Rigs of the 2026 Atlas Mountain Race (Part 2)

In about an hour, nearly 300 riders will set out on a 1,350-kilometer ride from Beni Mellal and across the Moroccan Atlas, ending in the coastal city of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. The Mountain Race Series is known for dishing up seriously challenging routes, and this year’s route has a few unknowns, including 300 kilometers of new terrain, never before traversed in the Atlas Mountain Race. There is little pavement; most of the route follows rough gravel roads that have fallen into disrepair, and riders must ride completely unsupported.

Due to the number of submissions, we split our rig roundup into two parts. Yesterday’s roundup featured the first 50 riders and rigs taking on the 2026 Atlas Mountain Race, and today’s features the next 60+ rigs. Continuing the theme of insights gained from back-to-back years of “Rigs of” roundups, hardtail mountain bikes with front suspension are the leading choice. A quick glance shows a nice mix of lightweight fabric seat packs and rack systems, droppers and rigid posts, and a 29 x ~2.2″ tire appears to be the go-to choice.

The 2026 Atlas Mountain Race grand depart takes off this morning at 8 a.m. local time. Dig into the rigs below, and then head over to our event page to follow their progress in real-time.

Cynthia Carson

Age 33 / Girona (Spain)

BIKE: Factor Lando HT with Transmission 10-52T cassette and 32T chainring, Fox 34 120mm fork, I’m riding the HUNT Proven Dynamo wheelset with 2.25″ Vittoria Mezcal tires from BikeTiresDirect with Orange Seal sealant.
BAGS: Tailfin custom frame bag, 10L Speedpack rear bag and rack, 1.6L long top tube, 1.7L downtube pack, and POC Feed bags. POC 2L hydration vest. I’ve also got a 1.5L hydration bladder in my frame pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve chosen to ride a dynamo with a Sinewave beacon. I’ve got an emergency bivy, a 32F/0C bag, and a pillow for sleeping.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ACE.

Yoann Charon

Age 39 / Montrouge (France)

BIKE: To ride the AMR, I wanted a simple, reliable, and ideally French bike to replace my aging 26″, so I chose a second-hand 2019 Lapierre Prorace 5.9 aluminum hardtail (by the way Lapierre customer service, I’m still waiting for your reply regarding the derailleur hanger reference…) Largely original, Fox 32 rhythm fork, XT 12-speed 10/51T, 32T crankset. Among the modification, DT Swiss XR1700 wheels with new Maxxis Rekon Race 2.25″ tires, already punctured after 100km on road, and the cockpit taken from my old bike, including my Fabric saddle. I installed Gloworm CX Core light, next to my Wahoo Roam GPS, and my phone in backup. In addition, a Stoot Heckla 3 headlamp, attached to the helmet, which is great.
BAGS: Apidura Expedition full frame, with 1.5L bladder at the bottom. At rear a Mica Tail Rack, to support Sea to Summit drybag, for Therm-a-Rest mattress, sleeping bag, Moonlite Bivy, and warm clothes. A small saddlebag for tools, and two toptube bag, for food, powerbank, chamois cream etc.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A round neck with my wife’s purfume, and my son dancing in video and my phone.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam GPS and phone as backup.

Miroslav Chrapka

Age 44 / London (UK)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the 2026 AMR on my Specialized Epic. The bike features a new pair of Dubnital tires on Roval wheels, 1×12 drivetrain with a 30T chainring.
BAGS: Tailfin bags with Apidura food pouches.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My usual kit, MSR bivy, Sea to Summit sleeping bag and silk liner, Therm-a-rest pad with Alpkit pillow. Looking forward to use two new items: Tailfin speed pack, easier to load and unload as it is fixed with fairly good volume of space. Shimano XT brakes, as found both old ones (fairly newish) brakes leaking just few days before the trip.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura for looong battery life.

Jake Cullen

Age 29 / Vancouver, BC (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2024 Cannondale Scalpel with a 120mm Fox 34 StepCast Fork, and a Fox Float SL Shock. XO Transmission for shifting and XT 4 pistons for braking. I’ll be rolling on some WeAreOne Convergence rims laced to an SP dynamo up front and an I9 hub in the rear wrapped in 2.4″ Schwalbe Rick XC Tires with Tannus inserts.
BAGS: Pretty much all Tailfin generously loaned to me by my wife, Mel. Aeropack in the rear with my sleep kit and warm clothes, 1.6L Long Top Tube Bag in the middle for electronics and food, a Rear Top Tube bag (the 0.9L road one fits perfectly) for quick access layers, and a Downtube Pack for spares and tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Full Zoa rain kit from Albion will keep me dry for the wet-looking start, plus the Zoa Mountain Jacket for warmth on cold mornings and evenings.
GPS DEVICE: My Coros Dura is unlikely to need to be plugged in once during the whole race.

Filippo Crinelli

Age 42 / Fermignano, Pesaro-Urbino (Italy)

BIKE: For my bikepacking adventure, I’ll be riding a Scott Spark Trail 930 equipped with a HUNT Proven Carbon Race XC MTB 29 Wheelset and Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires. The bike features a 1×12 drivetrain with a 32T chainring and a wide-range 10-51T cassette. For added comfort and efficiency, I’ve mounted Aerobar Profile Design on the handlebars. The saddle is a SELLE ITALIA SLR Boost Endurance Superflow L, offering excellent support for long days in the saddle. Lighting is provided by two powerful Lezyne Macro Drive 1400+ units for long night riding.
BAGS: My bag setup is built around a custom frame bag from Kicking Donkey, complemented by a matching top tube bag for easy access to nutrition and tools. I use a Columbus Outdoor Dry Saddle Bag (11L) for bulkier items, and a CYCLITE Handle Bar Aero Bag with an integrated 2L water bag for hydration on the go. For extra storage and carrying capacity, I rely on a VAUDE Tremalzo 10 backpack, which includes a 1.5L water bag.
GPS DEVICE: For navigation, I’m using a Garmin EDGE 830 and a couple of power banks.

Steven Davis

Girona (Spain)

BIKE: Cervelo ZFS-5 Full Suspension, 2.25″ Vittoria Mezcal Trail tires, SRAM Eagle Transmission, E-Thirteen Sylvan Wheels, dynamo hub with Sinewave Beacon light.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack, Top Tube Bag, and anywhere bottle cage with POC Feedbags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Velocio Zero gloves, Velocio Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie, Precision Hydration.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Ace.

Luke Humphreys

Age 45 / Camborne Cornwall (UK)

BIKE: Crossley Metal. From (Duncan Crossley) prototype suspension fork. XT 2x, Son dynamo, Super Nova E3 light, Pacenti custom wheels, Schwalbe Racing Rick 2.4″ XC tubeless tyres.
BAGS: Mike Hall’s prototype seat pack he left for me to fix and never came back for. 22L Ortlieb dry bag, Spider’s frame pack, and top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Endura waterproof shorts.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin eTrex 20 for recording and Garmin 840 for data.

Marcin Kepka

Age 44 / Gdansk (Poland)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Atlas Mountain Race on a Specialized Epic Evo, equipped with Continental Dubnital Trail Rapid 2.4″ tires and a SRAM GX Transmission drivetrain. A SON dynamo hubwill power my kLite light up front and keep my electronics charged.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack in the back, a top tube bag, and a small frame bag from Apidura.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My shelter setup includes an SOL Emergency bivy, a Cumulus X-Lite 200 sleeping bag, and a Camp sleeping pad. For navigation, I’ll be using a Coros Dura.
GPS DEVICE: A pair of Bluetooth earbuds, for an occasional music boost or a podcast while grinding up a climb.

