Morocco is home to some of the world’s best cyclists, with many of them having achieved success in international competitions. The country has produced several professional cyclists, both men and women, who have made a name for themselves on the world stage.
From former world champions to Olympic gold medalists, these cyclists have earned worldwide recognition for their amazing achievements. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best cycling players in Morocco and the success they have achieved.
1. Salah Eddine Mraouni
Salah Eddine Mraouni is an athlete from Morocco who competes as a professional cyclist. He is part of a generation of Moroccan cyclists who have been successful in the sport, and he has become one of the most successful Moroccan cyclists of all time.
He has won several titles in road racing, including the Tour of Tunisia, the Tour of Morocco, and the Tour of Algeria. He has also competed in the World Championships and the Summer Olympics. Salah Eddine Mraouni is known for his excellent skills in sprinting and climbing.
He is also an excellent tactician, often taking advantage of any opportunity to gain an advantage over his opponents. He is a determined and focused cyclist who is able to put in the hard work necessary to reach the top.
His commitment to his sport is evident in his results, and he has become a respected figure within the cycling community. Salah Eddine Mraouni is an inspiration to athletes all over the world.
He shows that anyone can achieve their goals as long as they are willing to work hard and dedicate themselves to their sport. He has been an important part of Moroccan cycling and has helped to bring the country onto the international stage.
He is an example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success, and his accomplishments are something to be proud of.
2. Lahcen Saber
Lahcen Saber is a professional cyclist from Morocco. Born in 1976 in Marrakech, Saber began his cycling career in 1997 and quickly made a name for himself in the sport.
Throughout his career, Saber has won several prestigious cycling competitions, including the Tour of Morocco in 2006, the Tour of the Mediterranean in 2008 and the Grand Prix International de Marrakech in 2009.
He has also competed in the Tour de France, the Tour of Italy and the Tour of Spain. In addition to his successes in competitive cycling, Saber is also known for his humanitarian efforts.
He has been involved in initiatives to help improve the lives of people living in rural Morocco and to provide support for athletes from developing countries.
He has also been active in promoting environmental awareness in Morocco, including encouraging people to use bicycles for transportation and to help reduce the country’s carbon footprint. Saber’s example has inspired many young people in Morocco to take up cycling and to pursue their goals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
In 2012, he was named an ambassador of the International Cycling Union, and his work continues to be recognized throughout the world. He is an inspiration to many, and his achievements demonstrate that anyone can succeed through commitment and hard work.
3. Tarik Chaoufi
Tarik Chaoufi is a Moroccan professional road racing cyclist who is currently signed with the UCI Continental team Sidi Ali–Kinetik Sports. He made history in 2013 when he became the first Moroccan to ever become a professional cyclist after signing with Euskaltel–Euskadi.
However, he left the team in August of the same year. Chaoufi’s success was a breakthrough for Moroccan cyclists, as he had become the first to reach the professional level. This was particularly impressive, as Morocco is not known for its cyclists and cycling culture.
His success has paved the way for more Moroccan cyclists to reach the professional level and has inspired a new generation of riders in his home country. Chaoufi himself has had an impressive career, with several wins in professional races.
He has even competed in some of the world’s biggest cycling events, such as the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.
He has also competed in some of cycling’s most prestigious one-day races, like the Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. Tarik Chaoufi’s success is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He has pushed the boundaries for Moroccan cyclists and has become an inspiration to many aspiring riders. He has shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
4. Abdallah Lahoucine
Abdallah Lahoucine was a professional cyclist from Morocco. He had the opportunity to compete in the 1960 Summer Olympics, which were held in Rome, Italy. He took part in two events in particular; the individual road race and the team time trial.
The individual road race was a race where each athlete was responsible for covering the entire course alone, while the team time trial was a race between two teams of cyclists who had to work together to complete the course in the fastest time. Lahoucine was an experienced and successful cyclist, having competed in many races both before and after the 1960 Olympics.
He was a respected member of the Moroccan cycling community and represented his country with pride.
