A Third Day Marked by Intense Emotions
The BikingMan Origine Aura 2024 continues to surprise with its mix of emotions and challenges. On this third day of the race, participants had to endure a grueling night before covering the final kilometers that separated them from the finish line. Let’s look back together at the highlights of this day, which saw the first competitors cross the finish line in Villard-de-Lans.
Checkpoint 3: Fatigue Takes its Toll on the Leaders
In the early morning, the first participants reached checkpoint 3 in Saint-Agrève, located at kilometer 810. It was an opportunity to hear their impressions after covering more than 800 km. Their faces showed signs of palpable fatigue, but also unwavering determination.
One of the riders, Titouan Reydet, described his journey through the Pas de Peyrol:
“Pas de Peyrol, very foggy, we couldn’t see anything. Then Auvergne, super rugged, we didn’t cross paths with many people; it was really nice. On the other hand, no cars, just fields as far as the eye could see.”
As for the next part of their journey? A well-deserved rest:
“I’m going to sleep a bit, it’ll do me good, then I’ll set off again toward the finish line.”
Grégory Cassini, who was physically in 3rd position at checkpoint 3 but ranked 4th due to staggered start times, shared his thoughts on the competition with Laurent Boursette:
“We ended up together after the Pas de Peyrol, and it was a bit of a mano a mano between second and third. It was nice, very beautiful landscapes, especially at the Pas de Peyrol, really splendid!”
The Climb of the Pas de Peyrol: A Challenge Under a Clear Sky
The sun finally rose over Saint-Agrève, and the weather improved significantly. It was the perfect time to reflect and focus on the ascent of the Pas de Peyrol, at kilometer 500. After hundreds of kilometers, the riders still had to climb this legendary pass, a true rite of passage for ultracyclists.
Several riders shared their experience of this intense moment:
“It was siesta time… I hope it was restorative. Waking up and seeing this panorama, it’s incredible.”
Others, like Julien Leroy, felt the ascent as a true test:
“This climb… you really feel it. It’s beautiful, but it’s tough. It’s well deserved, but worth it.”
A Must-See: Combe Laval, the Jewel of the Route
The Combe Laval, an iconic road in the Vercors, became a key point on the course. A spectacular geological site, it offered breathtaking views to the riders. The sun was finally shining, and this stretch was a true visual feast, providing a well-earned reward to the participants who had already given so much.
The Podium in Villard-de-Lans: Titouan Reydet Triumphs in 48 Hours
The top three riders finally crossed the finish line in Villard-de-Lans, with Titouan Reydet winning this edition in less than 48 hours. Emotions ran high as the three leading competitors received a warm round of applause.
Titouan Reydet shared his joy after this exceptional performance:
“It was mental, it was physical, but it was great; it’s everything. It’s cool to be here, and 1000 km in less than 48 hours, that’s a nice barrier to break.”
He also explained how he managed his sleep:
“I didn’t sleep until the afternoon of the second day. I took a 15-minute nap in the afternoon, 20 minutes at 1 AM, and 35 minutes total. It was intense.”
Laurent Boursette, who arrived shortly after, expressed his satisfaction at completing this challenge in 48 hours:
“It’s a magnificent course. Even with the rain, it wasn’t very cold, and it was worth taking in the scenery.”
The Lanternes Rouges Continue the Adventure
While the top three celebrated their victory, many ultracyclists were still on the road, struggling to reach Villard-de-Lans. Many were still at checkpoint 2 in Saint-Flour or in the middle of the Pas de Peyrol climb. The sun and better weather conditions on this day allowed them to enjoy this challenging part of the route.
Here is the provisional ranking:
- Titouan Reydet: 46h 22m
- Grégory Cassini: 47h 41m
- Dorian Galmiche: 48h 10m
- Laurent Boursette: 48h 23m
- Pieter Aarnoutse: 50h 28m
A Race That Continues to Push Limits
The third day of BikingMan Origine Aura 2024 was filled with emotions and challenges for all participants. While the podium has been established, the race is far from over for the other competitors, who continue to battle the course, the elements, and themselves.
The red carpet at the finish line will continue to welcome riders all night and into tomorrow, to greet the many finishers. Don’t forget to follow their progress on social media and the live tracking platform by Oaka. Thank you for following along, and see you tomorrow for another recap of this epic event.
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