Maxine Krauss

Age 32 / Vienna (Austria)

BIKE: I will be riding a 2024 Cannondale Scalpel HT with a Lefty Ocho fork. I added some innerbar ends and a Profile design aerobar for the sake of my wrists and changed the tires to 2.25″ Vittoria Barzo in the front and Mezcal in the back.
BAGS: A mix of Tailfin cargo bag, two 5L panniers, down tube bag, an Apidura top tube bag and two food pouches, one from Cyclite and one custom-made from Von Berg Bags. I will also carry a Salomon 12L vest with another 2.5L of water capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My beloved Rab Neutrino 400 sleeping bag with a temperature rating of -7 degrees Celsius, which will keep me cozy during cold Moroccan nights.

GUILLAUME LEMAITRE

Age 28 / Belgium

BIKE: The Acelane Rocker is my bike of choice for the Atlas Mountain Race. A handmade hardtail steel frame from a small Indonesian manufacturer met along my bikepacking trips last year. The bike will roll on the Rene Herse Fleecer 29 x 2.1″, a 34T chainring and 10-52T cassette. The groupset is a Shimano XT. My batteries and light from Klite will be powered by the SON dynamo.
BAGS: Top tube and saddle bags are the Apidura Backcountry series, and the frame bag is a “souvenir de Mamy”, made in Belgium by my grandma! I’ll also be using a hydration vest from Salomon.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Rain pants.
GPS DEVICE: My gps is the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt.

Tim Lewis

Age 54 / Ireland

BIKE: Beefed up Sonder Camino with MTB tyres (Maxxis 27.5 x 2.0″), 32T chainring, and Redshift suspension stem.
BAGS: Tailfin and Ortlieb fork packs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Cheap white bar tape as a double layer. It won’t stay white for long. SON dynamo and Revo light. Like everyone else, I’m watching the weather to decide what clothes to bring, kit may change over the next few days.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 with battery pack.

Vivian Lindholm

Age 35 / Helsinki (Finland)

BIKE: I’m riding a Specialized Chisel 2023 built with Shimano XT components, Rockshox SID SL front suspension, Light Bicycle wheels, and Continental Dubnital 2.4″ tires. The Supernova M99 lights and Sinewave charging system are powered by a SON 28 dynamo. I use Profile design aerobars and SQlab inner bar ends for some added comfort.
BAGS: All my fancy bags are made by my partner Tero Niemelä or “TN Bikepacking Gear.” They are light, waterproof, and for sure durable, as his own bags have made it through the Tour Divide, AMR, and SRMR before. I’ll also use the race saddle bag harness from Restrap and a Salomon hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I just love these bags!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar.

Jackson Long

Age 32 / Hailey, Idaho (USA)

BIKE: Custom titanium hardtail made by Erik Rolf of Alliances Bicycles down the street from my house in Idaho. Built with a Shimano XTR mechanical groupset, HUNT Proven XC Dynamo wheelset with Vittoria Mezcal/Peyote 2.4″ combo. FOX Factory 34 120mm fork, Wolf Tooth Components ALT pedals and other purple swag, and KLite dynamo charging and lighting. 4L water capacity and plenty of food to start.
BAGS: Tailfin rear rack with a drybag for sleep gear and layers, Rockgeist frame bag for food, Apidura top tube bag for electronics and quick access necessities, Restrap aerobar bag for extra clothes. Salomon running vest for extra water storage, and my quickdraw film camera.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: couldn’t be more stoked to ride a titanium frame welded in my hometown!
GPS DEVICE: COROS Dura.

Donavan Lucio

Age 34 / Florianopolis, Santa Catarina (Brazil)

BIKE: I will ride a Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 1x, set up with a Ictus 30T chainring and a Deore 11-51T cassette, thanks to the Wolf Tooth GoatLink. It rolls on Session A25 wheels with Hutchinson Python 3 2.3″ tires. I’ll carry 3.4L of water across four bottles.
BAGS: My sleep system, spare clothes, and gels are packed in the Apidura saddle bag. The Apidura frame bag holds electronics, chamois cream, hygiene and first-aid items, the emergency blanket, a multi-tool, and has space for clothing layers. The Apidura downtube bag carries two spare tubes and tire boots. Up front, a Draisiana Jakob bag stores my rain kit: Specialized gloves, a Gore-Tex Paclite jacket, and Black Diamond rain pants. Gels and snacks are in the Decathlon pouches, while the Apidura top tube bag carries my phone, sunscreen, and more snacks. I’m also carrying a foldable Decathlon backpack for easy and fast resupply.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Fenix HM65R and B&M IXON Space will be my headlights. For the rear, the Sigma Infinity for the night shift, and the Specialized Stix Elite 2 serves as a daytime blinker. My sleep system is an MSR Pro Bivy, a Sea to Summit Spark 2 sleeping bag, and a Sea to Summit insulated mat. On the safe side, I’m bringing a considerable amount of Mombora gels and carbs, since I’m vegetarian, a 20,000mAh power bank, and a SILCA Gravelero mini-pump.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 as my main device, with a Garmin eTrex 32x as a backup, and RWGPS on my phone as the backup of the backup.

Ben Luoma

Age 32 / Estepona, Malaga (Spain)

BIKE: I’m riding on the solid On-One Scandal hardtail MTB. It is a fairly stock set-up except for a Brooks C-19 saddle, Velo-Orange Crazy Bar handlebar and Vittoria Mezcal XC 2.25 tyres with TPU tubes.
BAGS: Bag-wise, I am running an Ortlieb quick-rack with their forkpacks as mini-panniers (thank you Bikepacking.com for the advice on this set-up!) and an Alpkit drybag for my sleep system, an Ortlieb handlebar bag containing mostly food, a Restrap toptube bag, and a Tailfin downtube bag and their forkmounts for cargo cages and two bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Gear-wise, I have an Alpkit Elan bivvy and their cloud-base mattress, two Lezyne lights and the Lezyne Powerpack. I also have two Anker power banks and a trusty Anker Solarport I’ve had since 2017. I’m bringing my Mum’s old Canon Powershot G9 for the ride, which I hope will survive in the Decathlon Rockrider water bladder bumbag I’ll have on my waist. With the rain that’s forecast for this year I’m also considering bringing a tarp.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura GPS.

Kerry MacPhee

Age 39 / Stirlingshire (Scotland)

BIKE: Genesis Mantle (2018 frame). Shimano XTR 10-51T. 30T chainring. Vittoria Peyote 2.4″ tyres, DT Swiss 1200 wheels.
BAGS: Restrap custom frame bag, aero front roll, top tube bag, stem bag, and roll top hydration bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I particularly love my roll top hydration bag. I keep my sleep kit in this incase I get separated from my bike and it has tons of room and is very comfy even when filled to the brim! Also loving my flex tail battery pack which is super sleek, flex tail pump mostly because it sooks the air out and makes packing away easy, and finally my stem mount quad lock for inevitably watching the dots while I race!
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura. I love not having to think about charging it.

