Ernesto Escolano, a long-time runner from Aragon, born in Sabiñánigo, Huesca, recently passed away in Marrakech. The news arrived after a difficult day at the Titan Desert, a race that tests endurance through extreme conditions and demanding terrain. The event, which unfolds across the arid landscapes between Merzouga and the outskirts of Jdaid, delivered heat that pushed competitors to their limits as the second stage stretched over 102 kilometers. In the aftermath of the race, the focus shifted from competition to the urgent need for medical care and the resilience of the athletes who undertake such grueling challenges. The Titan Desert community gathered around the memory of a rider who had dedicated years to the sport and embraced the communal spirit that defines endurance events.
At the 82nd kilometer of the second stage, Ernesto required immediate medical attention. The attending medical crew on the route administered first aid to stabilize his condition on site and coordinated a rapid response to his evolving health needs. The situation underscored the critical importance of high-level on-course medical support in extreme race settings and the tireless work of the teams responsible for participant safety. After initial stabilization, Ernesto was evacuated by helicopter to the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Marrakech, where specialists continued to assess and treat him. The medical team and hospital staff pursued all feasible measures, but the patient could not be saved, and the Titan Desert organization later confirmed his death. The tragedy was acknowledged with respect for the effort and bravery shown by Ernesto and all involved in the event. Ernesto competed in the Master 50 category and wore the Krypteia jersey, a symbol of his commitment and sport history. His finish in the first stage, where he placed 357th with a time of 6:35:28, reflects the demanding nature of the race and the perseverance that defines vintage endurance cycling.
Compassion and support flowed from the Titan Desert community toward Ernesto’s family and friends, as participants, organizers, medical personnel, sponsors, and journalists joined in expressing condolences. The incident served as a sober reminder of the risks athletes face when pursuing extreme sports, and it prompted a broader conversation about safety protocols, medical readiness, and the ongoing responsibility of race organizers to protect every participant. In the wake of this loss, the event’s character as a collective effort—where riders push their limits and communities rally around them—was highlighted and honored.
History is marked not only by triumphs but also by losses that reshape how the sport is experienced. Titan Desert has faced tragedy before, with the memory of a participant named Fernando Civera who died during the second stage in 2019, a moment that came to symbolize the unpredictable nature of high-stakes racing. The lessons drawn from such events reinforce the need for continuous improvements in medical readiness, route planning, and safety communications. The second stage between Merzouga and Ouzina, defined by its challenging kilometer markers and difficult passages, remains a point of reflection for athletes and supporters alike, reminding them of the fragile balance between ambition and risk in endurance cycling. Ernesto’s story sits within this broader context, illustrating the courage involved in taking on these routes and the deep sense of community that accompanies every Titan Desert moment.