7-15 FEBRUARY 2025
Snow capped peaks and lunar landscapes are criss crossed by broken roads and remote colonial pistes, setting the stage for an epic adventure through the Atlas Mountains. The route is a 1,300km network of lines that weave their way over high passes, scorched plains, and remote oases, along some of the most gruelling terrain in Morocco. The Atlas Mountain Race is a fixed route, unsupported, single-stage cycling race that starts in Marrakesh, crosses the Moroccan Atlas before taking riders through the Anti-Atlas and on to Essaouira.
The clock does not stop and there are no prizes. The route follows gravel, single and double track and old colonial pistes that have long been forgotten and fallen into disrepair. There is very little tarmac. There is some walking, and at times there is great distances between resupply points. The exact distance and elevation vary from year to year, but riders can expect approximately 1300km in distance, 20,000m of climbing and 7 days to complete the route.
Beginning again in the vibrant city of Marrakech, the route will head straight into the mountains and quickly give riders a taste of what’s to come. We’ll see the return of the infamous Telouet Pass, a rough ascent culminating in a hike down an old mule track into CP1.
Upon reaching Telouet, riders will encounter the remnants of the once-grand Glaoui family Kasbah, a reminder of Morocco’s colonial past. From CP1, riders will venture east on a short section of tarmac before heading off-road again through the picturesque red earth villages near Anmiter. They’ll ride past Ouarzazate’s impressive power station, a striking beacon visible from miles away. Imassine marks a key point of resupply for riders to get hot food and stock up on snacks before heading into the next wild and remote section.
There may be some pushing to make it to the summit of the plateau but once up there, it’s well worth the effort. This old colonial piste, built atop a network of canyons is sure to be one of the highlights of the race. After navigating their way down from the plateau, riders will eventually reach the oasis at Tizgui, where the resident, Omar, is known for welcoming riders with tea. From there riders will be on their way to Taznakht, another key resupply point before reaching CP2 in the lush palm oasis of Aguinane.
After Aguinane comes the iconic Colonial Road, a section of the course that hardly needs describing. The pictures speak for themselves. The final stretch will see riders back over the Atlas Mountains before heading north along the coast to the port town of Essaouira.
WHY MOROCCO?
Morocco is a country where African, Arab and European cultures are entwined. Located at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco is the closest point of contact to Europe for Africa as a continent. It is a land of tolerance, a blend of cultures and religions, a country renowned for its hospitality. The fascinating mixture of history, art, food, music and architecture makes Morocco an unforgettable destination.
The enchanting labyrinths of bazaars and souks in the old Medinas, the incredible historical monuments, the friendly people, the vast and stunning snow-capped Atlas Mountains, the never ending warm and windy Atlantic ocean coastline, and the impressive Sahara Desert, famous as a location for many Hollywood movies, are just some of the country’s natural and cultural beauties that never fail to leave a lasting impression.
APPLYING TO RACE
Categories: Racers can ride solo or as a pair
Cost: £375 per rider + £40 tracker rental if required (one tracker per participant for pairs) + £50 media license for sponsored riders
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Race Logistics: registration, 3 staffed checkpoints, control cars, race media, medical car to liaise with local emergency services, 24/7 race HQ, team of dotwatchers.
Race manual
Race GPX track, fully checked and validated by Mountain Race teams on the ground
GPS tracker rental if required & online tracking platform provided by Maprogress
Race T-Shirt
Some goodies provided by our sponsors
Numbered Race Cap
Bike box transfer to the finish line
After party
Access to all race photography for personal use at the end of the race
The Atlas Mountain Race is a serious undertaking that should not be underestimated. It takes place in an environment that can be as tough as it is beautiful. It requires not only the ability to ride big days back to back, but also knowledge and experience of self-reliance in an arid mountain environment. Although it is definitely a race, your primary concern should always be your own safety. Riders will experience the natural beauty of Morocco, and the warmth and generosity of its people. It is an experience that will likely stay with you a lifetime.
Ideally riders should have experience with multi-day bikepacking trips — preferably off-road in remote areas. Riders need to understand how to look after themselves in a harsh environment, when they’re exhausted and near their limits.
We don’t want the races to seem like something that is completely off-limits to anyone except the most hardcore bikepacking racers. All those who wish to race will be required to complete an application that assesses your ability to make safe decisions in the mountains.
