M A U R I T A N I EL'AVENTURE EN LIBERTÉ
TRACE NOMADE
WHERE THE ROAD DISAPPEARS, ADVENTURE BEGINS
An ultra-cycling event at the heart of the Sahara, Trace Nomade is driven by a clear ambition : to offer participants an exceptional track across the only place on Earth where raw, untamed nature remains accessible, yet remote enough for self-sufficiency, off-road navigation, and true isolation to become the very foundations of this adventure.
To date, this is the only ultra-distance race crossing a sand desert. Here, the fatbike is not a choice, but a necessity dictated by the terrain.
The Sahara makes no promises and offers no concessions : forge your own path where none exists.
JOIN THE ROUTE SCOUTING EXPEDITION AT NO COST :
The Trace Nomade scouting expedition will take place between mid-November and mid-December 2026, over a period of four weeks.
The purpose of this reconnaissance is to finalize the GPX route, verify water points, validate sections that must be navigated without GPX guidance, identify any areas where riders may need to push their bikes, assess the time required to complete the entire event, and to produce the promotional teaser.
If you would like to take part in the scouting expedition on a fat bike — using either your own bike or one provided by the organization — please contact us : Trace-Nomade
However, proven experience in long-distance cycling events (road, gravel, or mountain biking) is essential.
A support vehicle will be available throughout the expedition. Nevertheless, on certain sections of the route that are inaccessible to 4×4 vehicles, participants should be aware that they will face complete isolation while riding.
THE ULTRA IN A FEW KEY FACTS :
- Location : Mauritanian Sahara
- 10 novembrer 2027 (in order to coincide with the full moon on the 14th)
- 1125 miles (99.7% gravel & sand / 0.3% paved roads ; 46% off-trail / 32% route finding (no GPX track))
- Start : Atar / Finish : Terjit - Generous time limit : 432 hours (62 mi per 24 hours)
- Full self-sufficiency (no assistance, no organizer-provided aid stations / only 5 small shops along the route)
- Continuous timing from start to finish, and satellite tracking
- Solo or Pairs Category (Being a pair allows for efficient equipment distribution, and mutual emotional support)
- Non-electric fat bike / Electric fat bike / Non-electric fatbike handcycle / Electric fatbike handcycle
- Ranking : men / women / pairs male, female, mixed / para-cyclists* / electric / photos**
- Registration by application or invitation (Limited to 40 participants)
- 2027 entry fee : Send a photo that inspires you, with a handwritten quote or personal reflection on the back.
* Depending on the type of impairment, athletes in this category may be permitted to have their own support team during the race.
** For those who aren't just aiming for the win, there's also a photo competition.
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A COMPLETE CHANGE OF SCENERY :
Throughout the race, you will pass through an extraordinary variety of landscapes: the remarkable table mountains of the Adrar ; the endless dune chains stretching across the heart of the Maqteir Erg and the Ouarane Erg ; The sand-filled valleys of El Mrayer, often referred to as Mauritania's "Empty Quarter" ; the cliffs of the Dhar Tichitt, guardians of fascinating Neolithic remains ; the paleolakes of the Aouker and their striking diatomite outcrops ; the Tagant canyons, where gueltas still shelter crocodiles, true living fossils ; the majestic untouched dunes intertwined within the Amatlich Erg ; and finally, small palm groves offering unexpected pockets of greenery in the midst of this mineral world.
AN ULTRA IN EXTREMELY REMOTE TERRAIN :
It is the world's most psychologically demanding ultra-distance cycling race. Riders must cope with genuine, complete isolation : hundreds of kilometers without encountering another person, with no mobile phone coverage, no roads or tracks, no vehicle tracks, no possibility of local assistance, and not a single sound—accompanied only by the sand, the wind, and the sky.
The Sahara will sweep you away in its vastness and allow you to touch the Kantian sublime*, or maybe not.
The event confronts you with six off-road** navigation sections totaling 360 mi, with no GPX track provided. These sections require careful preparation beforehand, including the study of Google Earth satellite imagery to identify the most suitable bearings and routes, to avoid dune fields and difficult rocky areas. This will help you save valuable time and conserve energy throughout the crossing.