Robert Manna

Age 29 / Tallinn (Estonia)

BIKE: I will be riding my trusted Scott Scale, kitted with a SON dynamo and Supernova lights, Vittoria Mezcal 2.35” tires, Profile Design aerobars and a front cradle, and Tailfin mini cage on the downtube to carry extra water when necessary.
BAGS: Homemade frame bag and front roll, Tailfin long toptube bag, and a Revelate Designs seatpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This will be the first race where I try to divide the load more evenly: sleep kit (Katalbatic gear bivy, Cumulus quilt and Big Agnes Zoom UL) in the front, clothes in the back, food (a lot of ricebars), repair kit in the frame bag, and quick access stuff in the toptube. Will have a 2L bladder in the vest.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Tatjana Marien

Age 49 / Niedersachsen (Deutschland)

BIKE: I’ll ride my trusty trekking bike, a “Bicycles” SLPorto model. It’s equipped with a Rohloff Speedhub internal gear hub, a 36T chainring, and a 16T sprocket. The tires are 28″ Schwalbe Marathon 28×175.
BAGS: I use a mix of different brands of gear that I’ve accumulated over the years: Deuter, Ortlieb, and Zefal.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using a Garmin Oregon 700 for navigation.

Chris Mehlman

Age 25 / Girona (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be running my trusty Pivot Mach 4 SL with RockShox Flight Attendant Suspension, SRAM XXSL drivetrain (34t ring), Vittoria Mezcal 2.4″ Trail Casing tires, USE TR2 aero bars, and a SON dynamo hub.
BAGS: With the weather, I need to balance carrying capacity, weight, and handling, so I’ve chosen a Tailfin SpeedPack in the rear (sleep kit/layers), a Tailfin 3L top tube Bag (food), a custom Tailfin frame bag (charging/med kit/extras), and a 1.7L Tailfin down tube bag (tools/spares). I will also be running a USWE Rush Pack with a 3L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m running an Exposure Six Pack and Diablo light combo, a Boost-R in the rear. I’m wearing a Pearl iZUMi kit, including the Expedition Pro Cargo Bibs, Pro Jersey, Summit 3L WxB outer rain shell, Commuter rain pants, and various Pearl warmers and gloves.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be running a Hammerhead Karoo.

Fritz Meinecke

Age 36 / Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt (Germany)

BIKE: Trek Supercaliber, 46cm Dropbar, SRAM XX AXS, 30T and 10/52T, Son28 Dynamo, Ladelux Light and USB-C Charger, Mezcal XC Trail 2.4″ Tubeless.
BAGS: Cyclite Full Frame Bag, Cyclite Saddle Bag (12.9l), Tailfin Long Top Tube bag (3l), Salomon Active Skin 12l Hydration Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Therm-a-Rest Xlite (RW), Custom Cumulus Aerial Quilt-Sleepingbag-Hybrid, Daysafer Multi-Tool, Exposer Light Joystick 18, Leyzne Strip Drive pro 400+, Shokz open run pro 2, 2x Nitecore Summit 10k Powerbank, Ace Pro 2 Actioncam, 3l Hydration Bladder + 2x 500ml Flasks.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Myles Merckel

Age 24 / Den Haag (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I’ll be putting my Trek Procaliber 9.7 to the test in its first race. It’s fitted with a 1×12 (10-52 x 34T) GX AXS group and modified with a Ratio Technologies cage, which happens to be built in the same place I was. I’m running Hope Tech 4 Evo brakes to continue the North West theme, and FFWD wheels laced to a Son dynamo hub will be powering a Klite light and charger as I ride. Tyres are Schwalbe Racing Ray 2.35″ front and rear.
BAGS: A Tailfin setup will be used to store most of my gear, alongside a borrowed (thanks, Bas) Carrie-gere frame bag and some Decathlon snack pouches. A Decathlon 15L hydration vest will cover the rest of my snack and water storage needs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Fidlock adjustable cage that’s mounted between my legs, which will act as either extra water or accessible peanut butter storage, depending on what’s more vital in the moment.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Sam Merckel

Age 28 / Kendal (UK)

BIKE: I’ll be piloting my Titus Fireline (Tina), equipped with Fox 34’s and Hunt carbon wheels with a SON Dyno front hub powering a Klite System for the long nights. A set of Hope E4 brakes will help keep things controlled, and Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tyres should hold up against the mix of surfaces.
BAGS: Apidura Backcountry set including the Backcountry Hydration Pack. I have swapped in an Ortlieb 14L seatpack for extra capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Giro Sector shoes for fast drying. Last-minute addition of a Sea to Summit Spark Pro -9 sleeping bag in anticipation of the cold, wet weather. SQ Inner Bar Ends for a comfortable upright position.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Julien Merle

Age 46 / Salindres, Gard (France)

BIKE: The bike is a Cannondale Scalpel with a pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ in the front and 2.25” out back, 1×12 drivetrain with a 34T chainring, Shimano Deore drivetrain, carbon wheels with DT-Swiss hub, Profile Design aerobars, and Ergon grips.
BAGS: I’ve got a frame bag from French company BMQ By Marion & Quentin. I am also running an Ortlieb seat pack and a small feed bag on the handlebars from the same company. I’ve also got a backpack from Kiprun for my water and food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Bivy with Sea to Summit sleeping bag and Decathlon air mat.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Wahoo Elemnt Roam 2 and the new light from Exposure, the Toro 16.

Aurelie Mesplede

Age 42 / TOSSE, LANDES (FRANCE)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the AMR on a 2024 Orbea OIZ M PRO TR, with Orbea OQUO Mountain Performance MP30TEAM Carbon wheels. Shimano XT brakes, Shimano XT groupset with a 1×12 drivetrain, 32T crankset, 10–51T cassette, and a Fox 34 Float SC FACTORY fork with 120 mm of travel to maintain maximum grip on even the most technical descents. I chose Maxxis Rekon Race 2.35″ tires for a balanced mix of speed and grip. For comfort, I’m only using Spirgrips handles.
BAGS: At the rear, I’m using an Apidura Backcountry 9L seat pack for my sleeping gear and down jacket. On the top tube, an Apidura 1L bag for foods and 2x1L Btwin for electronic equipment. Then a custom MissGrape frame bag for everything else (repair kit, rain jacket, gloves, balaclava, and food). I also chose to carry a RaidLight Responsiv 10L hydration pack to transport nutrition and a 1.5L water bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: a lightweight setup with essential gear. For hydration, I’m bringing two press-to-drink bottles stored in food pouches for easy access while riding. For the long nights, a K-Lamp EXR1100IT combined with a Stoots headlamp.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 1030, with an iPhone as a backup.

Jerome Mesplede

Age 47 / TOSSE, LANDES (FRANCE)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the AMR on a 2022 Orbea OIZ M PRO TR, with an Orbea Carbon 30c rear wheel and an Asterion rim with a SON 28 dynamo hub up front for electrical autonomy. Shimano XT brakes, Shimano XTR groupset with a 1×12 drivetrain, 34T crankset, 10–51T cassette, and a Fox 34 Float SC FACTORY fork with 120 mm of travel to maintain maximum grip on even the most technical descents. I chose Maxxis Rekon Race 2.35″ tires for a balanced mix of speed and grip. For comfort, I’m using a Berthoud leather saddle, Profile Design aero bars, and Spirgrips handles.
BAGS: At the rear, I’m using an Apidura Racing 7L seat pack for my sleeping gear and down jacket. On the top tube, an Apidura 1L bag for electronic equipment, and a custom MissGrape frame bag for everything else (repair kit, rain jacket, gloves, balaclava, and food). I also chose to carry a RaidLight Responsiv 10L hydration pack to transport nutrition and a 1.5L water bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A lightweight setup with essential gear, double side bottle cages, a K-Lamp Nomade combined with a Stoots headlamp for the long nights and preventive bandages protection for long days in the saddle.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 1030, with an iPhone as a backup.

