Salam alaykoum and welcome to the recap of day 4 of BikingMan X Morocco. Arrivals continue here in Marrakech, and now more than half of the participants have crossed the finish line. While the top competitors finished long ago, those still on the course today are adventurers focused on completing the journey within the 120-hour time limit after an extraordinary experience through the Moroccan Atlas.
Meeting the cyclists: the final stretch of the dirt track
On the morning of day 4, we headed back to the roads near Marrakech, where we encountered cyclists on the final stretch of the dirt track. Testimonials like that of Thierry Tourres highlight the course’s difficulty:
“The last steep climb… tell me who planned it so I can apologize for the insults! But okay, it was steep! The 20% gradients were… interesting when you have no legs left. Thanks anyway!”
We’re at kilometer 850, just 50 km from the finish in Marrakech, in a region featuring the Atlas’s unique topography. Here, cyclists pass by surprising salt flats, an artisanal type of salt production. Salt-rich groundwater is brought to the surface and left to dry in basins, allowing workers to harvest the salt.
Moments of sharing and Moroccan hospitality
On the road, Moroccan hospitality continues to leave a strong impression:
“It was a grocery store, then we just kept buying things. The owner brought out a table and chairs for us. Moroccan hospitality is really amazing,” shared Jérôme Feuillade.
These moments of sharing reflect a human adventure that goes far beyond the athletic challenge.
One participant said:
“I’ve only been training for a month and a half… this is my first time on a bike! I used to ride a motorcycle,” David Estrade told Axel Carion, under the gaze of an intrigued child.
This shows that the spirit of adventure is open to everyone.
Facing hardships, but spirits remain strong
As some approach the end of their journey, they share their impressions:
“Worn out, but it’s okay. It was tough, it was beautiful! Now it’s hot.”
Another added:
“The best moment is when you cross the finish line and have a beer in hand. That’s happiness—a feeling of well-being and fullness. That’s it!”
Further along, at kilometer 720, other ultracyclists still immersed in the adventure face a long day ahead, with the ascent of Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters as the highlight. Despite the heat, spirits are high, as Pascal Cecillon put it:
“Exceptional day, amazing scenery, with a headwind that’s refreshing in this heat.”
The journey and local immersion
Passing through the town of Tighenif at kilometer 828, cyclists experience Moroccan vibrancy. Traffic is dense, and the atmosphere is unique. Edwige Pitel, one of the riders, shared:
“My rear light gave out, and I nearly quit when I fell into a gutter. So now I’m going slow and steady. I don’t want to give up now.”
The human moments continue, as one cyclist described:
“I stopped for a meal of chicken, bread, and the smells, the atmosphere… a real timeless moment, just as I love it!”
One last challenging ascent
The race nears its end, but before that, participants face one final climb, peaking at 2,260 meters. The fatigue is clear, but Aurélie Disdier, with a bit of humor, easily overtakes two participants, saying:
“I put rocks in my bag—I didn’t have enough weight! I bought camels, too. I’ve got the legs and the mindset; I’m good. But it’s almost the end, a final little gift from Axel, a nice little hill!”
Some, who came from afar, like the Venezuelan participants, find the climb especially demanding:
“Today was the hardest day, but discovering Morocco by bike is the best experience of my life.”
Finishers in Marrakech
Through the night, the final finishers arrived in Marrakech. The sense of accomplishment and pride was clear on their faces. One finisher summed it up:
“Morocco is beautiful, but the Atlas doesn’t play nice. It’s a real challenge, and I’m proud.”
Summary and provisional standings
At the end of day 4, over 60 participants have completed the race. An important note: the standings were re-evaluated to account for route modifications. Cyclists who spent long hours on impassable dirt tracks and those who took a fully asphalted route were compared to ensure fairness.
As a result, the standings have changed: Guillaume de Spoelberch is now in 3rd place, Rémi Borrion climbs to 5th, while Belgian Lionel Syne drops to 8th.
The provisional standings are as follows:
- Abdellah Hida – 42h 26m
- Gregory Cassini – 45h 44m
- Guillaume de Spoelberch – 47h 09m
- Laurianne Plaçais – 47h 42m
- Rémi Borrion – 50h 39m
Day 4 of BikingMan X Morocco comes to a close, and the adventure continues for the last competitors on the Atlas roads. Stay connected, and join us on Friday for the complete recap of the fifth and final day. Don’t forget to follow the live race coverage on our social media.
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