If you are reading this article, it’s because you want to take on the challenge of the BikingMan. Congratulations, you are officially completely crazy ! More seriously, I am delighted that you are interested in the world ultracycling championship.

Essential Tips to Get Started :

Visit the BikingMan Website

Your adventure begins on the BikingMan website. Check the race calendar and identify the events that interest you. Make sure to verify which races are still open for registration, as spots fill up quickly.

Key Points to Check :

1. • Locations of starts and finishes.
   • Total distance and elevation gain.
   • Presence of gravel segments.
   • Availability of bibs.

Create Your Participant Profile

Before you can register for a race, it is imperative to create a user space on the BikingMan dashboard. Fill in all the required information to complete your profile 100%. This step is crucial as it allows us to collect essential information, particularly for emergency contacts.

Register for a Race

Once your profile is complete, you can proceed to register for the race of your choice. Here are the important steps to follow:

1. • Cancellation Insurance: Decide if you need cancellation insurance, offered in partnership with Assur-Connect.
   • Race Contract: Download, read, and understand the race contract before finalizing your registration.
   • Registration: If registering as a duo, make sure to know your teammate’s email address to invite them to join your team.

Mandatory Documents

Several documents are required to validate your registration:

1. • Medical Certificate: A model is available for download.
   • Sworn Statement: Detail your sports history and motivation for participating in the event.
   • Insurance Certificate: Necessary in case of an accident or repatriation.
   • GPS Tracker Deposit: An expensive piece of equipment that requires a guarantee.

Race Manual

Available generally 3 months ahead of your race, the race manual gathers plenty of essential information for you to get well prepared for the event (logistics, communication groups, deals with our partners etc.). Accessible though the toolbox in the detail of your registration, read it carefully.

Use Available Resources

BikingMan offers a vast knowledge base :

1. • Website and YouTube Channel: Tutorials, race films, participant stories, and ultracycling advice.
   • “Academy” Page: Rich in information on race preparation and strategy.

Engage with the Community

The BikingMan community is a supportive family. Join the Facebook and Strava groups to exchange with other participants. These groups are a wealth of information and practical advice on equipment, gear choices, and more.

Practical Tips for Success

• 1. Early Planning: Check the calendar and register early.
  2. Complete Profile: Ensure your user space is 100% complete.
  3. Proper Documentation: Prepare and submit all required documents in advance.
  4. Course Study: Familiarize yourself with the course and checkpoints.
  5. Accommodation Booked: Reserve your accommodations early via partner hotels.
  6. Use Resources: Take advantage of available videos and articles.
  7. Engage Online: Participate in discussions on social networks.
  8. Adequate Training: Adapt your training to the race conditions.
  9. Positive Mindset: Prepare mentally to overcome challenges.

Preparing for the BikingMan requires time, commitment, and rigorous organization. Follow these steps and tips to optimize your chances of success. The BikingMan team is here to support you throughout this adventure. We look forward to seeing you on the starting line with a smile and unwavering motivation.

Good luck with your preparation and see you soon at a race village!

Find us on:

• Website : bikingman.com
• Instagram : bikingman_ultra
• Facebook : bikingmanultra
• Strava : / strava  

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Cet article BikingMan – a few tips for getting started est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.

Participating in ultradistance cycling events, requires rigorous and well-structured preparation. Using a home trainer (or indoor bike / turbo trainer) proves to be an indispensable tool for athletes looking to maximize their training, especially during the winter or when time constraints arise.

The benefits of Home Trainer in ultracycling training

Advantages of the Home Trainer

Efficiency and specificity of training: The home trainer allows for highly specific and focused training sessions. You can target precise aspects of your physical condition, such as endurance, strength, or pedaling cadence, without the interruptions and terrain variations found outdoors. Short sessions of one hour on a home trainer can be extremely productive through concentrated high-intensity intervals or specific exercises.

Year-round training: In winter, weather conditions can make outdoor training difficult or even dangerous. The home trainer provides a safe and effective alternative, allowing you to maintain a regular and structured training program despite the cold, rain, or snow. This ensures continuity in your preparation and avoids prolonged interruptions.

