Rabat—The Škoda Titan Desert Morocco 2026 entered Stage 3 today and the start of the brutal Marathon section of the race.
Running from April 26 to May 1, the event is being presented in Morocco as the 20th anniversary edition, while internationally it is also considered the 21st running of the race. Either way, Titan Desert remains one of the toughest and most iconic mountain bike stage races in the world.
Inspired by the spirit of the legendary Paris-Dakar, the race combines endurance, navigation, survival and determination across Morocco’s mountains and desert landscapes. This year’s route covers around 600 kilometers over six stages, crossing the High Atlas before heading deep into the Sahara.
A total of 475 riders, known as the “Titans,” started the 2026 edition. The peloton includes elite racers, amateurs, Moroccan federation teams, corporate squads and adventure riders from several countries.
The 2026 course puts a stronger focus on mountain terrain and several new sections.
- Stage 1 (26/04): Boumalne Dades-Boumalne Dades, 98 km. Mountain stage in the High Atlas.
- Stage 2 (27/04): Boumalne Dades – Battou, 105 km. Transition from the Atlas into desert terrain.
- Stage 3 (28/04): Battou-Sidi Ali, 98 km. Start of the marathon stage.
- Stage 4 (29/04): Sidi Ali-Merzouga, 123 k. Queen stage and end of the marathon section.
- Stage 5 (30/04): Merzouga – Merzouga, 83 km. Dunes and navigation challenge.
- Stage 6 (01/05): Merzouga-Maadid, 74 km. Final desert finish.
Final de la etapa en la Titan Desert Marruecos 2026 y las sensaciones de Noel Martín
📸 @MarcBernad pic.twitter.com/kAFALGo5i7
— Diario AS (@diarioas) April 27, 2026
Stage 3 is one of the most decisive moments of the week because it opens the famous Marathon challenge. Between Stages 3 and 4, no outside assistance is allowed.
That means no mechanics, no support crews and no comfort. Riders must carry their own sleeping gear, take care of their bikes, recover alone and be ready the next morning for the long 123 km ride to Merzouga.
The event also includes special categories. Škoda Adventure is limited to around 30 riders competing in full autonomy, without mechanical help or massage. Titan eBike offers a six-day guided non-competitive experience on electric bikes, while Titan Corporate / Ambassador is designed for teams of two representing a company or city.
All competitors must carry essential equipment, including a GPS for navigation, an emergency blanket and at least three litres of water at the start of each stage.
The Titan Desert’s camp life is one of its defining features. Professionals and everyday riders share the same bivouac, the same dust and the same fatigue after each day on the bike.
