Mohamed was closely followed by his older brother, Rachid El Morabity, who clocked 2 h 11 min 36 sec, 27 seconds behind on the 31.1 km stage. Another Moroccan stood out on this first stage. Aziz Yachou finished 3rd, just 2 seconds behind second-place El Morabity.
On the women’s side, Aziza El Amrany won the first stage. The Moroccan completed the stage in 2 h 45 min 54 sec, with a lead of 26 min 04 sec over her immediate pursuer, another Moroccan Aziza Raji (3 h 11 min 58 sec).
Dutchwoman Adriana Moser finished the race in 3rd place, having completed the stage in 3 h 12 min 53 sec.
