The Tropicale Amissa Bongo  (2.1) has established itself as the biggest race in Africa. Since its inception, a major French team has done the race every year.  Europcar have been the most successful, taking the overall win from 2010-2014 with Anthony Charteau (three times), Yohann Gene and Natnael Berhane.

This team will also visit Gabon in 2016, under its new name of Direct Energie, and will be led byThomas Voeckler. Hence, the former French champions will be one of the first riders to make his debut in 2016 in the event which be held from January 18 to 24. The organizers have announced that the only two European teams selected for the moment are Direct Energie and Fortuneo Vital Concept (formerly Bretagne-Séché Environnement) both of which participated in the last edition which was won by Rafaâ Chtioui  (Skydive Dubai).