Conor Dunne is an Irish National Champion who has competed in the Vuelta España and the Giro d’Italia. This year, with GCN, he lined up at the Atlas Mountain Race, a 1,440km fixed-route, unsupported, single-stage cycling race that starts in Beni Mellal, crosses the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, then heads through the Anti-Atlas before finishing in Essaouira.

This film tells the story of his attempt to complete the route as fast as his legs and equipment would allow.

"I entered the Atlas Mountain Race knowing it was going to be both hard and beautiful in equal measure but I don’t think anything truly prepares you for the experience of this race.

Personally, I think the sheer length and distance of the ground you need to cover is what makes it so tough and also how slow some of the going is in places. I’d heard so many stories about how incredible the landscapes you ride through were and that certainly didn’t disappoint.

But it’s when you’re buckled from a full on day of pedalling, hike-a-biking / riding up another massive climb and get treated to a sunset extravaganza that the famous Atlas Mountain landscapes really hits home though.

It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever tried to do on a bike but I absolutely loved every second. Never have I felt so battered but so fulfilled all in one.

These races, and this one in particular, have always drawn my curiosity but now I am totally addicted. Riding Atlas is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I can’t wait to get back."

CONOR'S KIT