Days spent battling on your bike, not against the other competitors but against your own limits, against the silent and indifferent nature, against the wild and unyielding space that surrounds you. At times, navigation and instinct will take precedence over physical performance alone.
Although the elevation gain is moderate (less than 5,000 m D+) and the terrain is technically accessible to everyone, the sand and dunes make for a real challenge. Rainfall is rare in November, although the wind may sometimes become part of the adventure, even if its most intense season generally begins in January.
Here, the true Grail is not victory, but becoming a finisher and seeing the adventure through to the end.
Beyond the mental challenge lies the physical one. Yet difficulty itself is highly personal, as it ultimately depends on the energy you choose to invest with every pedal stroke. Everything comes down to how you manage that effort : success or failure, euphoria or disappointment. Big engine beats big watts. Whatever happens, this confrontation in the heart of the Sahara will transform you at the deepest level of your being.
Every participant must understand that the route includes a 546 mi section without any settlements or oases, as well as a 236 mi stretch without access to water sources.
Before you even think about entering this extraordinary ultra, come back down to earth and ask yourself the right questions : can you handle 546 mi with complete food self-sufficiency ? Are you able to travel 236 mi across sand while being self-sufficient in water ? Can you imagine what it means to travel through the dunes at night, completely off-road, unable to see beyond the beam of your light, with no GPX route, no landmarks to guide you, and not even a single set of 4x4 tracks on the ground to follow ? ...
Here is a 3-minute excerpt showcasing one of the most intricate dune fields on the route. This is definitely not a section you would want to cross at night !
For a closer look, you can also watch the full 20-minute reconnaissance of this same area by 2cv and fat bike, ending on the highest dune in Mauritania.
Don't worry — this is the longest dune section of the entire course, stretching for approximately 5.6 miles.
If, on a typical ultra, your gear weighs around 8 kg, be aware that on the Trace Nomade you will have to carry a load two to three times heavier - mainly for water - comparable to that required for the Iditarod.
* The Kantian sublime is the paradoxical experience in which, when confronted with an immensity or a power that exceeds our senses, we become aware both of our smallness in the face of the world and of the greatness of our mind’s ability to conceive it.
** The term “off-road” can sometimes be misleading. Here, it refers to moving entirely outside any human or animal-made trace : no roads, no tracks, no paths, not even footpaths or animal trail. On the Trace Nomade, 95% of the off-piste terrain is highly rideable.
A PARACYCLING CATEGORY :
For the first time in an off-road ultra-distance event, a paracycling category has been introduced - for both muscle-powered and electric bikes - opening the Trace Nomade to athletes with disabilities who share the same spirit of adventure, self-transcendence, and freedom as all the other participants.
- Category C.1 – No Assistance. Participants must be fully self-supported, under the same rules as non-para competitors.
- Category C.2 – Level 1 Assistance. Assistance is permitted only in sections officially designated as requiring competitors to push or carry their bike.
- Category C.3 – Level 2 Assistance. In addition to the assistance permitted in push/carry sections, the support team may also transport the participant's equipment, food, and water, except for the mandatory safety kit, which the participant must carry at all times.
Electric-assist bicycles, which must be speed-limited to 15.5 mph, are divided into only two categories : Ce.1 and Ce.2, the electric equivalents of categories C.1 and C.2, respectively.
AN ELECTRIC FAT BIKE CATEGORY :
For the first time in an ultra-distance event, an electric fatbike category is being introduced to open the Trace Nomade to beginner amateur and resourceful riders. This is a proof of concept, or an experimental edition, designed to develop and refine the concept for future editions. However, even if you are new to cycling, this category is intended for participants already experienced in demanding adventures, whether trekking, trail running, or any expeditions in harsh environments.
You will be able to reach higher top speeds than muscle-powered fat bikes, particularly in sand and dunes. In return, you will have to manage an additional factor: stops required for solar recharging. Optimising your battery usage will also require regular pedalling effort.
THE ORGANISATION OF THE ULTRA :
For those familiar with it, the format is similar to that of the Tour Divide. This is a fully self-supported event, where you are responsible for managing your own water, food, sleep, mechanical repairs, and navigation on sections where no GPX route guidance is provided.
No organised outside assistance is permitted. The clock never stops, making the management of effort and fatigue just as decisive as physical and psychological abilities.