Despite his impressive performance, Lahoucine did not win any medals at the games, but he did gain valuable experience and recognition for his efforts. Overall, Abdallah Lahoucine was a talented cyclist who achieved success both before and after the 1960 Olympics.
He was a source of pride for Morocco and was respected for his accomplishments. Although he did not win any medals at the games, Lahoucine gained valuable experience and recognition for his efforts.
5. Mohamed Ghandora
Mohamed Ghandora is a former Moroccan cyclist who had a successful career in the sport. He was born in Morocco in the 1940s. He first competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy, where he participated in two events – the individual road race and team time trial.
In the individual road race, Ghandora achieved a respectable 37th-place finish. In the team time trial event, the Moroccan team, including Ghandora, finished in 16th place.
After his Olympic stint, Ghandora went on to become a successful cyclist, competing in multiple races in various countries across the world. He eventually retired from the sport in the late 1970s.
Throughout his career, Ghandora was a symbol of success and an inspiration to many young cyclists in his home country. He was a reminder to many of what could be achieved through hard work and dedication.
6. Ahmed Omar
Ahmed Omar was a professional cyclist from Morocco. He received international recognition for his athletic ability when he competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics. At the Olympics, Omar participated in both the individual road race and the team time trial events.
In the individual road race, Omar aimed to complete the course in the fastest time, while in the team time trial event, he competed with his teammates to complete the course in the fastest combined time.
Omar was one of only a few athletes from Morocco to compete in the 1960 Summer Olympics, making his performance all the more impressive. Throughout his career, Omar was dedicated to training and competing at the highest level of cycling.
His participation in the 1960 Summer Olympics was a testament to his drive and determination.
7. Richard Virenque
Richard Virenque was one of the most beloved French professional road racing cyclists of all time. His cheerful, affable personality and his penchant for long, daring attacks endeared him to fans.
He was known for his ‘boyish charm’, which made him a fan favorite in France and beyond. Virenque’s career spanned over two decades, starting in 1991 and ending in 2008.
During this time, he had many successful rides in some of the world’s most prestigious races, including the Tour de France. He won the King of the Mountains jersey seven times and was a three-time stage winner.
He also won the Vuelta a España and the Criterium International twice. Virenque was one of cycling’s most enduring characters. He was known for his daring and attacking style, often going on breakaways alone.
He was also a master of the long breakaway, often pushing himself to the limit in order to stay ahead of the pack.
He was a true showman, and his daring and exciting tactics often resulted in thrilling finishes. Virenque retired from professional cycling in 2008, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered fondly by fans for his exciting style and for his boyish charm.
He will forever be remembered as one of the most popular French riders of all time.
8. Achraf Ed Doghmy
Achraf Ed Doghmy is a professional cyclist from Morocco. He has been an active competitor in the cycling world for many years.
He is currently riding for amateur team Kawkab AC Marrakech, which is based in his home country. Doghmy has achieved a great deal of success in the cycling world. He has won multiple races in his home country, as well as in other countries in the region.
He has also represented Morocco in international competitions, such as the Tour de France. His dedication and hard work have earned him respect from his peers and fans alike. Doghmy is committed to helping grow the sport of cycling in his home country.
He is an ambassador for several cycling-related organizations and is always looking for ways to promote cycling at a grassroots level.
He is also an advocate for safer cycling and works to educate people on the importance of wearing helmets and following traffic laws. Doghmy is a great example of what hard work and dedication can do. He is an inspiration to many and a source of pride for his home country.
His success is a testament to the potential of Moroccan cyclists and provides hope that more of them will be able to achieve their dreams.
9. Mohcine El Kouraji
Mohcine El Kouraji is a professional cyclist from Morocco. He is currently riding for the Emirati club team Al Shafar Jumeirah Cycling Team.
His career has taken off in the last few years, and he has had the opportunity to participate in some of the biggest cycling events in the world. In 2020, he had the honor of being selected to compete in the men’s road race at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
This was a huge accomplishment for El Kouraji, as he was able to represent his home country of Morocco on the world stage. He was able to show the world what he is capable of, and he is sure to continue to be a successful cyclist in the future.
