The French rider talks about the allure of Morocco through navigation, friendship,

and adventure

The roar of the engine breaks the silence. As the first rays of light begin to carve the
horizon, the tracks of the FenekRally emerge from the sand: thin lines between rocks and
endless valleys that seem to be waiting only to be ridden. It is here, between dust and
infinity, that Geoffroy Lemercier rediscovers his most authentic dimension. At 51 years old,
a technician at a natural gas facility near Pau, in the heart of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques,
Geoffroy leaves his French routine behind to become a rider. His life companion? A KTM
450 Rally Factory Replica, far more than just a motorcycle: a piece of engineering built for
great challenges. For him, Morocco is not just a postcard backdrop, but a magnificent
testing ground. It is a perfect blend of extreme effort, breathtaking landscapes, and that
human warmth that only the bivouac, at the end of the day, can provide.

You are back at the FenekRally: what did your last experience leave you with, and
what drives you to return?
The FenekRally is a race that combines organization, atmosphere, and passion. The team
is always available and Morocco is simply extraordinary: every edition is different, with
changing tracks, incredible landscapes, and a sense of freedom that is hard to find
elsewhere. It is also an accessible rally, allowing you to experience a real raid adventure
without an excessive budget.
Is there a moment from the last edition you will never forget?
There are many positive memories: conversations with friends after each special stage, life
at the bivouac, and the sense of community that builds day after day. But there is also a
very powerful moment: during a stage, a rider crashed violently right in front of me. I
immediately stopped to help him and stayed with him until the rescue team arrived. In
those moments, the stopwatch disappears: only the person remains. Fortunately,
everything ended well, but that scene stayed with me.
Have you made any modifications to your bike for Morocco?
My 2017 KTM 450 Rally Factory is a bike born directly from experience in major rally raids.
It is designed for long distances, demanding navigation, and extreme terrain like the
Moroccan desert. The engine is reliable, the suspension performs well even on the
roughest tracks, and high-speed stability remains a benchmark. I haven’t made any major
modifications because the bike is already a complete package as it is. The real difference
comes from preparation: every detail is carefully checked before the race, from the chassis
to the drivetrain and navigation equipment. In rally raid, the bike must be 100% ready,
because there is no room for improvisation.
What does a typical day look like during the rally?
It starts early, between 5 and 6 in the morning. The roadbook, instruments, and bike are
checked carefully, with great attention to navigation and reference accuracy. Then
breakfast and departure for the special stage, where fast sections, technical parts, and
pure navigation alternate, often on tracks that change completely from one kilometre to the
next. Back at the bivouac, a second part of the day begins: full bike maintenance,
cleaning, inspections, and meticulous preparation for the next stage. It is constant work
and an essential part of the rally. In the evening, the rhythm changes. After the briefing and
dinner, riders gather to talk about the day, compare navigation choices, and share
mistakes and successes. It is one of the most important moments, because the rally is
never just individual.
Do you have any ritual that accompanies your days?
Every evening I write a summary of the day and publish it on social media. It has become
a fixed routine: a way to preserve memories and involve friends and enthusiasts in what I
experience during the race.
What would you say to someone taking part for the first time?
The FenekRally is perfect for beginners. It offers professional-level navigation, similar to
major rally raids, but with shorter stages that allow you to learn gradually without feeling
overwhelmed. The atmosphere is welcoming, the spirit of mutual help is always present,
and a real community quickly forms among participants. For me, it is not just a race: it is
an experience that always leaves something behind and makes you want to come back. It
is a big family!