The role of the organisation :
- Defining and publishing the race rules
- Providing the official route track
- Publishing rankings and race updates
- Reviewing and ruling on any post-race rule violations
The organisation of the Trace Nomade is intentionally minimalist. It provides a regulatory framework, remote tracking, and result validation, while participants are entirely responsible for all logistical, technical, and safety aspects of their adventure.
It is precisely this lack of support and supervision that makes the Trace Nomade not only an endurance race and an exercise in complete self-sufficiency, but above all a profound psychological and inner challenge*.
A support vehicle will then be dispatched. Response times range from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the location and terrain difficulty.
The costs are the responsibility of the participant and will be negotiated by the organization with Mauritanian service providers. Participants should budget approximately €150 per day, in addition to fuel expenses. Fuel consumption typically ranges from 15 to 30 liters per 100 km, depending on the type of terrain encountered, whether fast tracks, sandy terrain, or dunes.
THE ULTRA REGISTRATION PROCESS
There are two ways to take part in Trace Nomade :
- By invitation,
- Through an application process, from March 15 to September 30, 2027 : starting today for women
Priority will be given to female applicants with the aim of achieving approximately 25% female participation at the start line.
Trace Nomade is not a race reserved for sporting elites. It is intended for participants who are able to assess their technical, physical, and mental abilities honestly in a remote and demanding environment. The selection process is designed first and foremost to ensure participant safety and to determine whether each applicant's profile matches the event's requirements. Here, sound judgment matters more than speed. The 432-hour time limit to complete the ultra event is precisely intended to make registration accessible both to cycling travelers and adventurers, as well as to athletes specialized in the discipline.
In traditional ultra-cycling, a withdrawal due to mechanical failure or physical breakdown can always happen, but it is usually possible to reach a village or town relatively quickly.
In the heart of the Mauritanian Sahara, a misjudgment of one’s abilities or equipment can turn a simple withdrawal into a genuine safety issue. For this reason, every application will be reviewed carefully.
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide information on several points :
- Your experience in ultra-distance, or self-supported expedition travel, or in any other endurance sport,
- Concrete examples of how you have dealt with unexpected situations (major mechanical failures, navigation challenges, food self-sufficiency, difficult bivouacs, etc.),
- If you have previously practised fasting (water fasting, dry fasting, or intermittent fasting),
- The equipment you intend to use,
- The strategy you plan to implement for sections without water resupply points,
- Your strategy for 879 km without resupply.
You are, of course, welcome to include any additional information that you believe may help us better understand your experience, your preparation, and your motivation for taking the start of the Trace Nomade.
Registration is free of charge. We simply ask you to send us a photo that inspires you, accompanied on the back by a handwritten quote or a personal reflection.
A €500 deposit is required. Half of it must be paid upon validation of your participation, and the second half no later than one month before the start of the event. Information about the role of the deposit is available here.
Click on the image to watch
the presentation video
If you do not master the basic mechanics of your bicycle, do not come ; if extreme isolation and silence frighten you, do not come ; if your body is not prepared for periods of limited water, food, and sleep, do not come ; If you can't challenge your own assumptions, do not come ; if you lack strong resilience, do not come ; if you are unable, when necessary, to silence the doubts in your mind and simply keep moving forward, do not come.
For all competitors who underestimated the psychological challenge of the Trace Nomade, a separate classification may be established for an intermediate event, with a finish line in Tichit, at MP 569. Even if you are registered for the the Big Loop, you will be allowed to stop in Tichit without penalty and be ranked on this intermediate course.
From Tichit, a 4×4 taxi service operates to Tidjikja twice a week. From Tidjikja, minibuses run daily to Atar and Nouakchott.
This is not a road ultra like the RAAM. Nor is it an ultra following well-defined tracks and trails like the Silk Road Mountain Race. And it is certainly not a conventional bikepacking ultra where a saddle bag and a handlebar bag are all you need to carry your gear.
Here, you enter a different dimension : that of ultra-exploration. A wild land where self-reliance is paramount, navigation is part of the challenge, and only your determination and carefully selected equipment will see you through to the end of the adventure.
