First racing day in Morocco brings extreme heat and flat-out speeds

The first full racing day of the penultimate round of the World Rally-Raid Championship is complete in Morocco. On Tuesday, Rallye du Maroc competitors faced a total of 639 kilometres, including a 271-kilometre special stage. After returning to the bivouac in Zagora, CFMOTO Thunder Racing Team rider Antanas Kanopkinas said the day had no shortage of either high speeds or punishing heat.

“The beginning of the day was quite difficult. There were some very long straights, and that’s where we lack a little bit of speed. First of all, the regulations limit us to 130 km/h, but even aside from that, riding at such high speeds on such a heavy quad isn’t exactly the most pleasant experience. The braking distance is long, while the suspension travel is relatively limited compared with other machines. So we simply had to get through those sections, and then I was able to make up for it in the dunes during the second part of the stage,” Kanopkinas said after completing the opening day of racing.

The rider also admitted that temperatures exceeding 40°C made their presence felt and certainly did not make the day any easier. However, as the team arrived in Morocco last week, his body is gradually becoming more accustomed to the heat.

On Wednesday, the competitors will face a loop stage, starting and finishing in Zagora, where the rally will remain for the rest of the week. The total distance for the day will be 423 kilometres, including a demanding 300-kilometre special stage.

Desert terrain, mountains and the same intense heat that has challenged the competitors from the very first kilometre all lie ahead.