Morocco - From October 18 to 23, 2026, the ninth edition of Roc du Maroc took place. During this six-day mountain bike adventure, participants travelled from Ouarzazate to Merzouga, crossing some of Morocco’s most breathtaking landscapes. With 666 kilometres and 8,100 metres of elevation gain, riders faced an incredible physical and mental challenge. Bioracer proudly joined the adventure as the official clothing apparel partner.
📸 Images: Jan Van Gelder & Disodbediente
What is Roc du Maroc?
Roc du Maroc is a multi-day off-road adventure that takes participants through six consecutive stages across Morocco's rugged terrain. From rocky mountain trails and demanding climbs to endless gravel roads and sandy desert tracks, the course challenges both endurance and technical riding skills.
Alongside the traditional Challenge category, the organisation introduced the new RedLine category in 2026. Designed for competitive mountain bikers and gravel riders, this format featured stage time limits and age-category rankings.
Day 1
115km
1863m elevation gain
Day 2
103km
2064m elevation gain
Day 3
80km
1090m elevation gain
The journey
Day 1
Ouarzazate - Ghasset
Following a 40 kilometre prologue on Saturday, October 17, which allowed riders to test their equipment and get a first taste of the Moroccan terrain, Roc du Maroc officially kicked off on Sunday, October 18 in Ouarzazate.
Riders immediately faced a demanding opening stage, covering 115 kilometres and 1,863 metres of elevation gain on their way to Ghasset. Despite a sunny start and pleasant temperatures of 24°C, technical issues, rain and even hail added unexpected challenges. Two determined riders continued long after sunset, overcoming wrong turns to eventually cross the finish line. A perfect example of the Roc du Maroc spirit! The tone for the days ahead was established.
Day 2
Ghasset - Ait Toumert
Stage 2 brought the most climbing of the week, with 102 kilometres and 2,065 metres of elevation gain. Riders experienced four seasons in one day, from morning sunshine to dark storm clouds, pouring rain and freezing temperatures.
The constantly changing weather conditions made an already demanding stage even tougher. With steep climbs, challenging terrain and little relief from the elements, riders had to dig deep to keep moving forward. Another unpredictable day in Morocco, testing both physical endurance and mental determination.
Day 3
Ait Toumert - El Kelaa M'Gouna
Stage 3 took the challenge to another level, with 78 kilometres of wild river crossings, dusty trails and unexpected obstacles along the way. The extreme conditions continued to push riders to their limits, turning every kilometre into a new adventure.
Fortunately, everyone made it back in time to enjoy a sun-soaked evening, a well-deserved dinner and plenty of stories to share. Despite the tough conditions, the atmosphere was better than ever. The challenges of the previous days had brought participants closer together, proving that Roc du Maroc is about much more than just cycling.
Roc du Maroc is so much more than a multi-day mountain biking challenge. It’s about discovering Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes, pushing your limits and creating unforgettable memories along the way.
It’s about the friendships, the laughter and the shared challenges that bring people together. From demanding trails and spectacular sunsets to magical bivouacs under a sky full of stars, every moment becomes part of an extraordinary adventure. Together with fellow riders and the incredible Roc du Maroc crew, you experience a unique atmosphere that goes far beyond cycling. It’s a journey filled with adventure, freedom and connection.
Because in the end, it’s not just about the kilometres you ride or the places you discover, but the people you meet, the moments you share and the memories you create together.
Jef Croonen - Participant Roc du Maroc
Day 4
124km
1614m elevation gain
Day 5
151km
690m elevation gain
Day 6
68km
149m elevation gain
Day 4
El Kelaa M'Gouna - Alnif
What a difference a day makes! After three stages of unpredictable weather and extreme conditions, Stage 4 finally brought some welcome sunshine. With 124 kilometres and 1,614 metres of elevation gain ahead, riders could fully enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery under ideal weather conditions.
The challenging climbs remained, but the clear skies and spectacular views made for a much more enjoyable day in the saddle. A welcome change after the demanding opening stages of Roc du Maroc.
Day 5
Alnif - The Mummy
Stage 5, the queen stage of Roc du Maroc, pushed riders to their limits with 151 kilometres through the scorching Moroccan desert. With temperatures reaching 35°C, endless horizons and barely any shade, the extreme heat added another challenge to the longest stage of the week.
Despite the demanding conditions, riders were rewarded with breathtaking desert landscapes and a true sense of adventure. A tough test of physical and mental endurance, but also one of the most unforgettable stages of Roc du Maroc 2026.
Day 6
The Mummy - Merzouga
The sixth and final stage brought riders to Merzouga, marking the end of an extraordinary week in Morocco. With 68 kilometres remaining, the finish line was finally within reach after days of extreme weather, demanding terrain and unforgettable adventures.
Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment, filled with tears, hugs and a shared sense of achievement. After six challenging stages, riders left with more than just memories of an incredible cycling adventure. The exhaustion will fade, but the friendships, experiences and emotions of Roc du Maroc 2026 will stay with them long after the race.
Roc du Maroc 2027
Celebration edition
For its 10th edition, Roc du Maroc is taking things to the next level! A brand-new starting point in Zagora, over 50% new routes and the same unforgettable adventure through Morocco's breathtaking landscapes.
Registration opens on November 10 at 7 PM via the Roc du Maroc website. Spots are limited, so don't miss out!