Dimitar Mihaylov

Age 47 / Sofia (Bulgaria)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the 2026 Atlas Mountain Race on a Specialized Epic Evo (2023). My drivetrain is a mechanical 12-speed SRAM X01/XX1 with a 32T front chainring and a 10-50T cassette. The wheels are custom-built with Newmen carbon rims and DT Swiss 350 hubs. I’ll be using Schwalbe Rick XC tires for this race. The other components are 4-piston Shimano XTR brakes, Rockshox SID Ultimate fork (120mm travel), and SQlab innerbarends. For the night riding, I’ll rely on Knog Binder X 1800 front light and Silva Discoverer headlamp.
BAGS: My bag setup is a full set of Tailfin bags: CargoPack Carbon (18L), Downtube Pack 3L, Long Top Tube Bag 3L. The bags are very robust, easy to mount/unmount, lightweight, and provide plenty of space.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lightweight sleeping system which includes Pajak Radical 1Z sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad and SOL bivvy. Another highlight is that all electronic devices have a USB-C charging port, including the batteries for the headlamp. This means fewer adapters and cables.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Coros Dura with a Google Pixel 10 as a backup.

Julian Mills

Age 38 / Cornwall (UK)

BIKE: A cold blooded Rig-a-saurus GMX (Rex). Riding a Curve GMX + steel. A wide drop bar, carbon forks, 2.6″ Mescal tyres, long and low frame beast. Its happy shredding trails or chewing up gravel while still running fast on tarmac. A couple of extra bits of comfort with a dropper post and redshift stem to handle the harder stuff have been added and some more MTB style DRM peddles for the downhills. Lots of little bits from Wolf tooth for holding extra gear which might need to be picked up. Running dyno lights and charging system with an Exposure light on the helmet. A mix of layers are stored over the bike as the temperature is supposed to swing pretty hard from super cold to super warm. Sleep system is as light as I am happy to go with snow forecasted.
BAGS: Mix of bags picked up over the years with a fair bit of Tailfin: Aerorack, top tube and down tube bags. Front handlebar bag from Restrap and a custom frame bag from WitSlings.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Carbs! Rear bag is full of a mix of carbs ready for each day. The hope is to have a good intake and try and avoid the dreaded ‘bonkin’ and have the bike get lighter as I get more tired as the race moves forwards.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Duro with iPhone back-up. Some little spreadsheets on the phone too helping break the route up and some key milestones each day.

Emma Missale

Age 28 / Copenhagen (Denmark)

BIKE: Alonukis ERT steel frame with FOX 32 fork, carbon wheel set (SON in the front, Hope pro5 in the back, UltraD Mars 2.1″ Robusto) some Cane Creek eWings cranks with 32T Aarn ring, running 12-speed (11-52T) SRAM Eagle. Brooks C17 saddle on Redshift sus seat post. Omnium Ti 60mm stem, Ti riser, SQ Lab grips, Hope breaks x2 and Redshift aero bars and KLite charging + light system.
BAGS: Not in photo, but I’ll be running Restrap Race saddle bag, top tube bag, double feed pouches, custom frame bag, handlebar bag and hydro vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite gear is probably AlbaOptic Mantra with photochromic lenses and Albion Primaloft Active Evolve hoodie.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin inReach Mini 2.

David Molina

Age 43 / Pozoblanco, Córdoba, Andalusia (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2017 Ghost Lector 1 with a carbon frame. The bike is built around a set of aluminum Crankbrothers Cobalt 1 wheels, fitted with tubeless Vittoria Mezcal 2.1” tires in the 60 TPI casing. It’s a straightforward and reliable setup focused on simplicity and durability rather than constant adjustments. The bike is also set up with up to six bottle cages for extended water capacity, and Profile Design Ergo aero bars to improve comfort and efficiency during long hours on the bike.
BAGS: On the fork, I’m running two Topeak Drybag 4 fork bags. Under the handlebars, I use a Topeak FrontLoader handlebar bag. Inside the frame, there’s an AGU Venture frame bag with a three-liter capacity. At the rear, I carry a Geosmina seat pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system consists of a Sea to Summit Spark II sleeping bag, an inflatable Forclaz sleeping pad, and a bivy for shelter.
GPS DEVICE: I’m navigating with a Garmin Explore 2, with my iPhone mounted on the handlebars as a backup.

Sam Morris

Age 48 / Moutiers, French Alps (France)

BIKE: It’s a (very pretty) 2018 Santa Cruz Chameleon, running on some super-niche 27.5 x 2.8” Schwalbe G-One All Rounds. Perfect for the infamous 10km sand section, possibly less perfect for the other 1,340km? We’ll see. I’ve also got the world’s cheapest AND lightest 100% wireless drivetrain, in a 32×17, with an oval ring up front. There are inner bar ends and some silicone grips mounted inboard of them so I can go puppy paws and rest my hands a bit. I’m a mountain biker so I just couldn’t bear to fit tri bars or Ergon grips, I wanted to keep it as close to ‘normal’ as I could.
BAGS: Look at that framebag! Thank you Wizard Works. I love it. Otherwise, it’s about one bag from every big manufacturer. I’ve put a rubber strap around the downtube and seattube as a carry handle, as the full frame bag does make portage a bit fiddly. There’s a monster Nalgene bottle on the frame and I’ll also have a RAB trail running vest with a 3l drink bladder in there.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: One-up tool and pump, because mountain biking, and my new Rab Mythic quilt, strapped onto a wide Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite mat, shit they were expensive but they shaved about a kilo off my sleep system and are a warmer combo too – bonus.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar, for the battery life win.

Diego Navarro

Age 36 / Bajo de Masinloc (Philippines)

BIKE: Merman Bicycles Ti DD running 32×19, Rudy XL 60mm, and 29 x 2.25” Mezcals on Enve AM30 wheels with a SON28 dynamo up front powering a Sinewave Beacon 2.
BAGS: South City Stitchworks frame, top tube, and feed bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Mica rat tail, SCSW love handles, Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad, MLD bivy, Montbell 0-degree sleeping bag, Plasma 1000 down jacket, rain jacket, rain pants, OFR pocket pogies.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura with Garmin Edge 840 Solar as backup.

Bastien Girard Nkouikani

Age 32 / Lyon (France)

BIKE: My bike is a Canyon Exceed CF SLX CLLCTV. I replaced the original one-piece Canyon CP0008 cockpit with a more modular two-piece handlebar and stem setup to improve comfort, vibration dampening, and mounting options. The drivetrain is a 1×12 setup with a 34T chainring paired to a 10–52T cassette. Tires are 2.35” Maxxis Ikon EXO, set up tubeless.
BAGS: My bag setup is centered around Apidura frame bags, including a full frame bag for general storage, a top tube bag for electronics, and a downtube bag for repair items. For sleep and clothing, I’m using Miss Grape bags on the seatpost (sleep system bivy, -6C sleeping bag and mattress) and handlebars (extra layers). I’m carrying two bottles inside the frame, two additional bottles mounted on the seatstays, plus two Decathlon food pouches on the cockpit. I’ll also ride with a Camelbak providing an extra 2.5L of water capacity for longer, remote sections.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m bringing a film camera along with several rolls of Ilford HP5 black and white film to document the race in Henri Cartier-Bresson’s fashion.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be navigating with a Garmin Edge 530, with an iPhone carried as a backup.