Adaptation to course profiles: For those living in flat regions, the home trainer allows simulation of climbs and descents through specific programs or accessories like gradient simulators. You can thus prepare for hilly races even if your local environment doesn’t provide the necessary terrain.
Weather independence: Training on a home trainer means not being dependent on weather conditions. You can plan your sessions without worrying about rain, wind, or snow, allowing for better regularity and steady progress.

Improvement of pedaling technique: The home trainer provides an ideal setting for working on pedaling technique. Specific exercises like single-leg pedaling improve the efficiency and fluidity of your pedal stroke, resulting in better energy economy during ultradistance races.

Integrating the Home Trainer into your training

Seasonal planning:

In winter: Use this period to strengthen your base. Integrate two to three home trainer sessions per week, focusing on endurance, strength, and pedaling technique.
Pre-season: Reduce sessions to one or two per week to maintain gains while gradually increasing outdoor rides.

Types of sessions:

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): These sessions improve your power and ability to sustain intense efforts, essential in races

Strength sessions: Simulate climbs by increasing resistance to develop cycling-specific muscle strength.

Technical work: Focus on cadence exercises, single-leg pedaling, or sprint simulations to enhance your technique and efficiency.

Dynamic stretching: Perform dynamic stretches before each session to prepare your muscles for exertion.

Static stretching: After training, perform static stretches to improve flexibility and prevent muscle soreness.

Comparison between Home Trainer and outdoor training

Effective pedaling time: On a home trainer, there’s no coasting, so every minute spent on the device is a minute of effective work. One hour on a home trainer often equals 1.5 to 1.75 hours of outdoor cycling due to the continuous effort.
Goal adaptation: Do not make a direct transfer of time spent outdoors to the home trainer. If your goal is six hours of cycling per week, you can reduce this to four hours on the home trainer by focusing on high-quality sessions.

The home trainer is a valuable asset for any ultradistance athlete. It allows for effective, structured, and regular training regardless of external conditions. By integrating specific and well-planned sessions, you can improve your strength, endurance, and pedaling technique, preparing optimally for your ultradistance challenges.

Use this time to refine your skills and increase your resilience, transforming every minute spent on the home trainer into a step closer to achieving your ultradistance goals.

• Website : bikingman.com
• Instagram : bikingman_ultra
• Facebook : bikingmanultra
• Strava : / strava  

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Cet article Expert advice: The benefits of the home trainer in ultradistance est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.

Participating in ultradistance events, whether in running, cycling, or any other discipline, is a monumental challenge. To maximize performance and minimize injury risks, strength training plays a crucial role. Here’s a guide on the importance and best practices of strength training for ultradistance athletes with the advice of Adeline Bruchet, multiple BikingMan finisher and professional physiotherapist based in France.

Strength training for ultra-distance training

Why is strength training essential in ultramarathons?

1. Improvement of Maximal Strength: Strength training helps develop maximal strength, which directly translates to ultradistance performance. Greater muscle strength means athletes can maintain a percentage of their maximal strength more easily, thus reducing fatigue over long distances.
2. Injury Prevention: Stronger muscles better protect joints by absorbing shocks and reducing stress on bones and tendons. This decreases the risk of common injuries like tendinitis or joint pain.
3. Improvement of Neuromuscular Efficiency: Strength training enhances neuromuscular coordination, allowing for more synchronized and powerful muscle contractions. This is crucial for maintaining high performance over long periods.

Best practices for strength training

1. Session Planning:
   • During Winter Season: Incorporate two strength training sessions per week to build a solid base without the pressure of imminent competitions.
   • Approaching Competitions: Reduce to one session per week to maintain the acquired strength without overloading the body.
2. Types of Exercises:
   • Compound Exercises: Prioritize multi-joint movements like squats, deadlifts, and lunges, which engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
   • Plyometric Work: Integrate plyometric exercises like jumps to improve muscle power and tendon stiffness.
   • Core Strengthening: A strong core ensures better stability and efficient posture, reducing muscle fatigue and injury risk.
3. Flexibility and Mobility:
   • Dynamic Stretching: Perform dynamic stretches before each strength session to prepare the muscles for exertion.
   • Static Stretching: Post-training static stretches help improve flexibility and prevent muscle soreness.

