What Does It Take… to Be the Fastest Woman at the Atlas Mountain Race? Marei Moldenhauer on Her Super-Strong Start to 2025

The Atlas Mountain Race (AMR) is an off-road bikepacking race in Morocco that attracts adventurers from around the world who want to push their physical limits. Covering approximately 1,200 kilometers with 20,000 meters of elevation gain through the rugged, untamed landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and the Saharan foothills, the AMR demands both peak physical and mental performance. This raw form of racing offers no team support, no aid stations, and no designated sleeping spots. Each rider must carry their own gear, food, and tools and is entirely responsible for navigation and resupply.

The challenges of the AMR are diverse: during the day, participants battle scorching heat and demanding trails, while at night, they must endure the cold and solitude of the mountains. The minimalist infrastructure forces riders to rely on their own skills and the equipment they bring. Steep climbs, technical descents, and rough terrain pose a true test even for the most experienced riders.

In an exclusive interview with Marei Moldenhauer, the fastest woman by far at AMR 2025 and the first woman ever to break into the top 10, we discuss training, nutrition, Marei’s preference for dynamo lighting, and the lessons learned from such challenges.

It was my first mountain bike race – with a bike I had only owned for two weeks.

Congratulations on this incredible race, Marei. How did you prepare for it physically and mentally?

Since February 2024, I have been working with a coach who structures my training. That has been really helpful for me as a doctor with long shifts. It takes the guesswork out of how to best prepare physically. My coach, Max Kinzlbauer, ensures that I continue to develop without overloading myself. Training this way is also varied and fun for me. Mentally, I tried to prepare for every possible situation that could arise during the race. Plus, I didn’t put too much pressure on myself. It was my first mountain bike race – with a bike I had only owned for two weeks. So my expectations were quite low, and I just wanted to enjoy the experience.

How did you manage nutrition and hydration over such a long distance and duration? What kind of food did you carry, and what did you find along the way?

I had a water capacity of 4.5 liters, which I used partially or completely depending on the section of the route. At the start, I carried gels, bars, and lots of gummy bears. Later, I tried to find sugary snacks along the way – but that was difficult because I have celiac disease, which means I can't eat gluten-containing grains. So cookies, cakes, pasta, and bread were not an option. Instead, I relied on pure sugar, dates, and honey. The problem was that after a while, I just couldn’t stomach it anymore, and unfortunately, I didn’t consume enough carbohydrates in the end. That’s definitely something I need to work on.

Being completely independent of charging stations gives me the ultimate freedom.

Why did you choose SUPERNOVA lighting?

I have been using the SUPERNOVA M99 DY PRO since the TCR 2023, and since then, I wouldn’t want anything else. I love the freedom that the dynamo headlight gives me. No batteries, no constant recharging, no worrying about whether the battery will last. Just pedaling – and the light turns night into day. The faster I ride, the brighter the light becomes. Perfect for descents in pitch-black darkness. And the best part: the light is so precise and even that I can see every bump in the road. It gives me an incredible sense of security.

Which lights do you use? What did you ride with a the AMR and why?

In addition to the DY PRO front light, I also use a matching rear light. I usually wear a helmet light as well to have an extra beam that I can direct as needed. This gives me even more security, especially on technical trails.

What else was important to being as self-sufficient as possible during the race? What are your essential items?

Besides lighting, I carry a dynamo charger to keep my phone, Garmin, and other electronics powered. Being completely independent of charging stations gives me the ultimate freedom. I also always carry a solid first-aid kit and an emergency blanket. You never know when you might need them, but when you do, they are invaluable.

Even though AMR was a great success, I still think there's room for improvement.

What lessons did you take away from this race?

Even though the AMR was a great success, I still think there’s room for improvement. One important lesson was that I need to plan my nutrition better. Normally, I’m good at eating during a race, but this time, it didn’t work out so well. I think I need to come up with a better strategy for my next race, perhaps with more variety and savory snacks. I also need to rethink my sleep strategy. At the AMR, I neglected it a bit, and that cost me energy in the end.

What other events and adventures are you dreaming of?

I would love to ride the entire Mountain Race series by Nelson Trees, but that won’t be possible this year. Maybe I’ll manage to do the Silk Road Mountain Race. But the Hellenic Mountain Race excites me the most. Maybe I’ll be there in 2026 when it also passes through Turkey. Additionally, The Accursed and a few smaller gravel and mountain bike races are still on my list.

Photos: Nils Laengner

Text: Levin Sottru