Atlas Mountain Race
ExtremeSelf-supported bikepacking race across the High Atlas mountains and Anti-Atlas to the Atlantic coast.
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▌ Self-supported bikepacking race across the High Atlas mountains and Anti-Atlas to the Atlantic coast
Africa ultra event organized by atlasmountainrace.com
14 SCORING DIMENSIONS
EFFORT MATRIX
EXPERIENCE MATRIX
GREEN FLAGS
- [+]1300 km of extreme gravel through Marrakech to Sidi Rabat
- [+]24,000 m of climbing — proper elevation
- [+]Self-supported / ultra format = adventure focus
- [+]Organized by atlasmountainrace.com
- [+]Varied terrain: Gravel, Mountain Roads, Coastal Paths
RED FLAGS
- [!]Ultra distance — needs serious training base
- [!]Extreme rating — only attempt with prior ultra experience
- [!]Self-supported — no aid stations expected
- [!]Details not yet verified — confirm via official site
RIDER FIT
Built for hours in the saddle — your distance
Significant climbing rewards low-watt grinding
Ultra format = guided adventure with timing chips
Self-supported format suits bikepacking instincts
Technical terrain rewards bike-handling
Open exposure rewards aero + grit
1300 km is not a race — it's an expedition. Pacing is decided by hours, not km splits, and sleep strategy matters more than power.
TIRE INTEL
Variable wet conditions — favour grip.
WEATHER PLAYBOOK
Marrakech to Sidi Rabat in mid-summer (February): expect heat — hydrate aggressively and protect from sun. Always check 7-day forecast race week and pack a packable shell.
PACING PLAYBOOK
Resist the urge to push. Your race starts in 48 hours, not at km 0.
Eat early, eat often. Sleep matters more than watts now.
Mental low point. Stick to the plan. Most riders bonk here mentally before physically.
Save matches. The finish line will reveal itself when you stop chasing it.
WHAT TO FEAR
- [!01]Heat exhaustion + dehydration on exposed sections
- [!02]Headwind sectors — pace by feel, not speed
- [!03]Late-race climbs after the legs are gone
- [!04]Mental low point on the long, lonely middle section
- [!05]Resupply gaps — carry more food than you think
INSIDER INTEL
“The wind off the water defines the day at Atlas Mountain Race. You either pace by perceived effort or you pay.”
“Cycling in Africa is different — the wildlife, the warmth of the welcome, the sheer scale of it. Atlas Mountain Race delivers all of that.”
RACE LOGISTICS
Multi-day stage race with full expedition support — lodging, meals, gear transport, and on-course mechanics typically included.
- +Timing chip + bib
- +Course markings + GPX
- +Aid station nutrition + water
- +Neutral mechanical support
- +Medical sweep + first aid
- +Daily meals
- +Gear transport between stages
- -Spare tubes / tubeless plugs
- -Lodging
Camping or shared accommodation at each stage town included or available as upgrade.
Book 6+ months ahead for big events. Check the race partner-hotel list for discounts.
Often the best value for groups. Search the wider race region, not just the start town.
- ▸Mandatory pre-race brief — non-negotiable attendance.
TRAVEL OPS
Atlas Mountain Race sits in the top tier of africa gravel events. Worth structuring a season around.