Almost a month after the Skoda Titan Desert Almería, another litmus test has arrived for mountain bike enthusiasts: the NEOM Titan Desert Saudi Arabia. Four stages, more than 350 kilometers and a challenge on desert tracks where no mountain bike has ever been ridden. An adventure for more than 200 participants and an opportunity for elite cyclists to add a new achievement to their record. While some seek to repeat their success, others want to take advantage of important absences to debut their record.
Tessa Kortekaas, on her way to a historic triplet
The Dutchwoman has a golden opportunity to continue marking an era in the Titan Desert. After prevailing on Morocco and in Almería, as a debutant in both events, will be looking for the hat-trick also being a rookie in Arab territory. But, without a doubt, the Cannondale player has put in some performances in the last two Titans that no one doubts is the runner to beat.
Trying to end Tessa’s impressive streak is Ariadna Ródenas. The woman from Elche is the current NEOM champion and will be looking to repeat her success in 2023 against Kortekaas. Despite this, she knows that defeating the Lanzarote-based Dutchwoman will be a big challenge.
Open race in the men’s category
After David Valero swept last year, this edition, with his absence and other big Titan winners, is a sea of doubts in the middle of the desert. The opportunity presents itself for many mountain bike specialists such as Pau Marzà or Miquel Faus or Haimar Zubeldia.
However, the participation of road cycling professionals who will fight to further extend their record of achievements should also be considered. We are talking about Luis León Sánchez, who debuted in the Titan Desert with a good third place in Almería, and Lluís Mas, which is making its Arabian debut in this type of race.
The exam starts this Tuesday, November 14th and ends on Friday the 17th. Four days full of emotions, toughness, sand… but above all, passion for two wheels.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
