Welcome to Brazil as we follow the kickoff of BikingMan Brazil 2023, the sixth stage of the Ultracycling World Championship. This event is held in São Paulo State, specifically in Santo Antônio do Pinhal, a small town nestled in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains. With a course spanning 1,000 km, 18,000 meters of elevation gain, and a time limit of 120 hours, this stage promises to be a formidable challenge for the 68 participants.
Regulatory checks and pre-race briefing
A few hours before the start, the usual regulatory checks are completed. Participants have their bikes weighed, receive their GPS trackers, and attend the race briefing. This protocol is essential to ensure the riders’ safety throughout this extreme adventure.
The BikingMan Brazil 2023 course features two major climbs. First, the ascent from Paraty to Cunha, a 17 km climb with an average gradient of 9%. Then, there’s the climb to Itatiaia National Park, which reaches an altitude of 2,450 meters. Additionally, around 30% of the course consists of dirt tracks, adding another layer of difficulty.
The participants are torn between excitement and apprehension as the start approaches:
“I feel calm, happy, this is just the cherry on top. I’ve prepared well for this event,” shared a Brazilian participant.
“It’s my first official ultracycling race; I’m a bit nervous but ready to ride and see Brazil from a new perspective,” said one enthusiastic competitor.
Setting off under the tropical sun
At 5 am, the race begins. The cyclists start together as a pack until kilometer 50, where they reach the first gravel section. This opening part presents no major challenges, but the weather quickly changes the game.
The sun shines brightly, and although forecasts predicted a rain-free week, the heat soon becomes a formidable opponent. By late morning, temperatures exceed 40°C, taking a serious toll on the riders. Faces flush, and frequent stops show the overwhelming impact of the heat.
First incidents on the course
The heat doesn’t take long to cause the first incidents. Mauricio, one of the competitors, falls in Santa Branca. Fortunately, the injury is minor, and he gets back on the road after a short break. Coping with the heat becomes the riders’ top priority, with some, like Eduardo, going to great lengths to stay cool:
“I took 5 kg of ice to cool down; I don’t want to be caught off guard by this heat.”
The cyclists press on toward checkpoint 1, located in Saltoópolis at kilometer 268.
The Brazilian climate, a significant challenge
Brazil’s tropical climate puts the riders to the test. As temperatures soar through the morning, the atmosphere takes a sudden turn by evening. Participants approaching Saltoópolis, near the Tietê River, encounter a much cooler environment. The thermometer drops to 22°C, a stark contrast to the morning’s 40°C.
This abrupt climate change offers a welcome reprieve to the cyclists:
“We’re about ten kilometers from checkpoint 1, and now it’s 20 degrees cooler. Riders can finally make progress in a milder climate,” reports a member of the organization.
Some lucky participants even spot monkeys and toucans, adding an exotic touch to this already unique adventure.
Arrival at checkpoint 1
The race leaders quickly reach checkpoint 1 in Saltoópolis. In 10 hours and 44 minutes, Andre Froes is the first to reach this milestone, closely followed by Gabriel Cavichio and David Alves Do Nascimento.
The battle at the front is intense. Andre, who has managed to pull a slight gap on his pursuers, remains focused on his strategy:
“I’m going to eat well and push on to Ubatuba. It’s all about managing the effort, especially with this heat, which is exhausting.”
Behind him, Gabriel and David are not far behind, while the other riders continue to manage the day’s oppressive heat.
Early logistical challenges
At checkpoint 1, riders regroup before setting off again. Some face unexpected issues, like one participant who explains his phone broke:
“It’s trickier now to organize things like finding hotels and food without a phone. I’ll have to ask people along the way—going old school!”
The cyclists remount, knowing that the first night battle awaits. They leave Saltoópolis for the coast, heading toward Paraty, a city on the Costa Verde, or Green Coast. This region is famous for its natural beauty, with beaches surrounded by lush mountains.
A night of challenges on the Costa Verde
As night falls, the lead riders race toward Paraty. The Costa Verde is a key segment of BikingMan Brazil, offering spectacular scenery alongside significant challenges. The leading trio of Andre Froes, Gabriel Cavichio, and David Alves Do Nascimento brace for an intense battle through the night. Behind them, another competitor, Sandro Pimentel Martins, is climbing steadily in the rankings, followed closely by Julian Manrique.
The provisional leaderboard has Andre in the lead, but the gaps remain narrow, promising an exciting race ahead.
Conclusion of Day 1: A promising start
The first day of BikingMan Brazil 2023 was marked by extreme weather conditions, with oppressive heat in the morning, followed by a significant drop in temperature approaching checkpoint 1. The cyclists had to adapt to these changes while managing their effort to stay competitive.
The top 3 quickly formed with Andre Froes, Gabriel Cavichio, and David Alves Do Nascimento in the lead, but the race is far from over, with many challenges to come, including formidable climbs and dirt tracks in the days ahead.
Riders are preparing for a decisive night on the roads of the Costa Verde, where the strategies for managing effort, sleep, and navigation will be crucial to maintaining their lead.
Brazil’s natural beauty and tropical landscapes continue to add a unique dimension to this championship stage, offering an immersive experience for the participants along with unforeseen challenges. With the first day behind them, the cyclists gear up for the continuation of this exceptional event, determined to reach the finish line within the time limit.
Stay tuned for Day 2 of BikingMan Brazil 2023, as participants tackle new obstacles on Brazil’s roads, all in pursuit of the ultimate achievement.
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- Website : bikingman.com
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- Facebook : bikingmanultra
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