It's a wrap

The Morocco Desert Challenge 2024 has come to an end. "It's a wrap," as they say. A year of hard work has once again translated into a successful edition. With 850 people from 31 nationalities, the world's second-largest rally-raid journeyed through the Moroccan desert for 10 days. From Agadir on the Atlantic Ocean to Saidia on the Mediterranean Sea. An epic adventure for everyone involved.

We didn't make it easy for ourselves. No loops, but a linear race of 3000 kilometers with 7 different bivouacs demanded a lot from the racers, assistance teams, and the organization. However, the job is done, and at the finish line, all you could see were happy faces. A total difference from last year's unfortunate edition, where the rally struggled with a heatwave and several serious accidents.

The many additional safety measures (airbag vests, early starts, limiting the number of race vehicles, medical tests, etc.) and pleasant temperatures ensured that the 16-member medical team did not have to perform life-saving interventions this year and that physical damage was limited to a broken collarbone and painful knee for 2 motorcyclists. An organizer couldn't wish for better news.

A sincere thank you goes to the Moroccan authorities (Ministries of Tourism, Defense, Interior), the Governors of the different provinces, police, customs, gendarmerie, federations, and many others for their assistance, but especially to His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, under whose "High Patronage" the rally was organized for the 3rd time.

To my loyal organizing team: you were outstanding! Your work ethic was unparalleled, your performance excellent, and your enthusiasm infectious. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And finally, to all the participants: once again, you have shown why the MDC is the most beautiful and unique rally-raid: on the race track, you fought for the best position in the standings, yet everyone helped each other to reach the finish line together. And in the bivouac, our micro-cosmos of 31 nationalities, everyone supported each other, and there was always time for a drink at the end of the day. This is what we stand for, this is what rally-raid stands for. Hence our hashtag #WeAreRally.

The Morocco Desert Challenge 2024 has come to an end, and we are already looking forward to 2025 when we will celebrate our 10th MDC. (Registrations open on August 1st.) Hopefully, with you among us.