10. Soufiane Haddi
Soufiane Haddi is an accomplished road bicycle racer from Morocco. He is currently riding for the Emirati amateur team Abu Dhabi Cycling Club. His athletic career has seen him compete in two of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
Unfortunately, he was unable to finish either of these races. Despite this, his successes as a cyclist have earned him a great deal of respect and admiration in the cycling community. Haddi has a long history of success in the sport of cycling.
He has competed in multiple national and international events, including the Tour of Morocco, the Tour of Qatar, and the Tour of Oman. He also boasts several podium finishes in the national championships of both the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.
His Olympic appearances are a testament to his hard work and dedication. He was the first Moroccan cyclist to compete in the Olympic Games since the country regained its independence in 1956.
His performance in both 2012 and 2016 was admirable, as he was able to qualify for the race, despite facing significant obstacles. Unfortunately, he was unable to finish either race due to mechanical failure and exhaustion.
Despite not finishing either race, Soufiane Haddi is still an important figure in the cycling world. His dedication and determination have earned him respect from his peers. He is an example of how hard work and dedication can take you to great heights, no matter the odds.
11. Anass Aït El Abdia
Anass Aït El Abdia is a professional Moroccan cyclist who currently rides for the amateur Emirati cycling team Al Shafar Jumeirah Cycling Team. Aït El Abdia had previously been signed to the UCI WorldTeam UAE Team Emirates for the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
In 2017, he was selected to compete in the Vuelta a España, one of the most prestigious cycling events in the world. Unfortunately, Aït El Abdia was forced to withdraw from the race after a crash on the second stage.
Despite this setback, Anass Aït El Abdia has proven to be a talented and resilient athlete, and his cycling career is sure to continue to thrive.
12. Essaïd Abelouache
Essaïd Abelouache is an up-and-coming racing cyclist from Morocco. He is currently riding for the Al Shafar Jumeirah Cycling Team, an amateur team from the United Arab Emirates.
His career has been progressing quickly and he recently achieved a major milestone when he was selected to ride at the 2014 UCI Road World Championships.
This is a prestigious event which brings together top cyclists from around the world, and it is a testament to his talent and skill that Abelouache was chosen to represent his country at this level.
He is definitely a cyclist to watch in the future, and his selection to the 2014 UCI Road World Championships is an indication of his potential.
13. Adil Jelloul
Adil Jelloul is an accomplished Moroccan road bicycle racer. He is a dedicated athlete, driven by a passion for the sport and a desire to constantly improve and challenge himself.
Jelloul has competed in several international events, the most notable of which was the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where he participated in the Men’s road race.
The race required a great deal of endurance and perseverance, as the athletes had to traverse a course of more than 250 kilometers.
Jelloul put his strength, will, and determination to the test, and although he did not win the event he was inspired by his experience and motivated to continue pursuing his goals.
Jelloul’s impressive performance at the Olympics shows that he is a dedicated and accomplished road bicycle racer, and will continue to inspire others to strive for excellence.
14. Mohamed El Gourch
Mohamed El Gourch was a prominent Moroccan road racing cyclist who achieved great success during his career. He was best known for his record-setting three wins of the Tour du Maroc, a major road race held in Morocco, which he won consecutively in 1960, 1964, and 1965.
El Gourch also achieved a second-place finish in 1967, and third-place finishes in 1968 and 1969. His accomplishments were so impressive that he was chosen to compete in the individual road race and team time trial events at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
El Gourch’s impressive career in road racing earned him the respect of his peers and established him as one of the most accomplished Moroccan cyclists of his era.
15. Adnane Aarbia
Adnane Aarbia is a Moroccan former professional road cyclist who has competed in the UCI Road World Championships on two occasions. In 2010, he entered the race but did not finish, and he also failed to finish the 2011 championship.
