BikingMan Aura 2023 – day 5: Last arrivals and emotions at their peak

BikingMan Aura 2023 draws to a close as the final participants continue to cross the finish line in Beaumont-lès-Valence. The fifth day of this ultra-distance event has been marked by emotional arrivals, moments of camaraderie, and deep reflections on the incredible journey accomplished. After thousands of meters of climbing and 1000 km traveled, each rider has lived a unique and unforgettable experience.

Night arrivals: Josiane and Ramona, an adventure shared between friends

In the early hours of Friday morning, at 1:30 a.m., friends Josiane and Ramona crossed the finish line together. The two friends, who shared the journey from start to finish, expressed their relief and pride. The pain and challenges are now behind them, replaced by the satisfaction of completing this challenge.

“It was tough, but we did it. I even managed to stay quiet sometimes, even though I talk a lot, a lot!” they summed up with radiant smiles.

First woman solo: Émilie Clisson’s impressive performance

At 5:16 a.m., Émilie Clisson became the first solo woman to complete the event, finishing after 95 hours and 42 minutes of racing. Tired but satisfied, Émilie admitted she was already feeling the physical toll of the effort.

“My feet hurt, my legs, my back, my wrists… but it was worth it,” she shared with a laugh.

Her goal was to finish in under 90 hours, and while she didn’t quite meet that target, she was proud of maintaining an impressive daily average of 250 km.

The final hours: friends sharing the joy of finishing

Around midday, Olivier, Thibault, Melen, and Geoffroy reached the Col de la Bataille, about 40 kilometers from the finish. Emotions ran high for them.

“I cried three times; it was so beautiful,” Olivier recounted, overwhelmed by the joy of sharing this adventure with his friends.

Together, they covered the final kilometers, savoring every moment in a spirit of camaraderie.

Behind them, Aurélie and Nicolas were also completing the last climbs, filled with gratitude and a sense of personal accomplishment.

“It’s the first day my legs are cooperating,” joked Aurélie, delighted to feel the pain ease as they neared the end.

Reflections on an adventure beyond time

For the group of friends who arrived together in Beaumont-lès-Valence, it was a moment of shared emotion.

“Today, I cried three times,” one of them shared.

The beauty of the Vercors landscapes and the satisfaction of overcoming the challenges left lasting impressions.

“It’s a physical pain, but also a bubble. Mentally, you’re not thinking about anything else; you’re just in the moment,” he explained.

This adventure, far beyond a simple physical challenge, allows participants to reconnect with themselves.

“What really stands out is that you think about the important things: family, friends, memories that matter,” added another.

Over these days of racing, the participants have experienced a true inner journey, far removed from daily distractions.

The final stretch: the countdown begins

At 5 p.m., Aurélie and Nicolas finally crossed the finish line, met by applause from friends and support staff. For them, the moment was intense after overcoming injuries and exhaustion.

“I was hurt the whole time, but the joy of finishing is indescribable,” Nicolas shared. They savored every second of this long-awaited moment.

As the closing evening celebration got underway, the last participants continued crossing the finish line. Only about ten cyclists remained on the course, striving to finish within the time limit.

“It’s coming home,” said one rider, happy to finally be back in Beaumont-lès-Valence.

The shock of returning to reality

During the closing ceremony, organizers addressed the participants, congratulating them and preparing them for what lay ahead after such an intense experience.

“Often, returning to reality is tough. It’s normal to feel a shock after an event like this,” explained Axel Carion.

“On Monday, in the shower, you’ll think back on this community, on what you shared together!” he reminded them.

Many admitted it would take time to fully process the experience.

The final arrival: a symbol of perseverance

At 1:24 a.m., in the early hours of Saturday, Thomas Bruno, the “lantern rouge” of this edition, finally crossed the finish line after 116 hours and 24 minutes of racing. Finishing 93rd and last, Thomas expressed his pride in accomplishing this monumental challenge.

A memorable edition

The fourth leg of the BikingMan Ultra-Distance World Championship ends on a festive note. The Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region offered the 117 participants a journey beyond time, where everyone pushed their limits and discovered new personal strengths. Of the 117 riders who started, 93 finished within the time limit, making this edition a resounding success.

The final standings of BikingMan Aura 2023 see Emilien Mottet victorious with a record time of 47 hours and 37 minutes. The overall standings remain unchanged, with Maximilien Couvreur still leading, ahead of Laurianne Plaçais.

Next stop: BikingMan Euskadi

The fifth leg of the Ultra-Distance World Championship will take place in the Basque Country, with BikingMan Euskadi beginning in Anglet on September 4. Until then, participants can rest and recover before embarking on a new adventure.

This fifth day of BikingMan Aura 2023 marked the end of an intense journey for the participants, who crossed the finish line with mixed feelings of relief and pride. The pain and exhaustion now give way to memories of this exceptional race, where camaraderie, resilience, and breathtaking landscapes left their mark.

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