The 2024 Škoda Titan Desert Morocco will take place between April 28 and May 3 with the initial 106-kilometre stage, called Škoda We Love Cycling Stage, launching from Boumalne Dades. The final, shortest (69 km) and fastest stage 6 will start from the classic scenic dunes of Erg Chebbi and continue on a much more stony and rolling route characteristic of the Moroccan desert until the finish line.
Each year, this gruelling multi-stage race pushes athletes to their limits, challenging them with extreme conditions and varied terrains that require special bike handling skills. Over its 18 editions, it attracted a range of skilled amateurs and also cycling legends of the likes of Miguel Induráin, Anna Ramírez, Sylvain Chavanel, Josep Betalú, Roberto Heras or Melchor Mauri.
At the end of each stage, accommodation for the approx. 700 riders is prepared in the heart of the desert in a huge overnight bivouac with basic comforts and bike repair stations. This helps to create an atmosphere of togetherness, commiseration, and sharing among the riders (rather than just cut-throat competitiveness), which is all part of the “Titan Spirit”. But speaking of comforts, some come to Morocco to put themselves through an ultimate test of their endurance and willpower. Seeking to experience the Škoda Titan Desert at its finest, they opt for the Škoda Adventure classification that offers “fewer comforts, more autonomy and more self-sufficiency”.
The stringent conditions of the Škoda Adventure classification feature: very limited space for belongings for all six days (a metal box 37 cm wide x 29 cm high x 53 cm long that is transported between stages); sleeping space in the common tent but with no separation, no mattresses, blankets or towels; a basic repair station without spare parts; no physiotherapy, and the list goes on. The Škoda Adventure participants are not allowed outside assistance but can be assisted by other Titan Desert racers, and only other Škoda Adventure participants can lend them spare parts if needed (which they themselves probably can’t spare). All in all, this is a textbook definition of being on your own. But still, all the 60 starting spots in this limited category are claimed every year. Which means, of course, that the viewers of the race are in for treat.
As always, you can count on us to bring you the hottest (literally) news from the entire course of the Škoda Titan Desert Morocco 2024 and anything intriguing that might be happening behind the scenes. Follow We Love Cycling on Instagram for exclusive content and insider footage.