Roz (Rosalyn) Osborne

Age 44 / Cornwall (UK)

BIKE: Vitus Rapide Full suspension CRX mountain bike, size small. I am riding flat pedals. Areo bars. SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type 12-Speed Derailleur. I am riding a Schwalbe Thunder Burt Evo 29″ on the rear and a Continental Race King 29″ on the front. I am running a Klite Ultra MTB off a dynamo hub, with a back up helmet mounted Exposure Joystick.
BAGS: Ortileb small frame bag, Restrap top tube bag, Decathlon stem bags. Dry bag strapped to the handlebars and an Aeroe spider rack with an Overboard dry bag. Ultimate direction hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Spark women’s ultralight down Sea to Summit sleeping bag, Outdoor Research Helium Bivy, NeoAir Xlite small sleeping mat by Therm-a-Rest, and a silk liner by LifeVenture.
GPS DEVICE: Using a Garmin Edge 1040 and an iPhone as backup.

Christian Ott

Age 59 / Freiburg, Baden-Wurttemberg (Germany)

BIKE: For my first AMR adventure, I’ll be riding my Titanium Chiru Kegeti. Thanks to my mechanic Axel, it features a brand-new pair of Mezcal 2.25″ tires on DTSwiss alu rims, a new waxed chain, serviced brakes, and a SON28 front wheel. I’m using a full Shimano XT mechanical setup with 1×12 gears and a 32T chainring. The Kegeti works great with my rigid steel fork, but for the AMR I’ve fitted a Fox 32 Factory 100mm suspension fork. The carbon handlebar, saddle, and inner bar ends are from SQLab. I have the GA3 grips from Ergon, no aerobars. And I love my Redshift Pro suspension seatpost.
BAGS: I really like my new large and colorful custom bolt-on roll-top frame bag from Witslingers/Leipzig (Tijmen did an awesome job!). I will not fly to/from Morocco. I will be using ground transport to get to the start line (train, ferry from France, bus) and will ride parts of the northern caravan route to acclimatize. Before and after the AMR the frame bag will hold my laptop computer, to get some freelance work done. I will also be using a Tailfin Aeropack, a Tailfin long toptube bag, and a feed bag from Revelate. All my sleeping gear will go into a Sea to Summit dry bag in the Revelate handlebar harness, which has served me well since 2019. Total water capacity is around 5 liters (2.5L bladder in my backpack, 1.5L Nalgene bottle on the downtube, 0.7/1L extra (foldable) bottle). I also have Tailfin suspension fork mounts to carry more food/water if needed.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A custom Pajak down sleeping bag with a wide insulated Nemo Tensor mat. I will have three lights with me: the awesome Supernova M99 DY Pro with a TL3 mini tail light. A small but bright helmet battery light from Gloworm and a mini headlamp from Fenix as emergency backup. Comfortable Shimano shoes with a good Vibram sole and extra neoprene socks for the hike inside the canyon. Claude AI helped me create a comprehensive roadbook with lots of custom POIs for the awesome Mapout app.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Coros Dura with my iPhone as a backup.

Lisa Pacher

Age 29 / Oberaudorf, Bavaria (Germany)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the AMR 2026 on a Specialized Epic Expert Hardtail called “Dora the Explorer” in XS. The bike features a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires and a 1×12 drivetrain with a 32T chainring (SRAM Eagle XX1).
BAGS: Since my bike in size XS doesn’t offer much space for bags, I decided to use the EVOC Seatpack BOA WP8 (sleeping gear, warm clothes) and the EVOC handelbar Roll (~1.5L for food), the Restrap Rave top tube bag (electronics and smaller stuff), the Cyclite frame bag with 2.8L (tools, gloves, etc.) and the Restrap food pouch.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I try to strike a balance between carrying everything I need and still traveling as light as possible by not bringing any unnecessary extras. Because of the cold and wet conditions of this year’s edition, I decided to bring some extra layers, including Sealskinz waterproof socks and my Ortovox Primaloft jacket.
GPS DEVICE: For navigation I count on my Wahoo Element Bolt V1 as I like the basic version of that model. I’ll bring a second as a backup.

Michela Pedranti

Age 29 / Milan (Italy)

BIKE: I’ll be riding an aluminium Specialized Chisel with RockShox Sid Ultimate SL front suspension, aluminum Newmen wheels, Vittoria Mezcal XC Race 29 x 2.35″ tyres, 1×12 Shimano drivetrain (SLX crankset and Deore XT derailleur) with a 30T chainring and 11-51T cassette. Fizik 3d printed Tempo Aliante saddle.
BAGS: I’m using mainly Miss Grape bags (9L handlebar bag, top tube bag, 7L saddle bag, 2x food pouch) and custom frame bag and tools bag. On the fork, Tailfin Fork Mounts for carrying water bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Loving my Exposure Toro front light and my Nitecore head light, along with my Deda Parabola Uno aerobars. As a sleep system, I’m using a Therm-a-Rest 0-degree comfort sleeping bag and Ferrino bivy bag.
GPS DEVICE: Navigating with a Garmin 830 and a Garmin 820 as backup.

Julie Perilla

Age 49 / Anchorage, Alaska (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Atlas Mountains on a 2025 Trek Supercaliber. The bike has 80mm of rear travel and 110mm up front so that I can enjoy the downhills.
BAGS: My favorite bag is a custom-made (purple) frame bag created by my riding partner Karl Booth. On the rear, I have a dropper-post-friendly Apidura seat pack with a Rockgeist Bar Jam 2.0 Mount and Harness up front. I am using a Restrap top tube bag and a Revelate Mountain Feedbag with an insulated water bottle on my handlebars for extra food and water capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I upgraded to a Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Mat in preparation for the colder temperatures. I take my Katabatic Alsek 22 F Down Quilt on pretty much every ride.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Hammerhead Karoo 2 with my iPhone mounted on a Quad Lock as a backup. As a last resort, I’m bringing in a Brit who gets the km-to-mi conversion right about half the time.

Erin Poland

Age 35 / Bushwick, New York (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2023 Cannondale Scalpel: Dr. Pepper! She’s got a women’s-specific power saddle and some Mezcal shoes!
BAGS: The centerpiece of my bike is a custom Rogue Panda frame bag to complement my other pink Rogue Panda top tube and saddle bag. Since I ride a small frame, I’ve added some extra storage with the Tailfin downtube pack. And the most important thing is my two snack bags from Blue Lug and Roadrunner to keep the snacking going the whole ride!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: PINK! As well as my pink and blue dynamo light.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530.

Maxime Prieur

Age 38 / Vieux boucaux les Bains, Aquitaine (France)

BIKE: Canyon Lux WC, Duke Lucky Jack wheel, Son dynamo, front light is from Llum, Renthal carbon flat bar, Zipp extension, Hutchinson Skeleton 2.15″ tires, Shimano XTR pedals, and XO crankset.
BAGS: Tailfin 18l rear bag and long top tube 2.2L.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SRAM Eagle 90, oval 34T chainring, and 10-52T cassette.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam 3.

Aliza Richman

Age 44 / Portland, Oregon (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding my colorful Specialized Epic World Cup (L) with a Hifi Session 30 wheel setup with a Shutter Precision dynamo hub powering a Sinewave Beacon light up front and a B + M mico light in the rear. I have SRAM transmission groupset with a 32t chainring and a 10-52 cassette. I’m running 29″ x 2.35″ Thunderburt tires front and rear. SQ labs 16-degree backsweep handlebar with SQ labs inner bar ends, Zipp Vuka Clip aerobars with risers and Wolf Tooth Fat Paw grips to help reduce hand numbness. My Garmin 1040 bike computer is mounted above my Sinewave Beacon on the dual connection aerobar mount from Jefe.bike.
BAGS: I have a mix and match of bags, featuring the Tailfin bar system bag holding my Outdoor Research bivy, Nemo Tensor sleeping pad, and all the warm clothes I could cram inside. I added the Tailfin bar bag accessory mounts to hold my inReach mini and backup Fenix BC26R light. I mounted Tailfin suspension fork mounts for extra water bottles during long stretches without resupply. I also have the Tailfin 2.2L top tube back for my electronics, a Revelate frame bag for food, an Apidura Expedition saddle bag for my 15 degree F REI sleeping bag and more warm clothes, 2 x Apidura 1.2 L Food pouch, and a Tailfin 1.7 downtube bag for bike repair supplies. I’ll also be wearing an Albion Visibility cargo vest with a 1.5 L bladder. Apple AirPod Pro for audiobooks and music, warm lobster gloves, and a special Kula cloth featuring a picture of my Schnoodle, Kaia.

