Save the Date | The Titan Desert by GARMIN
A challenge only for the bravest
The Titan Desert by GARMIN, the only mountain bike stage race disputed in the desert, reaches its 10th edition in 2015. Commonly known as the “Dakar for cyclists”, the race is considered to be one of the toughest in the world and has become an international reference, bringing together the best bikers from around the world year after year.
The Titan Desert by GARMIN is a race open to all fans of cycling, sports and self-sacrifice. More than anything, it’s a test of personal improvement, a struggle and a personal challenge. But it’s also about the challenge of accomplishing what few people in the world have managed to achieve, and of course tackling the desert, the excruciating heat and the backbreaking distances under the worst imaginable conditions.
In spite of how it may appear, the Titan Desert by GARMIN is not only for superhumans. It’s a race for those prepared to make a sacrifice to reap a reward. It’s for those searching for something unique. The vast majority of the competitors return home with a feeling of having achieved something remarkable, something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives
A unique experience
From April 27th to May 2nd more than 500 bikers will battle it out over more than 600km, where they have to endure the most extreme conditions and the gruelling heat of the desert. The most spectacular and perhaps most difficult stage of the race will be disputed in the pass through the famous Erg Chebbi dunes.
The Titan desert by GARMIN is not just about pedalling; it’s also a race where the coexistence among competitors recaptures a special meaning. The ‘titans’, amateurs and professionals will live together for six days in a nomadic city that moves with the rhythm of the race and where the haimas represent the epitome of the adventure.
Haimas were originally used by the Berbers to shelter from the glaring daylight sun and the cold and wind of the night. So, for the titans these tents made from camel wool and goat hair will become a resting place for the riders between stages as they wait and prepare for another stage of suffering.
Amateur competitors, professional cyclists
The spirit of the race embodies the efforts of all involved, the majority of whom cross the finishing line and also those who aim to prove to themselves that they can do something that only few others can achieve. These are the people who have been and are the true soul of a race that also counts on the attraction of having the presence of great riders like Roberto Heras – 4 times winner of the Vuelta a España, Oscar Pereiro – Winner of the Tour de France, Laurent Jalabert – winner of stages in the Tour de France, Vuelta a España and the Giro de Italia, and Claudio Chiapucci, who was on the podium 3 times in the Tour de France.
Titan Solidarity
Solidarity initiatives have grown hand in hand with the Titan Desert by GARMIN over the years. Since the very first edition back in 2006 we have been expanding on humanitarian initiatives to serve the people of Morocco. For RPM Events, the race organisers, it has always been a top priority to give back something to this country that has given us so much year after year.
Since 2012, the project “Volver a oír para volver a vivir” (Hear again, live again) has been active in fighting against hearing problems among people in the towns and villages close to where the race passes.
Become part of the legend
If you would like to take part in the Titan desert by GARMIN and become a part of the legend, please visit the official web for more information: www.titandesert.com
Photos: Titan Desert by GARMIN
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