On April 5th, the excitement returns: the anniversary edition of the Morocco Desert Challenge (MDC) is about to start. For ten years, this rally has been a cornerstone on the rally-raid calendar, and in 2025, the organization is pulling out all the stops with a brand-new route. This year’s edition takes competitors deep into the southern Moroccan desert, offering breathtaking landscapes, challenging tracks, and a grand finale party to wrap it all up.
Facts & Figures
This year, the rally welcomes an impressive 850 people into the bivouac, representing 23 different nations. A total of 160 competition vehicles will line up at the start, including 57 SSVs, 56 cars and buggies, 39 motorcycles and quads, and 8 trucks. Together, they will cover nearly 3,000 kilometers spread over eight demanding stages.
From Agadir to Ouarzazate
The Morocco Desert Challenge traditionally kicks off with scrutineering on Place Al Amal in Agadir. From there, the caravan heads south into the most remote parts of the Moroccan Sahara. Participants can expect a stunning variety of terrains — beaches, dunes, rugged canyons, fast tracks, chotts, and the iconic salt flats. Notably, this year’s route features fewer rocky sections and significantly more sand, promising a pure desert experience.
Rally overview
The rally begins on Saturday, April 5th, with a short but technical prologue towards Plage Blanche. Stage 2, the next day, leads competitors through canyons and legendary Dakar tracks to Laâyoune. On Monday, April 7th, a spectacular ride awaits towards Boujdour, crossing the dunes of Laâyoune and finishing along the beach.
Tuesday features the queen stage: a monstrous 526-kilometer leg to Smara, traversing chotts, soft sandy plains, and fast tracks. Stage 5 takes the competitors to Assa, via fesh-fesh, salt flats, and the feared “Piste Africaine.” Thursday, the rally heads towards Foum Zguid, including a stunning dune section. Friday offers a loop around Foum Zguid with two spectacular dune areas, including the famous Erg Chegaga. Finally, on Saturday, April 12th, the rally concludes with a magnificent final stage towards Ouarzazate, featuring fast tracks and rugged mountain passes, finishing near the iconic Ait Ben Haddou.
The Competitors
Trucks
In the truck category, Eurol Rally Sport with Martin van den Brink is a clear crowd favorite. DDW Rally and Feryn Dakar Sport are also strong contenders, while the hybrid team of Kuipers-Jongbloed draws attention with their innovative drivetrain.
Cars and Buggies
Among the cars and buggies, familiar names from other categories make their appearance. Janus van Kasteren will pilot the Century CR7 T1+, Vick Versteijnen is behind the wheel of a Red-Lined Revo T1+ for DaklaPack Rallysport, and two well-known X-Raid MINIs will be driven by Maria Gameiro and Lionel Baud. Strong line-ups are also fielded by Belgium’s Feryn Dakar Sport and the Netherlands’ MP Rallysport.
SSVs
In the ever-popular SSV category, Dutch entries are particularly impressive. Erik van Loon returns with the Can-Am Maverick R, facing tough competition from Mitchel van den Brink. A remarkable entry is Erik Wevers together with Floor Maten in the Taurus T3 Max, the same car driven by brothers Pim and Henk Klaassen. Teams such as QFF Racing, Shiver Offroad, Van Eerd Racing, and Van Lieshout are also present with multiple vehicles.
Motorcycles and Quads
The motorcycle and quad categories showcase a strong mix of international talent, including French favorite Valentin Sertilhanges. The Meek Sand Team makes a notable appearance with eight riders, including Kevin and Bastien Leroy. Dutch rally rider Gerben Lieverdink is also on the list, while Guillaume Martens joins the MDC fresh off the Tuareg Rallye.
What stands out is the rally’s remarkable international diversity. From Belgian classics like Feryn Dakar Sport to teams from South Africa, Poland, Spain, and the UK, the MDC attracts competitors from all corners of the globe.
A Special Anniversary Edition
This anniversary edition promises to be extra special thanks to the new route, taking the rally further south than ever before. The abundance of sand and vast open plains make this a true paradise for desert rally enthusiasts. As always, the MDC ensures a festive atmosphere at the bivouacs, featuring the beloved MDC Bar, fireside briefings, and of course, the legendary closing party in Ouarzazate.
