 
Merzouga Rally 2017: the
perfect combination of road book navigation, speed and riding technique
Part of the Dakar Challenge, the rally kicks off on
May 7 in the Moroccan desert
Key elements:
• 6 race days and a marathon bivouac in one the most famous location of
the South of Morocco
• Navigation remains the priority of this rally, which is a stepping
stone to the Dakar
• 3 special stages will feature a separate start for bike/quad and SSV
• Dakar Challenge: 3 free entries for the 2018 Dakar
Following the last 15 days of recce in the Moroccan desert, Marc Coma
and his staff are ready to reveal some aspects of the 2017 edition of the
Merzouga Rally. The focus on the navigation, the variety of terrains and
an excellent mix of speed and riding technique are the key elements of
this unique rally.
Race
The 2017 edition features one more race day for a total of 6 days. The
prologue and the first special stage will take place already on May 7 for
a full immersion in the Moroccan desert.
Route
From the head quarter of the rally, based at the Xaluca hotel in Erfoud,
the competitors will discover the South of Morocco, characterized by a
variety of terrains. The competitors will cover more than 800 km with
liaisons reduced to the minimum. They will climb the big dunes of Merzouga
and explore the rocky paths of the Atlas Mountains.
Special stages for all taste
Open to the bikes, quads and SSV, the 2017 route presents two special
stages that will see the SSV take a separate start from the bikes and
quads and one stage where the three categories will take the start
together but then their route will separate straight afterwards.
Highlights of the 2017 edition: a spectacular night start of the SS1 for
the SSV crews.
Marathon stage
Among the highlights of the 2017 edition, there is also a new marathon
bivouac close to one of the most famous and beautiful locations of the
South of Morocco.
Road book
As it is tradition at the Merzouga Rally, the navigation will be demanding
and accurate: a challenge for the Pro and a good school for the amateurs
and the new comers who can benefit from Marc Coma’s workshops to
progress rapidly in the rally raid discipline.
Dakar Challenge
Round of the Dakar Challenge, this year in addition to the 2 free
registrations for the 2018 Dakar as a prize for the overall winner in the
bike/quad category and the rookie of the year always in the bike/quad
class, there is a third prize for the fastest crew in SSV category (who
has never participated in the Dakar before) will gain the 2018 Dakar entry
plus their entry for the 2018 Merzouga. In addition, the finishers who
will cover the entire route without penalties in the PRO category will be
given an automatic access to the selections of the Dakar 2018.
For further information visit www.merzougarally.com
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