Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
In this brief recap, find Omar Martinello’s thoughts on his 2025 Atlas Mountain Race bike and experience with a few photos from his ride and links to videos he shot during the event…
Words by Omar Martinello (Omero)
Over the last four years, I’ve taken on some incredible ultra-cycling challenges across the globe, always trusting in carbon bikes to see me through. But this year, things took a turn when I teamed up with the folks at Chiru. Embarking on my most recent ultra-cycling challenge, the 2025 Atlas Mountain Race, I rode the Chiru Highlander, a “downcountry” mountain bike specifically made for bikepacking ultra races.
Beyond utilizing titanium, this frame distinguishes itself with its purpose-built geometry, innovative design solutions, and meticulous attention to detail for carrying bikepacking equipment. It features the unique attribute that all of its tubes have a non-circular cross-section, enhancing comfort and facilitating an efficient yet smooth pedaling power transfer. The shift to this frame was a revelation to me. As I tackled the rugged Atlas Mountains in Morocco once again, the bike’s damping abilities stood out in stark contrast to the carbon rides of the past. It soaked up every bump along the way, offering a much-needed break on the tough and technical trails. This race became a milestone for me, as I crossed the finish line without the usual hand pains and numbness.
Despite the Atlas Mountain Race being touted as the easiest of Nelson Trees’ trilogy, it pushed me to my limits with its wild temperature swings, arid landscapes, and a host of physical challenges like fever and heat stroke. In one unforgettable moment, as I rested in the shade, blood trickling down my nose after a brutal stretch, a fellow rider checked in on me. With a wry smile, I joked that amid the chaos, at least my bike was up to the challenge. Kudos to all the riders, local people, and organizers who made it such a special experience.
To learn more about Omero’s race and rig used on the 2025 AMR, check out his YouTube channel (pack list here, race video here, and Q&A video here), and learn more about the Chiru Highlander here.
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