Anna Richter

Age 31 / Germany

BIKE: Custom build with full-suspension Specialized Epic frame, 2.2″ Continental Raceking tires, 32T chainring, 52T cassette, SON Dynamo hub.
BAGS: Revelate Designs half frame and top tube bag, Cyclite seat pack and aerobar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: my Cumulus sleeping bag.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam 3 and a Garmin watch as backup.

Ariane Richter

Age 51 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: I am on my SOUR Pasta Party in matte raw. It comes with a Manitou R8 fork with 120mm travel and ProTaper handlebar and seatpost. Wheels are Reynolds 329 Carbon with hubs by Quist and SON, both custom coloured, and Schwalbe tires Racing Ralph/Ray 2.25″. I am shifting with a SRAM XX AXS Transmission, 10-52 cassette and taking a 32T chainring. Lights are SON Ladelux. No Aerobars this time, but Farr arm rests only.
BAGS: With a small bike, bags are always a challenge. Tailfin got me covered with the aero pack (sleeping kit & clothing), a small cage pack (spares & repair) and a small top tube bag (electronics & essentials). In my full-frame bag by Restrap I carry electronics & snacks. For sleeping, I am opting for warmth with a Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F and a Nemo Tensor all-season mat, all in a bivy from Borah gear. Snacks and hydration go in the Carrie Gere Hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Flat pedals to reduce stress on my ankles, freeze-dried meals to reduce stress in my body (I’m vegan). Neoprene socks for the walk in the gorges of M‘Goun.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo.

Max Riese

Age 35 / Salzburg (Austria)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Cervélo ZFS-5 “Black Betty”. She’s a true rarity. She’s a dropbar MTB with a RockShox SID custom 100mm travel with 35mm chassis and a Fox Float 45mm rear shock. Full SRAM with Force shifters, X0 Transmission derailleur, and XX1 Powermeter crank. 32×10-52: playing it conservative. Wheels are 28 XC by Reserve paired with MAXXIS Aspen in the front and Aspen ST 2.25” in the back. The front is custom laced to a SON 28 dynamo hub. Lights and power by KLITE Ultra Race and some battery-driven BBB Cycling lights.
BAGS: Full on Tailfin setup. The centerpiece is a custom prototype bag for full-sus frames, a long top tube bag, and of course, the new Speed Pack in the rear. I will also carry an Ultimate Direction Trailrunning vest for hydration and more snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea To Summit Spark 3 sleeping bag, UL mattress, and a Helium Bivvy. Posedla Joyseat Ultimate saddle in an unusual position, thanks to Fair Bike Drop Best UC clamp tool. I am using a Cervélo HB16 dropbar with the extension mounts and ZIPP Vuka aero bars. Full 7mesh kit will safe me from rain, cold and whatever else Morocco throws at me. Oh, and of course, Alba Optics Delta photochromatic glasses, KASK Elemento helmet, and QUOC GT XC Shoes.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Coros Dura with an iPhone as a backup.

John Roe

Age 61 / South Wales (UK)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the #AMR2026 on a carbon framed Canyon Exceed. The bike has a pair of tubeless Maxxis Ikon 2.35” tyres and a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed (10x52T) groupset fitted with a 30T Chainring, and there’s a SON Dynamo powering my kLite. I’ve also fitted a pair of Ergon grips and SQlab inner bar ends to give a greater variety of riding positions.
BAGS: I’ve a Tailfin AeroPack to the rear and a Tailfin Bar Bag up front as well as a pair of their Top Tube bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Brooks saddle and a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, both for comfort but at different times of the day.
GPS DEVICE: My main device is a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar with an eTrex 32x as backup.

Rebecca Rusch + Greg Martin

Ages 57 & 54 / Sun Valley, Idaho (USA)

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BIKE: 2026 Otso Fenrir Ti frames with UDH, ENVE M5 Pro wheels, Maxxis Rekon and Rekon Race tires 2.25″, Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack, SRAM XX Eagle AXS Transmission, Truvativ Motive Brakes, SRAM Reverb AXS dropper seatpost, Rockshox SID SL Ultimate fork.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Nano and Portage panniers, Ranger frame bag, Mag Tank, frame bag hydration, and Mountain Feedbags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep kit: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL quilt, Zoom UL pad, bivy sack, and Bearsley UL puffy coat, 4 L water carrying capacity each, Fenix lights (helmet and handlebar), Aero bars.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1030 and 1040 Solar for bike computers, and Ride With GPS for additional mapping.

Sebastian Sarx

Age 38 / Innsbruck, Tyrol (Austria)

BIKE: I’ll be racing on my new 2025 Sour Pasta Party, equipped with a 120mm Manitou R8 Pro fork. The drivetrain is a 1×12 setup with 32×52 gearing, which should be ideal for the long and steep climbs of the Atlas. The wheels are Duke rims with Hope Pro 5 hubs, built by Refried Wheels, combined with 2.35” Vittoria Mezcal tires for a good balance of speed and reliability.
BAGS: I’m using a complete Apidura setup, mixing bags from their MTB and Race Series. The system works well for me, keeps the load stable, and has proven reliable on previous rides.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This time, I have the great luck of riding with my partner. There’s no better thing to bring along. Riding as a couple simply makes the whole experience more fun.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation will be handled by a Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v2, with a Suunto watch as a backup.

Shaun Sava

Age 53 / Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: My weapon of choice is a fully rigid and mechanical Surly Grappler. Microshift 1×10 with a low gear of 32/46T. 50mm of suspension provided by 27.5 x 2.8″ Schwalbe G Ones and Redshift suspension stem. Lighting provided by Shimano’s latest dynamo hub, Klite charger, and B&M front lamp. On the helmet is a cheap headlamp for the hike-a-bike sections, of which there will be many!
BAGS: Custom Rogue Panda frame bag, Revelate Designs saddle bag, Salsa Anything cradle, and Oveja Negra lunchbox.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Planning on a bivy-only experience that includes an alcohol stove and instant coffee.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation provided by Garmin Edge 530 and downloaded offline RWGPS app as backup, which has proved incredibly useful.

Jake Simpson

Age 26 / Kendal, Cumbria (UK)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the AMR on my 2022 Specialized Epic Expert. I’m running full Shimano XTR brakes and drive train with an Absolute Black 32T chain ring. No aerobars for me, but I do have SQlab innerbarends and a cargoloop for a mixture of hand positions.
BAGS: I have a mixture of brands on the bike: Ortlieb saddle pack, Tailfin top tube bag, Podsacs handlebar bag, Apidura snack pouch and a custom-made Aiguile Alpine frame bag. For hydration, I’ve got fork-mounted cages on both sides and an Ultimate Direction hydration pack with a total of 5L of water storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nothing crazy to note, however, I am happy I’ve got Five Ten Kestrel Boa’s on my feet. They’re super comfy and perform well off the bike to. Perfect for the inevitable hike-a-bike sections we’re going to face.
GPS DEVICE: A Garmin Edge 1040 with my phone and Coros watch for backup.

