The fifth and final day of BikingMan X Morocco 2023 saw the last cyclists reach the finish line in Marrakech, completing an intense ultracycling adventure of over 1,000 km. The road, the landscapes, the encounters, and the physical and mental challenges left unforgettable memories for every participant. Here is the story of this final act, where determination and emotion reached their peak.
The final stretch (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
On this fifth day, around 30 ultracyclists remained on the roads of the Atlas Mountains. By 9 am, a small group arrived in Tanan at kilometer 882, just in time for breakfast. Gaetan Aubry, one of the participants, expressed his determination:
“I tried to stay focused and push forward, telling myself, ‘Force yourself, stay motivated, and finish strong.’ It’s clear now unless my bike breaks – I lost three gears, so I’m a bit worried.”
The desire to finish was palpable, and despite the fatigue, all efforts were directed toward the last 150 kilometers to Marrakech. Others shared their feelings:
“I hurt everywhere, but we’re good. We slept well, had a great wake-up, and we’re feeling great. What an incredible journey. It’s the best life.”
Final efforts and reflections on the journey (12:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
By midday, the finish line was in sight for all. Many took the time to reflect on their experiences and the people they’d met along the way. Marco Bernini described with emotion what had touched him:
“What moved me was the people I saw, those who live with almost nothing in the villages. Every time I passed through these villages, it was incredible. I found the people very kind, especially in the mountains. The less they have, the kinder they are.”
These words capture how much this adventure was marked by the generosity and hospitality of the Moroccan people, adding an unforgettable human dimension to the race.
The grueling final kilometers (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
After nearly 1,000 km, the final sections of the course were far from easy. One exhausted participant, with a touch of humor, shared:
“I’m not saying I’m glad to reach the end; it’s beautiful, but it’s hard. I arrived like a baboon with a sore rear, couldn’t sit down anymore.”
The last climbs, including a less-than-10-km ascent to Touama, were challenging, but the cyclists knew it was their final chance to take in the ochre-colored hills of Morocco before the descent into Marrakech. These hills, olive groves, and the majestic views of the Atlas Mountains offered a well-deserved visual reward after all their efforts.
Arrival in Marrakech and celebration (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Marrakech welcomed the final finishers in a festive atmosphere. Baptiste and Thierry, a father-son duo, were the first pair to cross the line together. Thierry shared his joy over this unique experience:
“I had two goals in coming here: to have an adventure with Baptiste in this amazing country and to beat Laurent, our friend. It was wild, a human and sporting experience.”
Arrivals continued throughout the afternoon and into the evening, with each cyclist warmly applauded by their fellow participants. Among them was Georges André, who had already finished the BikingMan in Brazil a few weeks earlier and described switching to “travel mode”:
“I thought, ‘In Morocco, I’ll do the same,’ and from day one, I realized I didn’t have the legs for it. I switched to travel mode, and from there, it was pure joy.”
The last finishers and a sense of community (8:00 pm – 11:00 pm)
The final arrivals continued into the evening. Didier was welcomed by all the participants at 10:50 pm, followed by Bruno and Aline, the last two to finish, 30 minutes later. Emotion ran high, and one of the last finishers summed up his journey with these words:
“It’s a journey, really; we’re just landing now. We’re coming back from this wonderful journey through time, landscapes, challenges… it’s really a mix of it all. We cry, we break, and then five minutes later, we forget everything because we realize life is beautiful, and we’re happy to be here.”
The feeling of fraternity and community among the participants was one of the most remarkable aspects of this adventure, with everyone sharing a piece of their own story.
Closing ceremony and final rankings
The closing ceremony, featuring a show and a celebratory couscous, allowed everyone to mark this exceptional edition of BikingMan X Morocco. Laurianne Plaçais was crowned the 2023 Champion, a well-deserved recognition of her performance throughout the race. Maxime Prieur and Florent Dumas completed the season podium.
Of the 87 participants who started, 65 crossed the finish line within the time limit, while one finished beyond the cutoff, and 21 retired from the race.
The fifth day of BikingMan X Morocco 2023 marked the end of an extraordinary journey through the Atlas Mountains and the rugged roads of Morocco. The 1,000 km of this race were more than just a physical challenge; they were a life experience, a journey of discovery and sharing. Each cyclist pushed their limits, not only to reach the finish line but to discover the very essence of endurance sports and the beauty of this fascinating country.
Moments of struggle, doubt, joy, and connection will remain in the memories of all participants, who discovered that ultracycling is much more than a test of strength: it’s a human adventure.
The next stage of the BikingMan series will be held in Sri Lanka in April 2024. Until then, memories of the Moroccan edition will continue to inspire those who dream of experiencing the ultimate ultracycling challenge.
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