BikingMan Brazil 2023 – Day 2: A demanding route through heat, forest, and daunting climbs

Welcome to Day 2 of BikingMan Brazil 2023, a pivotal stage in the Ultracycling World Championship. After an exhausting first day under intense heat, this new day has seen participants tackling even tougher sections of the course. The race progresses through Brazil’s tropical forests, along dirt tracks infamously called the “Hell of Vargem,” with unforgiving climbs testing the mettle of all 68 participants.

Eventful night and early arrivals at checkpoint 1

The night at checkpoint 1 in Saltoópolis was intense. Out of the 68 starters, 66 managed to reach this first checkpoint, marking the end of the race’s first third despite the crushing heat of the previous day. Checkpoint 1, located at kilometer 268, provides a welcome break after hours of battling the elements.

Nighttime arrivals often come with high emotions. For some, the fatigue is overwhelming; for others, emotions take over:

“It’s tough, really tough. I haven’t stopped crying for the last 60 kilometers,” shares one participant, eyes filled with tears.

Yet for Juliano and Sandro, there’s no room for rest. At 2:20 am, they set off in pursuit of the provisional leader Andre Froes, determined to make up ground and stay in contention.

Julian Manrique in ambush

Behind the top three, Julian Manrique lurks close. Despite his fatigue, he opts to keep going instead of stopping for sleep:

“I got to Ubatuba at 1:30 am, but I couldn’t find any inns or hotels. So, I’ll keep moving. I’m not too tired yet—I had a hot dog, and I’ll be fine.”

With 370 km already under his belt, most participants are now heading toward Vargem, a village nestled in the heart of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. This segment is notorious for its difficulty and highly technical terrain.

The “Hell of Vargem”: A dreaded section

The stretch between Saltoópolis and Ubatuba is known to participants as the “Hell of Vargem.” This part of the course is infamous for its challenging terrain, forested dirt tracks, and unpredictable weather conditions. Axel Carion, the founder of BikingMan, recalls it vividly:

“I remember it very well—I can still feel it in my bones. In 2021 and 2022, this stretch was particularly grueling with rain and mud. This year, the weather is more forgiving, with a slightly damp track but not slippery at all.”

Thanks to better conditions this year, participants progress under a bright sun and cooler temperatures. What was once a nightmare for many has become a smoother, albeit still demanding, experience. About thirty participants are navigating this stretch, making their way toward the Atlantic coast and the city of Ubatuba.

Paraty: A crucial resupply stop

Located at kilometer 475, the town of Paraty is an essential stop for supplies. Cyclists find a much-needed pause here before taking on one of the course’s toughest sections: the climb to Cunha, a formidable challenge for everyone.

Julian Manrique, one of the contenders for the podium, stops for a hearty breakfast, preparing himself for the intense climb ahead.

The climb from Paraty to Cunha: A feared challenge

This 17 km climb, with an average gradient of 9%, is one of the most difficult on the course. Riders pass through Paraty, a historic town on the Costa Verde, known for its cobbled streets and colonial buildings. Paraty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is part of the Serra da Bocaina National Park, a vast area of 106,000 hectares covered mostly by Atlantic Forest.

Cyclists find themselves in a lush, tropical setting, surrounded by monkeys, exotic birds, and even sloths for the lucky ones. While the scenery is stunning, the effort is intense. Participants face not only the steep slope but also encounters with snakes and other local creatures that cross their path. For many, this climb is a moment of true self-overcoming.

Juliano chasing behind Andre Froes

At kilometer 500, Juliano is in second place behind Andre Froes, stopping briefly for resupply. Tired but determined, he reveals his goal of pushing forward without sleep until checkpoint 2 at kilometer 620:

“I’ll keep going to CP2 without stopping, no sleep. I want to try to complete this race without resting.”

The battle for victory is shaping up between Andre Froes and Juliano. The two leaders have created a significant gap from the rest of the field. Juliano pushes hard, resolved to close the distance to Andre.

Andre Froes leads at checkpoint 2

After nearly 31 hours of racing, Andre Froes reaches checkpoint 2 in Arias, at kilometer 614. Despite his impressive performance, the fatigue is catching up:

“I can’t eat solid food anymore; I’m only taking liquids. But I’m confident—winning this race has been my dream, and I’m going to make it happen.”

Andre decides to take a short break before moving on, mindful of his strategic lead over Juliano. He knows the final battle will take place in the race’s closing hours, particularly during the climb toward Itatiaia National Park.

Itatiaia National Park: The course’s high point

Itatiaia National Park, located at 2,450 meters altitude, marks the highest point of this race. Andre Froes continues to widen his lead, passing the 700 km mark as the sun sets. He is now well-positioned for victory, with several dozen kilometers separating him from Juliano.

Behind, Julian Manrique in third position chooses to sleep for about two hours at checkpoint 2 before setting off again. The provisional leaderboard remains led by Andre Froes, with Juliano and Julian chasing. Although the gaps between them are considerable, the race remains unpredictable.

Conclusion of Day 2: A race filled with twists

Day 2 of BikingMan Brazil 2023 was marked by strategic advances, mental and physical breakthroughs, and breathtaking landscapes. Participants faced the “Hell of Vargem,” passed through Ubatuba, and are now tackling the challenging climb to Cunha.

Andre Froes retains his lead with several hours of advantage, yet Juliano remains committed to closing the gap. Behind them, Julian Manrique holds his third-place spot, determined to fight until the end. The coming hours will be decisive, particularly in the ascent to Itatiaia National Park, a daunting trial for all the cyclists.

The weather conditions are milder than in previous years, yet the technical route and climbs continue to test the physical and mental strength of the competitors. With the race for victory heating up, BikingMan Brazil 2023 promises more surprises in the days ahead.

Stay tuned to follow the rest of this epic adventure as participants approach the final stage of this grueling race.

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