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Moroccan Dust: The Highs and the Lows of the Atlas Mountain Race
Restrap Ambassador, Thomas Boury has just about recovered enough from this year's Atlas Mountain Race to tell us how it went, and to talk us through his kit choices. After his third place in 2024, he started with high expectations, but things didn't quite play out for him this year. Despite that he's in a philosophical mood...
A return to Morocco
Why do you ride your bike ? For the passion, the thrill, the experiment, the desire to explore, create memories, to embrace your true self or inspire others through your adventures… ?
We all have many reasons to hop on the saddle and start spinning our legs. Mine lies in all of them. But you might ask, why come for the third time to Marrakech to race the Atlas Mountain Race ? Maybe because it ticks all the boxes I love about riding my bike. Racing adds a unique flavour that sets it apart from bikepacking. Whether you call it soulfulness or self-transcendence, the context of bike racing creates something distinct; a unique perspective and approach that allows you to discover yourself on a deeper level.
Third time isn't always the charm
In some ways, 2025 was no different from 2024 or 2022. Once again, I experienced the highs and the lows of the Moroccan dust. Whether you motivation is a top performance or just to complete the race, you’ll get there; where the golden hour light softens your eyes, the nights exhaust your soul, and the smiles of the Moroccans fill you with a pure, simple joy.
I could tell you how hard I’ve trained the past months, or how heavy-hearted I felt after crossing the finish line, because despite finishing 6th, after a deep effort to comeback from 20th position, I was left unsatisfied with my performance. Instead what I’ve chosen to share with you today is a more positive outlook.
Now, 15 days almost since the dust has settled, I’m starting to feel the incredibly powerful sense of accomplishment that only such adventures can offer. It isn’t about a number or your finish position, but rather about your attitude. In the face of adversity, when things aren’t going your way, not giving up is a choice. A powerful one. If sometimes the reward doesn’t come straight away, it will hit you at some point. What we call reflection arrives, and things start to fall into perspective. The bitter taste you felt begins to soften and life goes on as it should. You’ve grown, collected valuable lessons along the way, and hopefully become a little wiser and dispelled.
Bike set up
Fancy a little bike tour? Here's a glimpse of how Thomas packed his kit for the Atlas Mountain Race.
