BikingMan Euskadi 2023 – day 5: Last arrivals, emotions, and a race against time

The fifth day of BikingMan Euskadi 2023 was marked by the final arrivals before the 120-hour deadline. As the clock ticked down, the last participants battled against fatigue and time to reach the finish line in Anglet. Between Thursday and Friday, emotions ran high, and each cyclist who completed the race shared a unique experience, blending satisfaction, exhaustion, and awe at the Basque Country landscapes.

Night arrivals in Anglet

The night arrivals continued in Anglet. Around 3:40 a.m., Belgian riders Maxime and Sydney crossed the finish line. They had just completed the 23,000 meters of elevation gain on the course, and despite their fatigue, their enthusiasm was clear.

“Exhausted, but it was magnificent. The views were amazing,” said Maxime, visibly happy to have finished. “We were incredibly lucky with the weather. We feared rain at the start, but everything went smoothly. I did Corsica last year, and I thought it was stunning, but here, the landscapes are even more incredible.”

Jean-Paul Sachet: a perfectly timed finish

Shortly afterward, Jean-Paul Sachet arrived at 8:20 a.m., just in time to catch his return train with only two hours to spare. A navigational error had cost him two precious hours, but he managed to finish the race on time. His relief was palpable.

“I don’t know how I made it here,” said Jean-Paul, still in shock from his performance. “It’s often like that; you realize afterward what you’ve just achieved. With 23,000 meters of elevation, I think this is the most beautiful BikingMan I’ve done, even if it took me the longest.”

Filipe Rodrigues: a successful first experience

After facing the Basque Country’s challenges, Filipe Rodrigues also completed his first BikingMan. Surprised by his own performance, he shared his feelings about completing such a demanding race.

“I don’t think I’ve fully grasped what I just did,” said Filipe. “The climbs we had to face, especially over the past two days, were really impressive. I’m a bit in awe of myself. I never would have thought I’d manage this for my first BikingMan.”

A scenic approach before the final climb

On the course, by midday, 16 participants were still a few dozen kilometers from the finish. These last cyclists enjoyed one of the final scenic views of the route, especially when passing through the Pas de Roland, an iconic spot in the region. This legendary location provided riders with a final immersion in Basque history and nature.

However, one last obstacle awaited them: the Col de l’Égaré. This climb, combining fatigue and heat, posed an ultimate test for the cyclists. Amélie Plennevaux tackled it in the afternoon, accompanied by Laurianne Plaçais, who had finished the race in second place.

Amélie Plennevaux completes her race

Amélie Plennevaux finally crossed the finish line after braving the slopes of the Col de l’Égaré. Supported by Laurianne, Amélie was warmly welcomed by her loved ones and other finishers. Her emotions were evident as she reflected on the experience.

“Incredible! It was so hard,” she said, clearly thrilled to have completed the race. “I think BikingMan is accessible to anyone who loves cycling, but Euskadi is unique. It’s extremely beautiful and extremely difficult. I’m in love with the mountains, and here, it was just crazy, both in terms of the landscapes and the effort. I never thought I’d make it.”

A triumphant arrival for Benjamin

During the closing evening, the last arrivals were especially moving. As participants and their families gathered, Benjamin crossed the finish line to rapturous applause. Although he was second to last, his arrival was worthy of a rockstar.

“Incredible! It was perfect,” said Benjamin, emotional and close to tears. “I feel so much gratitude for everyone I encountered during this race and in times of hardship. Whether it was the other participants, those who had to withdraw, or even the families… it was an amazing experience.”

For Benjamin, the race was a real mental challenge.

“I had to fight every day to meet the deadlines and avoid being disqualified. It was mentally very demanding, but I enjoyed it almost all the time. Without that, I wouldn’t have been able to continue.”

The final arrival: Tim Douglass claims his comeback

It was almost 1 a.m. on Friday night when the last participant crossed the finish line. Tim Douglass, an Australian living in Malaysia, calmly completed his BikingMan Euskadi. After a withdrawal last year, he claimed his revenge by finishing within the time limit this edition.

With 41 finishers out of 63 starting participants, this edition of BikingMan Euskadi proved especially challenging. Many participants had to withdraw due to the difficulty of the course and conditions.

The final standings

This edition of BikingMan Euskadi concludes with Sébastien Pailly in the lead, winning the race in his first participation. Laurianne Plaçais, with her second-place finish, takes the lead in the overall season ranking, holding more than a 500-point lead over Maximilien Couvreur. With two races remaining in the season, Laurianne seems well-positioned to claim the 2023 BikingMan champion title.

In the general BikingMan Euskadi standings, Laurent Garbolino completed the podium in third place. New names also appeared in the season ranking, including Rémi Borrion (3rd), Valentin van Overloop (4th), and Amélie Plennevaux (9th), joining the competition for top honors.

Next up: Brazil and Morocco

Now only two stages remain on the 2023 BikingMan calendar: BikingMan Brazil, starting September 25, and BikingMan X in Morocco on October 30. These two races will determine the final season winner.

The BikingMan Euskadi 2023 has been an unforgettable adventure, featuring breathtaking landscapes and legendary climbs, giving participants an experience they won’t soon forget. For those who crossed the finish line, the sense of accomplishment is immense, and for those already preparing for the next races, the challenge continues.

This fifth day closes a BikingMan Euskadi rich in emotions, where each participant faced enormous challenges to reach their goal.

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