Depending on the nature of the disability, an assistance vehicle may be authorized. For example, a participant using a handbike who is unable to walk may receive appropriate assistance in technical sections where the handbike must be pushed or carried.
Depending on their category, competitors will race either without assistance, with a Level 1 support vehicle, or with a Level 2 support vehicle.
Tested during our latest bikerafting expedition in the Sahara.
Four flexible solar panels and a surfboard mounting system.
It’s up to you to define the most effective strategy, for example by driving continuously at night when temperatures are cooler, and taking advantage of the hottest hours, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., to rest while recharging the batteries.
For safety reasons, only fat bikes with pedal assistance limited to 25 km/h (15.5 mph) are permitted. In addition, a speed-limited bike will provide greater range. They may be equipped with either single-wheel drive or two-wheel drive. There is no limit on the number of batteries allowed.
There are no intermediate cut-offs, no volunteers stationed along the route, no official aid stations, no race marshals, no dedicated medical support, and no follow vehicles. The organisers are not physically present along the course. Riders are solely responsible for their own safety during the event. To allow everyone to fully experience the adventure at their own pace, a time limit of 432 hours is granted to reach the finish line, corresponding to an average of 100 km per 24 hours.
The number of participants is limited to 40, with individual start times for every rider.
This reflects the true spirit of the Trace Nomade : a race where adventure and self-reliance are at the heart of the experience. From the very first kilometres, every participant will face the vastness of the Sahara and the psychological challenge of complete solitude.
There is no group effect here. No one will be there to guide you through navigation sections, motivate you during difficult moments, or help you solve problems along the route. Every decision, every mistake, and every success is yours alone.
However, should a participant become injured, suffer a mechanical failure, lose their way because of a GPS malfunction, or choose to abandon the event, they would be unable to manage the situation independently along 80% of the route, which is located far from any inhabited area — Unless they are comfortable operating in a Saharan environment. In such cases, they must trigger a pre-programmed emergency message via their tracking device to alert the organisation.
On this final point, it will be impossible to carry, on this section, the calories required to maintain a competitive pace. You will therefore need to switch to bicycle touring mode to preserve your energy. The only question is whether your mind will accept this decision…
As the number of participants is limited, and because the greatest adventures often begin before the start line, a WhatsApp group will be created to provide a space for exchange and connection.
You will be able to share your preparation, discuss your equipment choices, nutrition, training, and exchange tips for tackling long distances in remote environments.
This group will also be a place for mutual support as you prepare your arrival in Mauritania: taking the same flight, organizing a shared journey by ferry and bus across Morocco, sharing accommodation on site, or simply exchanging your excitement as the departure date approaches.
DIFFICULTY, CLIMATE AND WILDLIFE ALONG THE TRACE NOMADE :
Being objective, the Trace Nomade — within its 432-hour time limit — is accessible to all cyclists and “Sunday athletes” who are normally fit and at least somewhat motivated. Note: Sunday athlete, not Sunday stroller. There are 52 Sundays in a year, so 52 sports outings represent a reasonable baseline. Of course, this is completely insufficient if you aim to finish the ultra in under a week.
While being a casual weekend cyclist is physically sufficient, the Trace Nomade may require considerable mental resilience, heightened by the isolation and absolute solitude of the unforgiving Sahara :
- Resilience : the ability to bounce back after difficulty.
- Perseverance : continuing despite fatigue, obstacles, or doubt.
- Self-confidence : believing in your ability to succeed or find solutions.
- Self-control : managing emotions, impulses, and stress.
- Adaptability : adjusting to unexpected situations.
- Patience : accepting that some things take time.
- Determination : staying focused on a goal.
- Autonomy : making decisions and acting without relying on others.
- Tolerance to discomfort : enduring fatigue, uncertainty, solitude, or harsh conditions.
- Realistic optimism : staying confident while remaining clear-sighted.
If the psychological aspect is merely a formality for you, there is only one remaining barrier: becoming resourceful and mastering improvisation (“systems D”) to get out of difficult situations with almost nothing. A real MacGyver, in short.
For example, your freehub fails 200 kilometres from the nearest oasis, and your pedals just spin without driving the wheel. A makeshift repair is to lash the largest sprocket to the spokes using wire passed through the small holes in the sprocket. This should get you home, provided you pedal gently to avoid bending the spokes or the sprocket.
