preparation for the 2021 Dakar again to be held in
Saudi Arabia. The veteran of numerous long-dis-
tance rallies. With results in Australia and a pedigree
behind him, Houlihan picked up sponsorship from
Coca-Cola (Energy) and is now set for a full tilt attack
on the Dakar.
From Albury in New South Wales, Houlihan grinned
that the rally was tough, as he celebrated finishing
in 21st outright. He later said that it was some of the
toughest terrain in the world and a “real challenge”.
The Africa ECO Race is 12 days of covering 6,500
kilometres through some of the most inhospitable
terrain the Earth can throw at competitors. So tough,
that of the 74 original entries only 61 took the start of
the final day; crashes and mechanical failures took
their toll on many.
Houlihan wasn’t without his own troubles. His own
mechanical problems early in the rally and then an
injured hand later in the event almost cost him the
finish. It wasn’t going to stop him; he wanted the fin-
ish and to be in the top 20 would’ve been a dream. He
TRAVERSE 102