Sahara

Sahara Gravel is a four-stage gravel race in Morocco, taking riders on a spectacular 445 km journey from Ouarzazate to Erg Lihoudi on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Organised by EPICOS, the event combines challenging mountain terrain, remote gravel roads and vast desert landscapes, with approximately 4,500 metres of climbing across the route.

Route and terrain

Around 90% of the course consists of gravel roads and easy singletrack, taking riders from the foothills of the Atlas Mountains through the rugged Anti-Atlas region and towards the Sahara. The four stages cover 99 km, 102 km, 95 km and 115 km respectively, with changing landscapes ranging from rocky mountain passes to open desert plains and sandy surroundings.

Stage race experience

Sahara Gravel is designed for both competitive riders and those looking for a challenging multi-day gravel adventure. Participants can register individually or in pairs. Unlike fully self-supported bikepacking events, the race provides organised accommodation, full-board meals, daily luggage transfers, feed zones, medical support and live tracking.

Riders stay in hotels during the first part of the event before spending two nights in traditional nomad camps in the desert. Gravel bikes with 45–55 mm tyres are recommended, while cross-country mountain bikes are also suitable.

The journey finishes among the Sahara’s iconic dunes, offering a memorable combination of gravel racing, Moroccan hospitality and desert adventure.