Former Olympic mountain biking champion Julien Absalon has successfully completed the 2024 Marathon des Sables, finishing in 9th place overall. The event, one of the world's toughest foot races, took place in the Moroccan Sahara Desert.
The 38th edition of the race was held from April 12 to April 22, 2024. Participants covered approximately 250 kilometers (about 155 miles) across six stages in extreme desert conditions.
Absalon, a French athlete renowned for his two Olympic gold medals in cross-country mountain biking, transitioned to trail running after his cycling career. His top-10 finish in this elite field demonstrates his exceptional athletic versatility.
The overall winner of the 2024 Marathon des Sables was Morocco's own Rachid El Morabity, who secured his record-extending 11th victory in the event. The race is renowned for its self-sufficiency rule, requiring competitors to carry all their own food and gear for the week.
