The Škoda Titan Desert Morocco is one of the most recognized races for cyclists around the world. An epic adventure, an incredible sporting challenge and an unparalleled coexistence experience. Many people ask: “Can I handle it? Is it too demanding for me? I can’t reach that?”
Fortunately, for those who may have had more doubts about whether the Moroccan adventure is for them, since its creation in 2006, the Škoda Titan Desert Morocco has seen the birth of two sibling breeds: the Škoda Titan Desert Almería and the NEOM Titan Desert Saudi Arabia. Although they all share the same essence, each has its own characteristics that make it unique.
The Škoda Titan Desert Morocco is one of the most recognized races for cyclists around the world
The case of the Škoda Titan Desert Almería is paradigmatic. In 2024 it will face its fifth edition, between October 5 and 8, and this has become a challenge in itself. However, as many of the Titans who have made it would agree, the Almeria race is, surely, the perfect gateway to the Titan World Series universe.
Its proximity, in the middle of the Tabernas desert; Its coexistence with a four-star hotel in Cabo de Gata, its own logistics and the fact that it has two stages less than its older Moroccan brother made it the perfect place to start these adventures.
Perhaps those who know this are the dozens of professional racers who have started in the Škoda Titan Desert Almería. This is how, for example, David Arroyo, Giro d’Italia podium finisher and professional World Tour cyclist for almost two decades, has seen it.
“For me, Almería is a good way to start,” explained the cyclist from La Mancha. “It might not be like what you see in Morocco, but it teaches you a lot of things that you will deal with later.”
Even stronger is the double Spanish mountainbike champion and winner of the first edition of Škoda Titan Desert Almería, Sergio Mantecón: “Personally, I think that anyone who wants to do Morocco has to start in Almería.”
“On a sporting level, Almería is not far from Morocco, but anything happens here and you are at home. In Morocco, you are a bit out of place if this is your first Titan,” added the Valencian cyclist.
And yet, the essence remains. No one doubts that this is a Titan World Series race. Not only because of its high sporting challenge, which mixes the challenge of the Tabernas desert with the ascents of historic passes like the Velefique peak, but because of something inherent in the Titan World Series: the unparalleled coexistence this.
“I think that’s where they have the same thing: in living together. Going to Almería means getting together with many of the Titans you will see later in Morocco or Arabia, getting to know them, sharing with them and soaking in the atmosphere there,” Arroyo emphasized.
Mantecón shares the opinion of the runner from Talavera de la Reina: “There are not many differences in sports, perhaps the most important is the issue of navigation, leaving the track and improvising, which is not in Almería. But at the level of sports and coexistence is not much different, although each of them is unique in its own way.
This is the Škoda Titan Desert Almería. A unique, accessible race, but with all the spirit and challenge that characterizes the Titan World Series.
Additional information:
Web: skodatitandesertalmeria.com
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.
