Conquering the Roc du Maroc Challenge: Nicolas’s 666 km Journey Across Morocco
We are proud to share the impressive journey of Nicolas Van Poucke, sports enthusiast and Account Manager at Jarviss, as he undertook the Roc du Maroc mountain bike challenge in the heart of Morocco.
The Challenge: 666 km of Extreme Endurance
- 666 kilometers across Morocco’s toughest terrain
- 8,500 meters of cumulative elevation gain
- 6 intense stages
- Temperatures spanning from mountain chill to desert heat
The Roc du Maroc is a test of resilience. This six-day mountain bike race covers 666 km with 8,500 meters of elevation gain. From the Atlas Mountains to the vast desert plains, Nicolas faced extreme weather conditions, challenging terrains, technical challenges, and moments that tested his physical and mental limits. Out of the 320 participants, 10% didn’t make it to the finish line.
Stage by Stage: A Journey Through Moroccan Landscapes
Prologue: Ouarzazate (35 km, 149m elevation)
Nicolas kicked off his adventure with a loop around Ouarzazate, testing his gear and getting a preview of the road ahead. The highlight? The stunning Oasis of Fint, a scene straight out of “The Ten Commandments.“
Stage 1: Ouarzazate to Ghasset (115 km, 1863m elevation)
“Gladiators, start the battle!” Standing at the gates of a fortress where “Kingdom of Heaven” was filmed, riders lined up like ancient gladiators’ shoulder to shoulder, ready to tackle Morocco’s toughest terrains.
Stage 2: Ghasset to Ait Toumert (103 km, 2064m elevation)
This stage featured the race’s most challenging climb: a 1150 m ascent over just 25 km. “Challenging” doesn’t even begin to describe it. Along the way, the poverty and cultural differences in remote villages gave riders a glimpse into life outside Western norms.
Stage 3: Ait Toumert to El Kelaa M’Gouna (77 km, 1173m elevation)
Straight out of an Indiana Jones movie, this stage bid farewell to the Atlas Mountains and introduced the “Tomo Jungle Challenge.” Riders pedaled through the Valley of Roses, a sea of green dotted with dikes, bridges, and irrigation canals.
Stage 4: El Kelaa M’Gouna to Alnif (124 km, 1671m elevation)
Crossing a mountain range in a day, Nicolas tackled the Sahro – Morocco’s answer to the Pyrenees. After reaching great heights, he enjoyed kilometer-long downhill stretches.
Stage 5: Alnif to “The Mummy” (151 km, 404m elevation)
Welcome to the desert! 151 kilometers of emptiness. This longest stage took Nicolas across endless desert flats, where all vegetation disappeared. With no variation in scenery, the vast emptiness made this ride particularly challenging. He drank eight liters of water to stay hydrated. This was both the longest ride and most mentally challenging. That evening, riders bivouacked at the “The Mummy” checkpoint where they could finally relax with a BBQ, a lively evening party, and fireworks.
Stage 6: “The Mummy” to Merzouga (72 km, 170m elevation)
The final push to glory! After last night’s celebration, not everyone was fully prepared for the day’s ride. With rising temperatures and increasingly sandy terrain, Nicolas rode through the approaching dunes to claim his well-earned Roc du Maroc trophy.
At the finish line, locals welcomed Nicolas into glamping tents, where they celebrated their victory with delicious Moroccan food and traditional music.
More Than Just a Race
The Roc du Maroc was about more than kilometers and elevations. It was about pushing personal limits, experiencing Morocco’s raw beauty, and forging unforgettable memories. Special thanks to the Roc Du Maroc crew for their organization, the lively atmosphere at each stop, their support with bike issues, and the stunning photos captured. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who made the Roc du Maroc possible.
Congratulations, Nicolas, on conquering the Roc du Maroc!
