Mauritania.