Patrick Staubach

Age 31 / Weimar (Germany)

BIKE: A Canyon Exceed CF SLX with SRAM AXS. Compared to last year’s AMR, I mounted a larger 38T chainring after analyzing how much time I spend on the different cogs. I also switched to drop bars, mainly to avoid finger numbness. I run flat pedals and 2.2″ Dubnital tires on both wheels. Lighting is provided by SON.
BAGS: A Revelate Designs frame bag, secured with a strap to prevent it from rubbing my inner thighs. In addition, an Ortlieb seat bag holds warm clothes.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Different crank lengths on the left and right to compensate for a leg-length discrepancy. Wolf Tooth flat pedals with enduro-optimized Shimano SH-GE900 shoes.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Timo Stein

Age 34 / Oberaudorf, Bavaria (Germany)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Specialized Epic Hardtail with new Vittoria Mezcal XC Trail tires and an electric SRAM Eagle Transmission groupset, 34T in the front and a 10-52T cassette. The bike is pretty much the same as per specs, and I didn’t customize anything. It served me well in the Hellenic Mountain Race 2025 and I am confident it will also do in the Atlas Mountains.
BAGS: I’ll be using a mix of Tailfin (top and downtube bag) and Restap (front roll, saddle bag and food pouch) bags for all my gear. Further, I will be wearing a Cyclite Race backpack for food and water. Unfortunately, the picture actually shows my setup of the HMR25 and I don’t have a current one because my bike is already packed in a cardboard box.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: It’s hard to tell what is a true highlight because I think everything in my setup is valid and I’ll need it sooner or later in the race. I still hope it’s not the tools and spares but let’s see. If there is one luxury thing, it is my Bose headphones to listen to great-sounding music while hitting the trails.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Bolt V2. Further, I will bring a phone mount to use it for navigation in the unlikely event my Wahoo dies.

Dani Vilanova

Age 55 / L’Ametlla del Valles, BARCELONA (SPAIN)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a CURVE GRX4, SRAM Red – XX SL T Type 38×10-52, a pair of MAXXIS Rambler 700×50, CRANK BROTHERS Synthesis Carbon Wheels with a SON Dynamo hub up front with a SINEWAVE Beacon 2 front light and a SON rear light, TIME pedals, TUBUS Titanium rack, BROOKS C17 saddle
BAGS: Apidura all mountain bags and a CamelBak Mule.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nordisk Lofoten tent, Sea to Summit Air Mat. I’ll use Fizik X2 Ergolace shoes.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 + Garmin InReach Mini II.

Richard Schroeder

Age 35 / Ingolstadt (Germany)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Highball 3.0 CC Size L, SRAM XX1 Eagle 32-10/52T with Powermeter, Hope XCR, DT SWISS XRC 25.
BAGS: 18l Tailfin Cargo Rack, 3l Tailfin Toptube Bag, 4.5l Apidura Frame bag (1.5l Water).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit Spark -1 Sleeping Bag, Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Mat, MSR e-bivy, Lupine Piko R7, Lezyne Strip Drive 400+, Apidura Hydration Vest (2l Water).
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam 3.

Rafal Sokol

Age 32 / Strasbourg (France)

BIKE: I’ll be riding on a 2024 Canyon Neuron CF 9 AXS. It is equipped with a new pair of Maxxis Ikon 2.20” tires (filled with Silca Ultimate Sealant), a modified 1×12 drivetrain, featuring a wireless GX derailleur and cassette, XX1 chain, and a 32T Eagle XO chainring. Instead of aero bars, I opted for SQlab 411 innergrips, coupled with Ergon GXR grips.
BAGS: My main luggage compartment is my Tailfin CargoPack, with extra space provided by a 3L Tailfin downtube pack and Apidura Racing Top Tube pack. I will also be wearing a USWE MTB Hydration Pack with a 3L water pouch. Using Tailfin suspension fork mounts, I mounted two Elite Struka bottle cages, which allow me to carry an extra 2 liters of water during long stretches with no resupply.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Cumulus X-lite sleeping bag and bivy, Exposure Toro 16 lamp, and Albion Primaloft Active Evolve Hoodie.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar, with a Garmin Fenix 7X Pro watch as an emergency backup.

Dan Spinney

Age 45 / Chew Valley, Bristol (UK)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my On One Whippet with SRAM GX Eagle 1×12-speed drivetrain with an 11-50T cassette, 32T chainring, SRAM Guide G2 R hydraulic disc brakes, 100mm RockShox 35 Gold RL fork and WTB i30 29er Wheelset with tubeless Maxxis Ikon EXO TR 2.2” tyres filled with Stans Tire Sealant. Cockpit is built on 780mm handlebars with Profile Design Sonic Ergo 50a aerobars on 30mm risers, carrying two front lights (an Exposure Strada backup by a Ravemen PR1600, to go with the Exposure Joystick on the lid) and a solar-powered battery bank.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack on the back (carries the sleeping system and warm layers), Apidura on the top tube (snacks mainly) and in the frame (electronics and other gear), and an Osprey backpack (3 litres of water and other bits of clothing I might need). 3 water bottles and my toolkit carried in cages.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve gone with a tent (Vango Microlite 100) instead of a bivy bag, seeing as the weather is looking a bit interesting one week out, only one way to find out if that’s the right decision! Also treated myself to down socks for sleeping in.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt v2.

Niels Tiaden

Age 23 / Cape Town (South Africa)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Epic World Cup for the 2026 edition of AMR. Its built up with a SRAM XXSL groupset and rolling on a set of 2.4″ Continental Dubnitals. For gearing, I’ll be running a 34T chainring with a 10-52T cassette. I’m using an Exposure SixPack front light, Diablo headlight, and a Reakt rear light.
BAGS: I’ll be using a Tailfin rear pack, downtube bag, and top tube bag, as well as a custom-made frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The custom made frame bag by Wit Slingers Bagworks.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar.

Kristen Tonsager

Age 43 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Revel Ranger V2! She will be sporting a Fox 34 SL fork, Revel RW30 Rims laced to I9 Hydra hubs with Vittoria Mezcal 2.4″ tires. I’m running a SRAM Eagle 90 transmission with Shimano XT 4-piston brakes.
BAGS: JPaks, baby! The checker printed Nosepak, Toolpak, FarvaPak, BatPak, Ruksaks, Rifugi Race Harness, and prototype PegLeg Harness mount. I will also be wearing a Black Diamond Distance 4 running vest to carry snacks, extra water, and other fun stuff!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be using my Black Diamond Bivy and a Sea to Summit Spark bag for those moments of sleep, while the Fenix BC30 bar light and BCR26R head light will keep me riding through the night. With the probability of much colder weather than anticipated, I will also be bringing my GoreWear rain pants, shoe covers, and rain gloves… along with some oven bags to keep my feet warm in the high-mountain cold, if needed! 
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 830.

Jose L Toro

Age 37 / Granada (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll ride my Fairlight Holt 2.0 for this edition of the Atlas Mountain Race. Running Mezcals 2.25″ mounted on Elitewheels. SRAM Eagle AXS Transmission 32x52t. Deda metal blast aero bars and Exposure light. For sleeping, I’ll carry bivvy, down quilt, liner, air mat, and air pillow.
BAGS: 7L saddle bag, 4L frame bag, 2L top tube all from Apidura. Tailfin bar cage with drybag for the sleeping gear. Hydration vest for water and extra bits.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Trying to keep it as light and minimal as possible, but carrying all the essentials. Will take a few extra layers just in case but hopefully the weather does not make it unnecessarily harder.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation by Hammerhead.

