By Jesse Yates
"I found it crucial to go into this event having my body in top condition as I knew it would take everything working well to be a success. Grant at the clinic ensured I was in top working order to complete the challenge and also avoid injury. I had a post-event treatment to speed up recovery and prepare for the next event."
The Atlas Mountain Race. A race made up of gruelling climbs, unforgiving terrain, and breathtaking landscapes. This unsupported ultra-cycling race traverses the remote Atlas Mountains in Morocco, covering 1,310km of mostly off-road terrain. It's a true test of endurance, resilience, and mental fortitude.
My brother, Liam Yates, and I decided to tackle this challenge in the pairs category, setting off on February 7th at 6pm local time. Our goal? Reach the first checkpoint (CP1) in the early hours of Saturday morning. The initial climb from Marrakesh was a steady 40km ascent at around 5%, eventually cresting at a lung-busting 2,500m. We encountered snow and landslides, forcing us to hike our bikes for 6km through knee-deep snow at times. It was a brutal introduction to the race.
We finally reached CP1 at 130km, quickly refuelled, and plunged into the night with just our Exposure bike lights to cut through the darkness. I carried three 10,000 mAh power banks – two for the lights and one for my bike computer and phone – recharging them whenever we stopped for longer rests.
By 7am Sunday morning, we'd covered 380km. A 1 hour bivvy and sleeping bag nap later, we pushed on to our first planned accommodation at 490km, arriving exhausted but determined at 9pm Sunday.
Then came a monster 30-hour push, past CP2 at 570km and all the way to CP3 at 880km on Tuesday night. Riding through long stretches of night highlighted the importance of reliable lights.
At CP3, we checked the official race tracker and discovered we were leading the pairs category by 60km! Roughly a 4 hour lead. A quick resupply and kit clean later, we set off at midnight for the final, hard sector. There was a fair amount of road in this section and by the evening we were still with a comfortable lead around 50km.
The last night brought the infamous "Stelvio" climb, mirroring its Italian namesake. Fatigue hit hard after the descent, forcing us to stop twice for much-needed rest. One 20 min power nap was not enough for me forcing us to stop for a longer 2-hour sleep. Sunrise gave us some much need respite from the cold temperatures.
Finally, we reached the coast and stocked up for the final push to Essaouira. Battling a fierce headwind for 100km, we crossed the finish line in 5 days, 23 hours, and 45 minutes! Achieving our sub-6-day goal and taking the pairs win was an incredible feeling.
The Atlas Mountain Race was a gruelling test, pushing us to our limits. Only three pairs out of fifteen finished, highlighting the challenges of racing as a team. Thankfully, we avoided major mechanicals, and my lights performed flawlessly.
This race reinforced the importance of pre-race preparation. I knew I needed to be in peak physical condition to succeed. Grant Steele at the School House Clinic ensured I was in top shape, helping me avoid injury and complete this incredible challenge. A post-race treatment has also been crucial for recovery and preparing for my next event.
If you're planning an endurance event, I highly recommend prioritising your physical well-being. The team at the School House Clinic can help you achieve your goals and stay injury-free.
