Key points:
· The 15th edition of the Titan Desert, featuring star rider Miguel Indurain, has been moved from its usual venue in Morocco to safeguard the health of the participants.
· The Tabernas Desert and the Coast of Almería will host the event from 2 to 6 November, keeping up the tradition of transporting the competitors to magical landscapes.
The fifteenth edition of this iconic adventure will take place from 2 to 6 November on the Coast of Almería, a place where the beauty of the Tabernas Desert, the only one in Europe, stands in contrast with the spectacular views of the area near the Cabo de Gata-Níjar.
Following a huge effort by the administrations, institutions, sponsors and organisation, the Titan Desert, a race organised jointly by Spain’s RPM-MKTG and the French company ASO, has charted a new course this year to ensure a safe and responsible race in a landscape worthy of such a special anniversary.
After 14 editions in Morocco, the race will take place in Spain, where COVID-19 prevention and intervention protocols offer the necessary guarantees. It goes without saying that a comprehensive anti-COVID protocol has been planned with the health authorities’ seal of approval. Safety and responsibility are part and parcel of the Titan spirit.
Five stages and an elevation gain of 7,000 metres
The province of Almería will be hosting all 5 stages, totalling a distance of 400 kilometres and an elevation gain of 7,000 metres. Spectacular landscapes and a unique course remain a defining characteristic of the race. The five stages will be composed by the same ingredients as always: sand, tracks, stream beds (locally known as ramblas), mountains… and the classic Titan spirit in the participants.
The traditional camp where participants sleep will also be at the heart of events to maintain the essence of the event. The riders will overnight three times at the same camp, which will have all the infrastructure needed.
The only desert in Europe, a scene fit for Hollywood
Tabernas Desert is the only arid desert in Europe. This singular and spectacular place was once the set of great films, including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, in addition to scenes of contemporary, massively successful shows such as Game of Thrones.
However, the riders will have more to see than just the desert. The Coast of Almería is a gem of nature that stands out for its jaw-dropping cliffs and pristine seabed.
The stars of the peloton will be the five-time winner of the Tour de France Miguel Indurain. In his first appearance in the Titan, the man from Navarre will rub shoulders with famous names such as Melchor Mauri, a winner of the Vuelta a España and the Titan Desert; the rider with the most Tour de France participations, Sylvain Chavanel; and Josep Betalú, champion of the four previous editions.
International media impact
The 2020 Titan Desert remains one of the sports events with the greatest international projection. Footage of the race will be broadcast to 190 countries thanks to an agreement with over 30 TV channels.
