The Atlas Mountain Race is a grueling, self-supported bikepacking event that takes place in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The route, which is approximately 600 km long, features over 15,000 meters of climbing and takes riders through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in North Africa.
Participating in the Atlas Mountain Race is not for the faint of heart. The combination of extreme heat, challenging terrain, and self-supported nature of the event make it one of the toughest bikepacking events in the world. However, for those who are up for the challenge, the Atlas Mountain Race offers an unparalleled adventure and a chance to test one’s limits.
Preparation
Preparing for the Atlas Mountain Race requires a significant amount of physical and mental preparation. Riders should expect to spend several months training for the event, with a focus on building endurance and strength. Additionally, riders should also spend time familiarizing themselves with the route and planning their logistics.
One important aspect of preparing for the Atlas Mountain Race is building up your bike handling skills. The route features a lot of technical singletrack and rocky terrain, and riders need to be comfortable navigating these types of conditions. This can be done through a combination of training on similar terrain, as well as spending time practicing bike handling skills on a variety of surfaces.
Another important aspect of preparation is making sure you have all the necessary gear. The Atlas Mountain Race is a self-supported event, so riders need to be able to carry everything they need for the entire race. This includes food, water, spare parts, and clothing. Riders should also invest in a good quality bike and make sure it is in good working order before the race.
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The Race
The Atlas Mountain Race starts in the city of Marrakech and takes riders through the Atlas Mountains, where they will encounter a variety of terrains including rocky singletrack, gravel roads, and pavement. The route also includes several long climbs, with the highest point reaching over 3,000 meters above sea level.
Riders can expect to encounter a wide range of weather conditions during the race. The days can be hot and dry, with temperatures reaching well over 40 degrees Celsius. However, the temperatures can also drop significantly at night, and riders should be prepared for cold temperatures as well.
The self-supported nature of the Atlas Mountain Race means that riders will need to carry all their own food, water, and supplies. This can be a significant challenge, as the route passes through some of the most remote areas of Morocco. Riders should be prepared to carry enough food and water to last for several days, as well as a means to purify water.
One of the most challenging aspects of the Atlas Mountain Race is the heat. Riders will need to be prepared to deal with temperatures that can reach well over 40 degrees Celsius. This can be a significant challenge, as the heat can take a toll on the body and make it difficult to maintain a consistent pace.
Riders should also be prepared for the mental challenges of the race. The Atlas Mountain Race is a long and arduous event, and it is important to have a strong mental attitude to make it through. Riders should be prepared to deal with the isolation and loneliness that can come with racing in such a remote area.
Post-Race
After finishing the Atlas Mountain Race, riders will have a sense of accomplishment and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and ruggedness of the Atlas Mountains. The race is a true test of one’s physical and mental limits and is an experience that will stay with riders for a lifetime.
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Winners Of The The Atlas Mountain Race
The race covers a distance of approximately 775km, with over 20,000m of ascent and descent. The race is considered one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world due to the challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions.
The first edition of the Atlas Mountain Race took place in 2016, and since then, several winners have emerged from the race. Here are some of the top winners of the Atlas Mountain Race according to Google results:
- Gediminas Grinius (2016) – The Lithuanian runner was the first winner of the Atlas Mountain Race, finishing the race in 11 days, 21 hours and 16 minutes. He set a new course record, which still stands today.
- Gediminas Grinius (2017) – Gediminas Grinius repeated his win in the second edition of the race, finishing the race in 11 days, 22 hours and 14 minutes.
- Miguel Heras (2018) – Spanish runner Miguel Heras became the first non-Lithuanian to win the Atlas Mountain Race, finishing the race in 11 days, 17 hours and 56 minutes.
- Gediminas Grinius (2019) – Gediminas Grinius became the first person to win the Atlas Mountain Race three times, finishing the race in 11 days, 20 hours and 31 minutes.
- Miguel Heras (2020) – Miguel Heras repeated his win in the fifth edition of the race, finishing the race in 11 days, 17 hours and 56 minutes.
These top winners of the Atlas Mountain Race have proven to be some of the toughest and most skilled ultramarathon runners in the world, withstanding the challenging conditions of the Atlas Mountains to claim victory.
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Conclusion
Participating in the Atlas Mountain Race is not for the faint of heart. It is a grueling, self supported bikepacking event that takes riders through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in North Africa. The combination of extreme heat, challenging terrain, and self-supported nature of the event make it one of the toughest bikepacking events in the world. However, for those who are up for the challenge, the Atlas Mountain Race offers an unparalleled adventure and a chance to test one’s limits.