Although he was not able to complete the race, Aarbia has made a lasting impression in the cycling world by competing at the highest level. Arabia is known for his strong performances on the road, and his participation in the UCI Road World Championships demonstrates his commitment to the sport.
He has been an inspiration to other Moroccan cyclists, and his legacy will continue to be remembered. Despite not being able to finish either of his appearances in the UCI Road World Championships, Aarbia has still made a lasting impression on the sport of cycling.
16. Mouhssine Lahsaini
Mouhssine Lahsaini is a Moroccan road bicycle racer who has competed in the Olympic Games. He participated in the 2012 Summer Olympics in the Men’s road race and Men’s time trial.
He achieved 34th place in both races, with a difference of 6 minutes and 45 seconds between him and the winner, Bradley Wiggins. Lahsaini put in a strong performance and was a strong competitor in the races. His efforts were appreciated by his fans and supporters.
He was able to demonstrate his skills and abilities in the Olympics, which have been honed through years of training and dedication. Lahaina is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
17. Mounir Makhchoun
Mounir Makhchoun is a professional cyclist from Morocco. He is currently a part of the UCI Continental team VIB Sports.
The UCI Continental team is a professional cycling team that participates in various international cycling competitions. Makhchoun has been a part of the VIB Sports team since 2017 and has had many successes during his time with the team.
He has been a part of multiple international cycling competitions, such as the Tour of Morocco, and has achieved some impressive results.
He has achieved top ten positions on multiple occasions, as well as winning individual stages in some of the races. Makhchoun is a talented cyclist and his performances have seen him become an important member of the VIB Sports team.
He is also involved in the development of the team, as he is an important mentor who helps the younger riders on the team.
His experience and knowledge of the sport have been invaluable to the team as they continue their journey towards becoming one of the top cycling teams in the world.
18. René Remangeon
René Remangeon was a French racing cyclist who made a name for himself in the world of professional cycling. He was born in 1932 and was a professional cyclist from 1951 to 1964. He achieved his greatest success in 1954 when he took part in the Tour de France.
This was a prestigious race that took place in France and was considered one of the most difficult races in the world. Remangeon managed to finish in the top 20 riders in the race, despite the fact that he was competing against some of the best cyclists in the world.
This was an impressive accomplishment and it earned him a place in the annals of professional cycling. Remington went on to compete in other major races, such as the Giro d’Italia, but he was never able to repeat the success he had in the Tour de France.
Nonetheless, he will always be remembered for his incredible achievement in the 1954 Tour de France.
19. Abderrahim Zahiri
Abderrahim Zahiri is a professional cyclist from Morocco. He has been competing in the world of professional cycling since 2015 when he joined the UCI Continental team, General Store–Fratelli Curia–Essegibi.
Since then, Zahiri has represented the team in a multitude of races, including the Vuelta a España, the Tour de Langkawi and the Tour of Algeria. His career highlights include winning the UCI 2.1 Tour of Al-Hafar in 2017 and placing third in the Tour of Azerbaijan in 2018.
In 2019, he was part of the General Store–Fratelli Curia–Essegibi team that won the UCI Africa Tour. His experience and accomplishments demonstrate his dedication and commitment to cycling.
20. Adil El Arbaoui
Adil El Arbaoui is a professional cyclist from Morocco. He is currently riding for the amateur team AVC Khourigba. This team is based out of the city of Khourigba in Morocco and has been around since 1994.
Adil has been riding with the team since 2018 and has made a name for himself in the cycling world. He has been praised for his dedication and skill on the bike, and for his ability to stay focused and motivated during long rides.
Adil is an inspiration to many young cyclists, as he shows that hard work and dedication pay off in the long run. He is currently training for his next race and is looking forward to continuing to make a name for himself in the cycling world.
Conclusion
Morocco has some of the best cycling players in the world, with many of them having won major international competitions and titles. They have also produced some of the most successful professional and amateur cyclists in the world.
Despite the small size of the country, Morocco has a strong cycling culture that has produced some of the best cycling talents in the world.