Integrating strength training into your training plan

1. Periodization: Periodization is a key strategy for effectively incorporating strength training. Alternate high-volume phases with recovery phases to avoid overtraining.
2. Progressive Adaptation: Gradually increase the intensity and volume of strength training exercises. Start with light weights and progressively increase them as your strength and tolerance improve.

Strength training is an indispensable part of ultradistance preparation. It enhances strength, prevents injuries, and optimizes neuromuscular efficiency. By integrating well-planned strength sessions, varying exercises, and respecting a gradual progression, athletes can significantly improve their performance and resilience.

To excel in ultradistance events, remember that physical preparation involves rigorous and consistent strength training. Transform your endurance and strength for your upcoming ultradistance challenges.

Feel free to get in touch with Adeline Bruchet on Instagram if you want to get the pro tips from her.

Find us on:

• Website : bikingman.com
• Instagram : bikingman_ultra
• Facebook : bikingmanultra
• Strava : / strava  

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Cet article Expert advice: Strength training for ultra-distance training est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.

Participating in an ultracycling race is always an adventure full of challenges and surprises.

BikingMan Alpes-Maritimes is an intense race through the French Alps. The route, the weather conditions, and the demanding ascents all contributed to making this experience an unforgettable memory.

Summary of Day 3: Valberg and the Col de la Couillole

Welcome to the third day of BikingMan Alpes-Maritimes. We are in Valberg, the location of checkpoint 2 and the finish line. Before reaching this point, we had to cross the Col de la Couillole.

Early in the morning, we met participants tackling this ascent after a rainy night.

Ascending the Col de la Couillole: In Difficult Conditions

The previous night had been marked by torrential rains, making conditions particularly challenging. Several participants shared their impressions, mentioning the difficulty of cycling in the rain and cold. The climb to the Col de la Couillole, peaking at 1678 meters, was tough after such a rough night. The 17 kilometers of ascent with an average slope of 6% was a real test for the tired legs of the cyclists. Despite this, the first rays of morning sunlight brought a welcome comfort, helping to lift the participants’ spirits.

A small group of cyclists arrived at checkpoint 2 in the morning, sharing their nighttime adventures. They spoke about the difficulty of descending in the rain, the need to brake constantly, and the challenges posed by the extreme weather conditions. Each had a unique story to tell about the trials they had overcome.

Reflecting on the Route: The Col de la Lombarde

Before discussing the battle for victory, we must look back at the route to the Col de la Lombarde, situated at 2350 meters. This pass was particularly feared due to the torrential rains and freezing cold that accompanied it. Participants faced daunting conditions but showed incredible determination.

The Race Leaders: Jean-Michel Morin, Lorian Placé, and Harvey Bird

Three ultracyclists stood out at the front of the race: Jean-Michel Morin, Lorian Placé, and the Briton Harvey Bird. They continued their progression, tackling the last cols before the finish line. Jean-Michel Morin took a significant lead, crossing the final ascents with unwavering determination. The Col de Turini, well-known to cycling and motorsport enthusiasts, was one of the last major challenges before the end of the race. At this point, the cyclists had already covered more than 800 kilometers, making each pedal stroke even more demanding.

Victory for Jean-Michel Morin

Jean-Michel Morin eventually won the BikingMan Alpes-Maritimes, his first victory in the ultracycling world championship. He outpaced Lorian Placé and Harvey Bird, showcasing a remarkable performance despite the tough conditions.

This race was a true test of strength, both physically and mentally. I learned to push my limits, persevere despite difficulties, and appreciate every moment, even the toughest ones. The encounters and lessons from this experience will remain etched in my memory.

The BikingMan Alpes-Maritimes is more than just a race. It’s an adventure that tests the resilience and determination of every participant. Traversing magnificent landscapes under extreme conditions and crossing daunting cols is an unforgettable experience. For anyone seeking the ultimate ultracycling challenge, this race is a must.

Find us on:

• • Website : bikingman.com
  • Instagram : bikingman_ultra
  • Facebook : bikingmanultra
  • Strava : Strava

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Cet article BikingMan Alpes-Maritimes 2024 – Summary of day 3 est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.