Hartmut Ulrich

Age 60 / Munich (Germany)

BIKE: Once again I’ll ride my 29er XC Race Hardtail MTB CUBE Elite C:68 X with 110mm fork travel, SON dynamo, Continental Race King tubeless tires, SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS wireless groupset, 10-52T cassette, 170mm cranks, 30T chainring, hybrid pedals (SPD + flat), retrofitted dropper post, SQlab saddle and Ergon handles.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack (modified with wired tru backlight and different straps and fixations), Apidura top tube bag, GRAMM custom full frame bag, Apidura down tube bag. The front roll bag is self-made and carries my sleeping gear in a Sea to Summit waterproof bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This year, I switched to an electric minipump and said goodbye to my old CO2 cartridges. Highly recommend the NexTool Multitool 10-in-1, my excellent Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX Toolset, and the Dynaplug tubeless repair kit. Also essential for AMR: the long-lasting PETZL Actic Core headlight. NO aero bars this year (too much hike-a-bike, too bad for the neck)
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 Solar, which provides nearly double the battery duration than its newer version Edge 850, and as a backup device, the cheaper Garmin Edge 540 with identical data on it. The route is also on my iPhone and the RideWithGPS app.

Mathias Vaarsi

Age 37 / Tallinn (Estonia)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2017 Spark borrowed from my dad and tweaked for the race. Rolling on Vittoria Mezcal 2.35” tires, with a stock wheel in the back and a Zipp 101 XPLR laced to a SON dynamo hub up front.
BAGS: Most of the bags are made by my friends. Frame bag and feed bags by Robert, who is also at AMR this year; top tube bag by my adopted son Ran-Re. The saddle bag is from Revelate Designs, and I’m also wearing a hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Step 1: Gift your partner a warm sleeping bag. Step 2: Mostly use it yourself.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Kim Vanderhulst

Age 49 / Nethen (Belgium)

BIKE: My bike is a size large aluminum Mason Macro with 120mm Recon fork, built up by myself with mostly Shimano XT components. It has the Hunt dynamo wheelset powering my KLite lighting system and power bank.
BAGS: My main storage will be a Tailfin Cargo Pack. I will also have a Restrap large top tube bag and a custom frame bag. Possibly a Tailfin Bar Cage and bag, depending on gear choice in function of the weather forecast.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I will be wearing a mix of Albion gear with Endura GV500 Reiver bib shorts.
GPS DEVICE: For navigation, I will rely on a Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3 with a Roam v2 as backup.

Thijs van der Wal

Age 45 / Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Scott Spark 700SL & Fox Kashima FS setup from 2014 with a 2016 27.5″ Enve 32 spoke trail wheelset. All the electronics are from 2025 with a wireless 1x 12s Di2 XT / GRX combo, Rotor InSpider power meter and Aldhu cranks, SP dynamo front hub, and Igaro C1 front and rear lights + dual USB-C charger.
BAGS: Restrap top tube bag, Trek framebag, and Ortlieb quick rack + 16L drybag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Homemade fork aero fairings made from a binder and tie wraps.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 3 and an iPhone as a backup.

Sterre Witteveen

Age 34/ Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a home-built (no brand) drop bar MTB: Di2 GRX 1×11-speed 11-46T, ROTOR INspider powermeter, ENVE AR 38cm handlebar (with -40 deg stem ^_^), Fox Terralogic fork, RenéHERSE Umtanum Ridge 650B x 55mm endurance tires.
BAGS: Restrap Race top tube bag (2L), Apidura Backcountry full frame pack (4L), adjusted Restrap Saddle bag (8L) where I got rid of the holster and replaced it with an Ortlieb quick rack for more stability, and I’ll be wearing my Apidura Racing Hydration Vest (2L bladder).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SP Dynamo charging the Igaro C1 head, rear lamp, and USB C charger. DIY fork aero fairings made of simple plastic ring binders. I’m bringing 6 pairs of gloves (2x inner merino, 3x Spatzwear (deep winter, race with fold-out blocking shell, neoprene rain), and Maap pro race mitts). Most important item, though, is the sticker of my dog Tilda on the handlebars.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo with iPhone as back-up.

Szymon Wo

Age 42 / Poland

BIKE: S-Works Epic HT 2019 with a 28T Garbaruk oval chainring in the front, a 10–50T cassette in the back, and dual front lights. Vittoria Mezcal 29 × 2.35″ tubeless tires.
BAGS: Rear and in-triangle bags from Triglav Works, an on-frame Tailfin, two bottle cages from Decathlon, and a front roll bag from Decathlon (bag only).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I installed new brakes to better handle the front bag, ensuring the brake lines are not compressed. The roll bag mount is custom-made, making it lighter than the Decathlon version, and it also serves as a light mount for two front lights.I will not be carrying a backpack, and the bike shown includes all weather-protection clothing and the full sleeping system. This time I am taking four pairs of gloves, an additional fleece, an extra fleece cap, and merino socks (in addition to waterproof socks). My hydration system can carry up to 5L (with the option to extend it by a few more). I have plenty of space for food and can fit approximately 2–3 kg. I will carry 4 spare tubes and a lot of patches and other fixing stuff. Bike weights 19kg now, without the food or drinks.

Bartosz Wrzeszcz

Age 24 / Koszalin (Poland)

BIKE: Rockrider Race 940s. Tires: Vittoria Mezcal and Barzo 29 x 2.35″, 1×12 SRAM GX T-TYPE drivetrain with a 34T chainring, brakes from Shimano XT 4 pistons, carbon handlebar from Force, and I’ll add aerobars and innerbarends for the race.
BAGS: Top and down tube bags from Tailfin, custom frame bag made by Crosso, saddle bag from Decathlon, and running Hydrovest from Kiprun.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My full comfort ultralight sleeping system: Cumulus x-lite 200, Cumulus ultralight bivi, and Therm-a-Rest uberlite mattress.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar, and Fenix 6pro as a backup.

Yue Yu

Age 21 / Helsinki (Finland)

BIKE: Salsa Timberjack 2018 with upgraded fork, drivetrain, and brakes.
BAGS: 6L dry bag strapped to aerobar, Whatmelon 14L seatpack and tool bag, custom-made frame bag and Rhinowalk top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The sleeping set up which have been with me on countless overnighters and longer trips: Sea to Summit Spark 1 sleeping bag, STS insulated sleeping bag, and now paired with an Alpkit hunka bivy. Both the saddle pack and the frame bag are made by friends back in China.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Andrius Zukas

Age 42 / Wageningen (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I will be riding the 2026 Atlas Mountain Race on a 2023 Cannondale Topstone 3. It has several upgrades for the upcoming ride. I installed a Fox 32 TC suspension fork, which will turn rough Moroccan terrain into smooth paved roads. Also, this bike is theoretically now a full-suspension bike! It features CSC carbon wheels paired with Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite Superground 50mm tires. The drivetrain is also modified. At the rear, I have an 11-46T cassette and a longer derailleur cage to accommodate this goodness. The front features 46/30T chainrings.
BAGS: I will be riding with a full frame Apidura bag where I carry 1.5L of water, some spares and chunkier tools, first aid kit, some clothing and hygiene items. I am also running an Apidura top tube bag for some electronics, Tailfin Aeropack at the rear for some spare clothing and food, and Tailfin bar cage paired with a lightweight Ortlieb drybag for my sleeping system.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have a small solar panel on top of my aeropack, which should help to top up the juices in my electronics.
GPS DEVICE: I am using Bryton Rider S810.

Further Reading

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