Registration for 2014 will open AT MIDNIGHT SEPTEMBER 1 2013.
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Marrakech Atlas Etape
Marrakech Atlas Etape is an annual cyclosportive starting from the exotic city of Marrakech up to the ski-resort high in the Atlas Mountains and back down again. It is an inclusive event with no aggressive broom wagon and a choice of 2 routes: 140km and 60km. The full ascent will challenge the serious amateur or even professional rider, as well as passionate and determined cyclists who just wants to do this monster of a climb with the exhilaration of the descent.
2013 Photos
Photo can be seen and downloaded from our Flickr page:
- The start
- The start of both the 60km and 140km routes.
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- Onwards to Ourika
- The first 30km leg to the roundabout at Ourika
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- Uphill
- The slow climb uphill through the mist and cold
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- Oukaïmeden
- Glorious sunshine and the chance to recharge batteries.
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2013 Summary
Approximately 170 cyclists took part in the first ever Marrakech Atlas Etape, aptly nicknamed the ‘Ouka Monster’, a cycling event like no other!
The base station and the various feed stations provided information and much-needed sustenance for riders throughout the event and later on in the day an excellent lunch provided by acclaimed chef Damien Durand was attended by many people…
2013 statistics
- 60 riders made it to Oukaïmeden
- 32 riders who reached Oukaïmeden returned to the finish
- The quickest time to Oukaïmeden was a little over 3¼ hours
- The quickest time to Oukaïmeden and back to the finish was a little under 5½ hours
Testimonials
“I feel that I am extremely privileged to have ridden in the first of, I hope, many of these rides. It is everything you can want as a cyclist, an off the beaten track, adventurous challenge with great people in aid of a great cause. Although it was a tad misty when we did it, the unspoilt—there I said it—scenery and mountain views are awe inspiring…”
► Read more of James’ testimonial
“…I sat in with the leading group and benefited from the tow being offered by a group of fast locals and quick foreigners as we headed out on the very gradual climb of the first 30km or so to feed station 1. By this time the rain had started and it was a little bleak. Filthy spray obscured my Oakleys but the dried fruits, nuts, bread and water were a welcome change from European feeds…”
► Read more of Jim’s testimonial
The purpose
The Marrakech Atlas Etape is organised for the benefit of Education For All, a Moroccan NGO. At present, few girls from rural communities in Morocco continue their education after primary school. College is not accessible to them for several reasons. To help tackle some of the issues, EFA are running boarding houses near secondary colleges, allowing some girls from rural families to continue their education.
To read more about Education For All, please download our small booklet (PDF)
Sponsors
► Get sponsorship for your ride
Partners
A full list of partners can be found by visiting the
► Partners page