Adventure and emotion in the challenge of Maroc Challenge

The 18th edition of the Maroc Challenge lived up to the expectations generated by 180 participating teams (the largest number of registrations ever), turning from the first kilometer a difficult, tough and highly demanding test into an exciting adventure. rice field. The majestic scenery, much of it undisclosed, and some tracks to make the most of the drive made my return to Morocco unforgettable after a three-year absence.

In addition to facing Marroc’s own difficulties, they had to contend with bad weather. Fatigue accumulated over six long stages, a grueling and varied itinerary, and finally, a sandstorm that raged on the night of the camp meant the challenge was complete.

Crossing the Channel from Almeria by day and having to walk a long way to Midelt by night, the first stage started in the center of Atlas with little sleep. The difficulty and length of the stage was already seen in the prologue and even in the first day of 412 kilometers to Erfoud. The combination of highways, stony areas and sandy terrain is already evident. Vehicles in the Raid category have already undergone a baptism of dunes just before arrival, making the difference clear.

tough journey

The Sand Dance started in Erfoud for all categories and traversed the Erg Chebbi and Erg Uzina dunes in the second stage of an itinerary tailored to each category. Arrive in Zagora at a frantic pace. There was no time to rest, and on the 3rd stage, a loop was held to enjoy the magnificence of Erg Chegaga and the magnificence of Lake Iriki.

Back in Erfoud, the pace and difficulty did not slow down, and fatigue built up on the machines and participants. The contest equator was crossed and all was left open. The Wreckham Plateau, which was traversed on the way to Tendrara, was another highlight of this 18th edition, a stage where participants in the Raid category enjoyed the final dunes and had to face several trucks destroyed by the dunes. was one notable point of Heavy rain requires extreme caution.

Camping at Tendrara experienced a busy afternoon and night with heavy sandstorms, but that didn’t deter the final stage on Friday the 9th. The final sector changed the usual track of waypoints that must be trodden to avoid taking penalties, and the participants also showed great skill.

Saidia was the final stop of the rally, with prizes handed out next to the beach on Saturday morning 10th, capping off an edition that meant a return to Morocco after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. rice field.

Finally, note that 10 different category winners were teams.

MYMSA (Raid), Facking Portugal (Adventure TT3), Automobiles MA (Adventure TT2), Grao Racers (Adventure TT1), Rally Sierra de Gata (Adventure SUV), Tronquet 71 Portal de la Marina (Adventure Rookie), Pilotes per un Somriure GTR (Adventure C4), Rofman 4×4 (Adventure C3), Fulgen First (Adventure C2), On the Road Again 03 (Adventure C1).