Lyon: The prologue of the second edition of the Sun Trip Tour, a solar-powered cycling adventure to Laayoune, Morocco, departed Tuesday from the headquarters of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Region in Lyon. Around 20 participants from six European countries will travel from Tangier-where they will arrive by ferry from Sète-along two solar-only routes: a 1,800 km guided discovery tour and a more demanding 2,800 km solo race with no external support, relying solely on solar-charged bikes.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, at the departure ceremony, Morocco’s Consul General in Lyon, Fatima Baroudi, highlighted the event’s role in promoting Morocco’s renewable energy vision under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, as well as deepening French-Moroccan friendship. She also stressed Morocco’s ambitions to lead in green hydrogen and solar power on the African continent.

Florian Bailly, founder of the Sun Trip, stated that the second edition builds on the success of the inaugural tour and will begin from Tangi
er on April 29, culminating in Laayoune on May 12. “Morocco offers ideal conditions-sun, scenery, and hospitality-for sustainable travel,” he said. Participants will ride 150 to 300 km daily, powered by solar panels fitted to their bicycles, in what Bailly described as a demonstration of clean, long-distance travel. He expressed hope the tour would become an annual event exploring Morocco’s regions, especially the southern provinces.

Sophie Blachère, a regional councilor, mentioned that Morocco remains a key partner for the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Region, noting ongoing cooperation efforts and the presence of regional delegations at SIAM in Meknes and in southern Morocco.