BikingMan France 2023 – day 4: final efforts under rough weather and last ascents

Morning ascent: Col du Buis and endurance strategy

At dawn, the cyclists tackle the formidable Col du Buis. Sylvain Mochos begins the grueling 13-km climb up to 1196 meters in altitude, starting from Entrevaux. Patrice Renson, also in the race, shares his experience:

“I slept in a curve on the ground, I couldn’t go on without it.”

Reinvigorated by this improvised rest, he knows the climb is just beginning, with steep grades awaiting on the last kilometers.

For many, these stages are about pushing personal limits. Damien Boisic finishes his ascent, reflecting:

“I handled it better than I thought, but it’s still a massive challenge.”

These struggles are not only physical but mental, as each pedal stroke fuels their determination to finish this extreme adventure.

Daluis Gorge: finding motivation in the scenery

Several kilometers behind the leaders, participants discover the raw beauty of Daluis Gorge. Despite their exhaustion and aching legs, the stunning landscape provides a mental respite. Some, like Stéphane, draw strength from their surroundings:

“At this point, there’s not much left in my legs… but it’s breathtaking, and we’re in France; it’s safe, so you can sleep wherever you want.”

By now, every cyclist has covered hundreds of kilometers, and fatigue is palpable. Yet the landscapes of the Alpes-Maritimes offer a refreshing boost, carrying them forward despite exhaustion.

Storms at Valberg: battling the elements

At kilometer 865, a storm hits, complicating the cyclists’ progress through the Valberg station. Denis Morino comments on the sudden change in weather:

“The fog’s clearing, so we’ll try to dodge the raindrops.”

For others, however, the unexpected rain and fog add to the physical challenges. Grégory and Charlotte, for instance, find themselves caught in two successive thunderstorms:

“We were drenched in seconds… it’s so hard to start up again after that,” says Grégory, weary from the ordeal.

On each climb, cyclists feel the effects of the rain and cold, struggling to maintain body heat. The storm is a harsh reminder of nature’s unpredictability in this race. Despite the fatigue and weather, Charlotte emphasizes the adventurous spirit of BikingMan:

“We’re a bit crazy to keep going, but for BikingMan, you have to be.”

Finishing at Le Cannet: determined finishers

While some battle the elements, others reach the end of their journey. Stéphanie Schmitz, who finishes in the early evening, radiates happiness despite the hardships:

“I slept wherever and whenever I wanted. It really let me experience this race fully immersed.”

Her account of 88 hours in the race demonstrates that, for some, the freedom of ultracycling is just as significant as the physical challenge.

Grégory and Charlotte also cross the finish line, exhausted but proud to have overcome the thunderstorms. They recall moments of doubt, breaks taken under bus shelters, but feel fulfilled by their persistence:

“Quitting crosses your mind, but you keep going. That’s the BikingMan mentality—being a little crazy and pushing on, no matter what.”

Race against the clock: the 120-hour goal

With changing weather conditions and accumulated fatigue, the remaining cyclists are racing against time to finish before Saturday morning’s 120-hour limit.

Over fifty finishers have crossed the line, with the top 5 led by Laurianne Plaçais, followed by Maxime Couvreur, Noel Barreca, Lionel Castagnet, and Pieter Aarnoutse in fifth.

For the final competitors, managing their time is essential to avoid disqualification. The battle for the last official positions intensifies, each cyclist working to withstand the pressure.

This fourth day of the BikingMan France perfectly showcases participants’ resilience, facing arduous climbs, challenging weather, and exhausting fatigue. In this journey, the passion for ultracycling meets the unpredictability of nature, making each arrival at Le Cannet all the more triumphant and unforgettable.

Stay tuned for the final arrivals and latest rankings on BikingMan’s social media and live tracking on Open Adventure.

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