The Sport en France program offered a special moment for fans of adventure cycling by hosting the champions of the 2024 BikingMan season. In this exclusive episode, viewers got a behind-the-scenes look at this legendary race, its challenges, and its unforgettable moments. Grégory Cassini, the 2024 champion, and Laurianne Plaçais, who finished as the runner-up, shared their experiences of this competition, which rivals the greatest sporting challenges. Joined by Axel Carion, the founder of BikingMan, and journalist Cédric Ferreira, these athletes recounted how this year was defined by exploration, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
A unique format for extraordinary athletes
For those unfamiliar with BikingMan, it is no ordinary cycling event. This long-distance challenge requires participants to cover 1,000 kilometers in total self-sufficiency, carrying their own gear, all within a maximum time limit of 120 hours. The routes are vast, often with staggering elevation gains (up to 20,000 meters), making this a playground reserved for the most enduring cyclists.
In 2024, the format attracted a record 1,300 participants, with a significant increase in the number of finishers. This success is due to the allure of the challenge, the spirit of adventure, and the sense of community that has formed around this discipline. “BikingMan meets the needs of people looking to push their limits, explore uncharted territories, and experience something deeply human,” explained Axel Carion. “It’s not just a race; it’s a personal journey.”
A thrilling duel: Grégory and Laurianne in Taiwan
The 2024 season culminated in a spectacular finale. Grégory Cassini claimed the ultracycling world championship title with a victory in Taiwan, an achievement that was decided in the final kilometers of the race. This decisive showdown between him and Laurianne Plaçais, who aimed to defend her title, was intense. “It was a thrilling duel. The rivalry was strong, but we both gave our best,” shared Grégory. “It was an intense race with moments of doubt and strategic planning.”
Laurianne, who finished second overall, reflected on her strategic choices. “My goal wasn’t to win at all costs, but to savor every moment and continue learning,” she said. “BikingMan is, above all, a personal discovery. I fought for my place, but I had no regrets at the end.”
Sri Lanka and its exotic challenges
Before Taiwan, the season kicked off in Sri Lanka, marking a new chapter for BikingMan with an unprecedented route and full immersion in nature. Laurianne finished second in this stage, a remarkable performance in such an exotic and challenging environment. “Sri Lanka offered me an intense cultural discovery,” she recalled. “Of course, the sporting aspect was there, but what struck me the most was the beauty and diversity of the landscapes, as well as meeting locals in remote villages.”
Cédric Ferreira, who closely followed this stage, highlighted the immersive aspect of the competition. “The wildlife and flora of Sri Lanka add a unique dimension to this race. Between elephants, monkeys, and the jungle, athletes have to stay alert while savoring every moment.”
Flawless organization despite challenges
Organizing an event like BikingMan is no easy task, and every year Axel Carion and his team overcome immense logistical challenges. In 2024, Sri Lanka particularly tested the organizers with its extreme terrain conditions and remote locations. “There were moments of stress,” admitted Axel. “Athletes faced unprecedented situations, such as encountering elephants in the wild, which required careful management to ensure their safety while preserving the spirit of adventure.”
It is this resilience and adaptability that made this edition a true success. “That’s what I love about BikingMan,” Axel added. “It’s more than just a race. It’s a school of life, a journey beyond sport.”
The rise of BikingMan: A race in constant evolution
The success of this year marks a turning point for BikingMan, which has seen an explosion in popularity. In addition to the seven main stages, the 2024 edition introduced the 555 events—shorter but equally intense formats—creating a new level of participation.
Axel has managed to evolve his event while preserving its essence: a demanding challenge accessible to all. “Ultracycling is a global phenomenon that’s growing rapidly, and BikingMan meets this demand in a unique way,” Axel explained. “There are no age or skill limits to participate. It’s an experience that is, above all, human, accessible to those who seek to push their limits.”
In 2025, several new additions will be on the agenda, including qualifying events in South America, notably in Brazil and Colombia, where extreme conditions promise fresh challenges. While the format evolves, BikingMan’s DNA remains intact, with a strong focus on immersion, discovery, and the spirit of adventure.
A human and sporting adventure
BikingMan is not just a cycling competition. It is a journey through uncharted territories, a personal challenge, and a human adventure where every participant must confront their limits. For Grégory Cassini and Laurianne Plaçais, the 2024 season will be remembered as a milestone, both athletically and personally.
As the 2025 edition approaches with enticing new features, BikingMan continues to establish itself as a unique event in the world of adventure cycling, attracting participants from around the globe, all ready to confront the unknown.
“Each year, BikingMan exceeds expectations, and in 2025, we’re going even further,” Axel concluded. “We have even greater challenges ahead, but the spirit of adventure will always remain at the heart of our competition.”
Find us on:
- Website : bikingman.com
- Instagram : bikingman_ultra
- Facebook : bikingmanultra
- Strava : / strava
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