The fourth day of BikingMan Aura 2023 was marked by the relentless efforts of the remaining participants striving to overcome the last obstacles and reach the finish line in Beaumont-lès-Valence. With over 24 hours since Emilien Mottet’s victory, the cyclists still racing continue to endure punishing conditions. The Col du Grand Colombier, one of the most feared points on the route, proved to be a major challenge for the final third of participants.
The Col du Grand Colombier: a feared ascent
As some riders neared the end, the Grand Colombier loomed as a daunting barrier, both admired and feared. Its steep inclines, notorious for their high gradients, continued to test cyclists, even on foot.
“We had a good hike up there,” one participant joked.
“Even on foot, it gets the heart racing,” added Pierre Colliot, visibly exhausted but still determined.
Indeed, some resorted to walking the climb in “flip-flops,” an unconventional but effective strategy for finishing the ascent.
After conquering the 16 km climb, reaching the top of the Grand Colombier was celebrated as a true blessing.
“Half of it was in sandals, but it works,” joked Clément Cavaroc, a participant thrilled to complete the legendary ascent.
All that remained was to pedal toward Valence, a now attainable goal for the bravest.
Unexpected refreshments along the route
For many, progress through the Vercors came with memorable encounters. At kilometer 830, after crossing the Col du Granier, some cyclists stumbled upon an improvised refreshment stand set up by a fan, a tradition repeated for the third year in a row.
“A gift from the heavens,” commented Josiane, relieved to take a break and refuel before continuing her journey.
Meanwhile, others pressed on through the beautiful landscapes of the Vercors, despite growing pain and fatigue.
“We must be a bit masochistic,” another cyclist joked, referring to the final climbs of the course.
The Cirque de Combe Laval: a final gift from the Vercors
The Cirque de Combe Laval, one of the Vercors’ natural wonders, provided BikingMan Aura’s participants with a final scenic gift before the last stretch. This road, carved along the cliffside, offered breathtaking views of the region – a treat for the eyes but not for the legs.
“My backside hurts, tendinitis starting, but I’ll make it to the end,” shared a cyclist, visibly exhausted but highly determined.
Riding through the Cirque was an unforgettable experience, made possible by the workers who, over a century ago in 1896, built this route to transport timber. Today, it’s taken on by cyclists who see it as both a challenge and a source of inspiration.
Col de la Bataille: the final stretch
For many cyclists, the Col de la Bataille marked one of the last obstacles before reaching their goal. Despite the fatigue, some were already thinking of celebrations.
“We’ll be a bit late, but we hope everyone saved some snacks for us,” joked a rider approaching the summit.
This climb, followed by the Col de Limouche, represented the final ascents before the descent to Beaumont-lès-Valence.
At 8 p.m., after several days of nonstop effort, Adrien Leroux and his companions finally crossed the finish line.
“This was my first BikingMan, and I’d never done more than 200 km before. Here, you tackle insane stuff – even the Tour de France doesn’t do this!” he said, still overcome with emotion.
Emotional arrivals and personal reflections
For many, BikingMan Aura is a genuine inner journey.
“It’s a personal voyage; you learn to understand your body, how it adapts to different stresses,” explained one participant.
Self-transcendence was a common theme among cyclists.
“Through others, you start to realize what you’ve just done. It’s quite something,” he added.
This kind of event oscillates between suffering and moments of joy.
“There are times when you suffer a lot, when you think of giving up, and others when you’re truly happy,” summarized Joan-Carles Leon, another participant.
It’s this duality that makes the race so special for those with the courage to participate.
The race continues for the last participants
While some savor their finish, others are still on the road, just kilometers away from the end. With less than 24 hours left, the clock is ticking for those still racing to finish within the time limit.
“It’s crunch time,” declared one cyclist, while his companion was already dreaming of a well-deserved beer at the finish.
Pain is now omnipresent, but that doesn’t stop participants from enjoying the experience.
“Our legs hurt, our knees ache, but we’re still enjoying it. The route is beautiful,” shared one rider, happy to have crossed breathtaking landscapes like those of the Beaujolais.
The hour of relief approaches
The last hurdle for the cyclists still on the course is to cross the final trilogy of climbs before descending toward Beaumont-lès-Valence. Emotions are at their peak, and fatigue is giving way to the satisfaction of nearly achieving the ultimate goal: finishing BikingMan Aura 2023.
This fourth day of BikingMan Aura 2023 saw the remaining participants tackle the crucial stages toward the finish line. Between physical pain and mental satisfaction, each cyclist faced challenges worthy of this demanding course. For many, it’s an inner journey concluding – a voyage through the landscapes of Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, and through themselves. The leaderboard is nearly complete, and the race continues for the last brave souls still in it.
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