Finally, you must adopt a pragmatic approach, be organized, and be particularly rigorous in selecting your equipment. Some people start an ultra without spare spokes or patches — why not for a TCR... — but on the Trace Nomade, off-road and hundreds of kilometers from any inhabited area, that would, at the very least, be playing with fire.
What kind of terrain will you encounter :
- Elevation gain is almost negligible: about 5,000 m of ascent over 1,810 km of route.
- Sand makes up nearly 80% of the itinerary, but remains relatively firm and rideable in 90% of cases.
- True complex dune fields account for less than 5% of the loop.
- Longitudinal dune ridges rarely exceed 10 meters in height and can all be bypassed within a few hundred meters.
- Sections requiring you to push the bike are very limited outside the dunes, with only a few short passages in certain canyons, not exceeding 200 meters.
What kind of climate will you encounter in November :
- Transient winds between 15 and 25 km/h, dominant NE–SW direction (stronger from December to February).
- Temperatures between 15°C at night and 34°C during the day.
- Almost no rain (rainy season is between June and September).
What kind of wildlife will you encounter :
- Of course, the dromedary, commonly referred to as a camel in Mauritania.
- Fennec fox, hare and jackal — quite discreet animals that are very shy and difficult to spot.
- Gazelle — nowadays extremely rare.
- Rock hyrax — a small mammal resembling a marmot.
- Desert mouse, gerbil and jerboa — small desert rodents often active at night.
- Dung beetle, gecko and large spiny-tailed lizard — quite common in desert areas.
- Solifuge (camel spider) — a frightening-looking and very fast arachnid, but harmless to humans.
- Desert monitor lizard — found near gueltas in the Tagant region; very discreet and shy.
- Horned viper and scorpion — rare and generally very inactive during the winter period.
- Crocodile — present only in a few gueltas in the Tagant region; extremely shy and rarely seen.
- Eurasian eagle-owl — mainly in rocky areas, along with a few small birds such as sparrows and white-crowned wheatears.
- White stork and migrating birds of prey — uncommon, but sometimes observable even in the middle of the desert.
Do not be afraid of horned vipers or scorpions. During the winter period, their activity is greatly reduced due to the cooler temperatures. The famous scientist Théodore Monod travelled across the Mauritanian Sahara for several decades, on foot and by camel, often sleeping directly on the ground on a simple blanket, without ever experiencing any problems related to these animals.
However, as zero risk does not exist, the regulations recommend carrying at least a bivy bag (a waterproof bivouac sack), which provides simple and lightweight protection for desert nights.
Please note that it is best to avoid sleeping in dry riverbeds (wadis), rocky areas, dense vegetation zones, near animal burrows, or in any location showing signs of wildlife activity.
Bivouacs should be set up on open, flat ground with good visibility, away from potential shelters used by scorpions and snakes.
Regarding crocodiles, a few populations still survive in certain gueltas in the Tagant region, which is crossed by the Trace Nomade. These animals are very discreet and extremely wary of humans. However, it goes without saying that swimming in these gueltas is strictly discouraged in order to avoid any unnecessary risk.
* Understanding the difference between psychological and psychic difficulties :
- Psychological difficulties mainly concern the conscious, functional mind, related to managing effort and behaviour during the race :
Decreasing motivation (“why am I doing this?”),
Managing doubt (“I’m not going to make it”),
Discipline to keep eating and drinking properly,
Tolerance to discomfort (fatigue, pain),
Mental strategies (setting intermediate goals, breaking the race into sections),
Coping with loneliness,
In summary : this is the ability to stay on track despite difficulty by using conscious mental strategies.
- Psychic difficulties refer to the overall mental state, including deeper and sometimes less controllable dimensions :
Altered mental state due to extreme fatigue (confusion, “mental fog”)
Mild derealisation (feeling “disconnected”)
Hallucinations (common after prolonged sleep deprivation)
Intense emotional fluctuations (euphoria, irritability, despair)
Cognitive overload (difficulty making simple decisions)
Sometimes the emergence or worsening of pre-existing psychological vulnerabilities
In summary: this concerns the overall functioning of the mind, especially when fatigue and physiological stress become extreme.
Contact :