![]() ![]() A rugged trail, with baby head sized rocks forced us to carry our bikes down for some kilometers. We were already warned but it dawned on me as I went over the pass: The real challenge was the downhill. One of the most memorable scenes of the race - Ernie and Scottie are the most incredible Team I have ever seen. This wasn’t the only time during the race I should meet them. They had a few problems but soldiered on relentlessly. Right before the top I encountered Ernie and Scotti Lechuga. Silence filled the scene, only the soles scratching over rocks, trying to find hold and the noice of hard breathing remained. ![]() More and more people got off their bikes and pushed. Endlessly winding up, steeper and steeper, with more rocks in the way as the road progressed we struggled up. It was a stunning atmosphere and slowly i kept overtaking people while going up the second and highest climb of the race. The rugged mountains,** the small, red gravel roads**, tiny villages with even tinier alleys and people cheering us. The winding road up the highest pass of the race.Įven more I focused on this surreal experience. ![]() I had no problem stopping for a quick chat, as I already knew I was not in the shape to race here. On top of the climb I had the honor to speak into Calamaro’s fluffy pet microphone for the first time. It was hot and the red dust didn’t help breathing. Suddenly, I passed a lot of riders that dropped out of the front group due to the high pace. After the flat tarmac road out of Marrakesh we went off-road towards the first climb. No reason to get a penalty for drafting right after the start. The “neutralised start” turned into a race for position and there was a front group racing off at world tour pace. Pow! The start gun went and so did the riders. Still I had a nervous night rolling around, checking twice or even 3 times if I really packed everything and all gadgets were charged and ready. I felt relieved just enjoyed the atmosphere and some relaxation at the start hotel. And of course a lot of the athletes I met during the SRMR came to the start line of the AMR, too. The ultra racing and bikepacking community is just that. It was so good meeting the “family” again. Feeling that you have no place in this event and you doubt if you are good and prepared enough to enter the race.Īll the doubts left me as I reached Marrakesh. I guess we all have this phase in preparation, feeling like an imposter. In fact as the race came closer I had more and more doubts if I was able to even finish the race. Which lead to me spending less time on the bike, but instead going skimountaineering. A race in february meant training in the grim Austrian winter. The only thing I was worried about was the timing. From roadbook, to hotels up to baggage transport and checkpoints everything was well organised and well documented. Of course nothing is ever perfect, but the organisation was flawless as always. Once you had the honour to race one of Nelson Trees’ races, you will forever compare other races against the “comfort” you discover as a participant riding one of his events. For an inaugural edition the level of organisation and planning was exceptional. Rest assured: the AMR is all that and more. A real challenge, something keeps you up at night the weeks before the race goes off. You will be looking for something different. If your are into ultra unsupported racing and off the grid bikepacking adventures, chances are high you are less attrected by perfectly organised stage races. Having the possibility to participate in an inaugural edition of a race is always something special and the Atlas Mountain Race (AMR) was no different. Last day of the race, and finally no rocks! Picture by the amazing Niels Laengner Not to forget the hospitality of the moroccan people, who will treat you like family. Instead I will tell you about the incredible journey through amazing landscapes and a country full of culture and history that will blow your mind. The question I get asked most? How is the Atlas Mountain Race compared to the Silkroad Mountain Race? Well, let’s skip that. The last “free” race before our daily lifes were affected by the ever present global pandemic we are dealing with at the moment. Pretty much exactly one year ago I had the honor to ride the inaugural Atlas Mountain Race. ![]()
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