Garmin Titan Desert 2019 | Stage 1 - Highlights

A record participation, the presence of some extraordinary personalities, a re-designed course and an organisation on the alert; everything suggests a classic Titan. The riders got off to a fast start on the opening stage, which left from and returned to Merzouga, which confirms moreover that this good impression is no mirage! Sunglasses Siroko Tec https://srko.co/bttlobo Chain Reaction Cycles http://tidd.ly/34c3b39f Suplementos24.com https://goo.gl/XrYDqL Caffè Bonini https://rebrand.ly/Bonini Bikeinn https://goo.gl/KWF4Sb Retto https://goo.gl/D49KCu Just underway, the Garmin Desert Race 2019 has everything to become a legend. And with reason, this morning 675 mountain bike riders from 21 countries came together in Merzouga, to set off on 6 particularly desertic stages. More than ever before, they will face a mighty challenge to complete the 640 kms and 6,000 m of elevation gain from the start line to the finish in Maadid. This event is more than just sport, it is also a great human adventure full for conviviality. The participants are thus able to share their emotions while enjoying the comfort of a 24,000 m² bivouac, set-up in the evening and disassembled in the early morning. Those numerous advantages have attracted the enthusiasm of an exceptional field. In addition to the presence of emblematic figures such as François Delecour, champions, like two-time winner of the Ultra trial WorldTour, Núria Picas are also taking part. Moreover, former cycling greats like Sylvain Chavanel, Abraham Olano, Melcior Mauri and Joaquin Purito Rodriguez are also present in Morocco. “I have done a lot of mountain bike training these past few months and I think I am in good physical shape. But I am really here to have a good time and learn”, explained the Spanish rider on the eve of the start. The Titan doesn’t forget the wonderful stories. This year’s race marks the return of Pedro Vernis, who won the first edition. Juan Porcar, RPM-MKTG CEO: “To see our first winner is very symbolic. All the credit goes to Pedro Vernis! I want to also thank all our champions because they are the strength of the event. The professional cyclists find a second venue to exercise their passion. We are all the happier, as these distinguished athletes share in the Titan spirit. They seek above all to have fun, through what is a one of a kind experience." A flying start The elite wasted no time in getting the merciless battle underway on the 109 kms stage 1, featuring 800 m of positive elevation gain. But it was not without difficulty. A dozen riders pushed by a light breeze were able to pull away to take on the first 40 km of dunes in the Erg Chebbi. The battle for the lead continued as the race past through the Tissardmine oasis before the winner of the 2018 Garmin Titan Desert, Josep Betalù (Viorcam-KH7-Pasion MX), won the stage in 3h54:30, just ahead of Marek Rauchfuss (Škoda WeloveCycling – Kross Bikeranc), and Pau Salvà (TAMAYO TEAM 1). The participants must now recover from this first adventure before attacking the marathon-stage that will be divided into two parts. The first part, known as the Garmin Stage, is brand-new because navigation aids are prohibited. This will force the mountain bikers to use their talent and ingenuity to find their way on the 108 kms to Ouzina. The second half of the marathon-stage will be 118 kms long (1,555 m of positive elevation gain) from Ouzina, to return to Merzouga. In other words, the adventurers are still in for many surprises! More info: https://www.titandesert.com/ BTT Lobo Website: https://bttlobo.com/ Subscribe BTT Lobo YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/YprxvK