My name is Nils. In daily life, I am the proud community and event manager at Velodome. But beyond that, I have another mission. On 9 February, you won't find me back in the office. No, I will be at the start of the Atlas Mountain Race Or AMR for short. This is an epic adventure that will take me over 1300 kilometres and 21200 altimeters in Morocco.
The Atlas Mountain Race is an unsupported ultra-distance race starting in magical Marrakech. The race crosses the Anti-Atlas Mountains and finishes in the fishing town of Essaouira. You decide the pace and rest breaks - short or long - but know that the clock is ticking inexorably. There is no prize money. But this unforgettable cycling adventure in breathtaking scenery is what you do it for!
The route is littered with gravel, single and double tracks and often goes along old, dilapidated colonial paths. Little asphalt, lots of challenges. Sometimes you even have to hike over impassable sections, and supply points are widely spaced. Yes, this will be an adventure like no other, where highs and lows alternate, with often a battle on the bike against yourself.
The seeds of this adventure lay for me last summer, but not in the way you might expect. I was then diagnosed with metastatic testicular cancer. After nine weeks of intensive chemotherapy, I was ready for a reset. A sporting challenge as a kind of thick line under this difficult period. Now, six months later, the time has come.
The preparation for the Atlas Mountain Race was one with peaks and valleys, especially during the winter months. The road to Marrakech was short and we will see if my fitness level is sufficient. But I am grateful to be back on the bike and it gives me strength to push on. On Friday in Marrakech, I will be at the start line, hugely motivated but with a small heart.
As for the bike, I opted for the new Orbea Oiz M LTD, modified with fixed seatpost from Stromer and custom cockpit configuration for comfort with Ergon GS3 inner bar ends and a Profile Design TT handlebar. With hub dynamo in the front wheel and a Garmin 1040 Plus Solar, I can count on all autonomy without too many charging breaks.
In addition, I can rely on the technicality of the PEdALED-bike clothing that was developed after extensive testing in similar conditions. PEdALED combines wearing comfort and protection against most extreme weather conditions to perfection. The many rides in temperatures ranging from +30° to 0° and below, helped me select the right gear. The cycling shoes are by Fizik x PEdALED Ergolace Gore-Tex.
I want to end this first blog with a big thank you to the team at Velodome. They supported me to get to this point, especially in the physically difficult moments.
I will now continue packing. Follow my adventure from 9 February at 6pm on Velodome's social channels and at the following links:
