BikingMan Corsica 2023 Day 5: Last arrivals and emotions at the finish line

This fifth day of the BikingMan Corsica 2023 concludes an unforgettable endurance adventure where emotions run as high as the kilometers covered. The last cyclists reach Biguglia, exhausted yet fulfilled by their achievement. Solidarity, courage, and camaraderie define this final stretch of the 1,000 km journey around the Isle of Beauty, where each rider finds their unique path to the finish line.

Thursday to Friday night: a starlit finish

During the night from Thursday to Friday, new finishers cross the line at Biguglia. For them, the race is finally over, and the intensity of emotions is tangible. Relief at the end is paired with the satisfaction of having completed this challenge alongside companions and unforgettable landscapes. Marceau Roustang sums up this sentiment perfectly:
“There’s pleasure in the suffering, but also moments you wish to erase, like the intense heat, the flat tires, or the endless climbs.”

Serge Vidali and Lili Suhendar: last participants, same fight

As the sun rises, two participants remain on course in the Novella region, at kilometer 800. Lili Suhendar, from Indonesia, and Serge Vidali, the last rider, face the ultimate challenges of the race. At 6:30 a.m., Lili struggles after an exhausting night. His condition worsens an hour later when he crashes, damaging his bike. Serge catches up with him using his GPS, provides support, and offers a spare inner tube to fix the puncture.
“We’re doing it the right way,” says Serge, turning competition into mutual assistance.

Finish line emotions: Étienne Chignard and Loïc Lastenet reunite

At 10:40 a.m., 54-year-old ultra-cyclist Étienne Chignard completes his fifth BikingMan amid applause from his family. His experience doesn’t make the finish line any less emotional:
“It’s magical, and that’s what BikingMan is about: the emotions, the people, and this unique moment you seek after 1,000 km of challenges.”
Even after several editions, each adventure is unique and filled with unforgettable memories.

Shortly after, 30-year-old Loïc Lastenet also arrives in Biguglia, setting a record: he is the only participant to have finished all six editions of BikingMan Corsica. Finishers steadily cross the line, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Tony Boisblet and Philippe Rocher, who tackled the race on a tandem.

Tony Boisblet and Philippe Rocher: an inspiring tandem

By late morning, Tony Boisblet and Philippe Rocher reach Biguglia, greeted as heroes. This duo, comprising a visually impaired athlete and his guide, is the first tandem to complete the 1,000 km Corsican challenge. Tony, whose family had come to support him at checkpoint 2, is overwhelmed with emotion. His mother expresses her pride:
“Tony is everything to me. He’s an example of courage and resilience.”
For Philippe, this challenge embodies the essence of BikingMan:
“It’s this emotion and authenticity we came for. Tony is a source of inspiration through his courage and attitude toward his disability.”
Their tandem finish symbolizes self-overcoming and solidarity.

Véronique and Bruno: the epic journey of the Caledonians

Among the last arrivals, Véronique and Bruno from New Caledonia also cross the line. For them, BikingMan is a family adventure:
“I thought of my grandchildren and children throughout the course. I want to show them the importance of moving forward and looking up, especially in a place as beautiful as Corsica.”
Bruno compares the mountains of New Caledonia to those of the island:
“I never thought I’d do 18,000 meters of elevation gain, but here, anything is possible!”
Their journey through Corsica’s landscapes will remain etched in their memories, even during the most challenging moments.

Serge Vidali, the last to cross the line: solidarity at the heart of the race

The day concludes with the award ceremony and a festive atmosphere. Serge Vidali, whom we followed throughout this final day, crosses the line in the evening to the cheers of gathered participants. He humbly shares:
“You move forward and build solidarity even with strangers. It’s incredible to be welcomed by 200 people, even though we didn’t save lives.”
For Serge, the bonds formed during the race provide a sense of accomplishment.

Lili Suhendar: last finisher of the 2023 edition

At 2 a.m., Lili Suhendar, who came from Indonesia specifically for this challenge, crosses the line in 149th and last place. Despite the obstacles, he wears a radiant smile, symbolizing his tenacity and passion for ultra-cycling. His experience demonstrates that BikingMan is more than a competition: it’s a personal adventure where every finisher surpasses their limits.

Looking back on the 2023 edition: success and rankings

This edition of BikingMan Corsica brought together 171 participants, with 149 successfully completing the course and 22 forced to abandon. The final standings crown Yoan Dercourt as the solo winner, Anouck Ulrich as the first female finisher, and the pair of Mathieu Lalague and Jérôme Lesgourgues. The three categories highlight the diversity and commitment of participants in this unique event.

On to the next stage

The BikingMan Corsica 2023 comes to an end, but the adventure continues. The next stage of the season will take place in June at BikingMan France, with a demanding course including iconic climbs such as Mont Ventoux and the Col de la Bonette. Meanwhile, BikingMan’s social media platforms continue to share the stories and memories from this Corsican edition rich in emotions.

In conclusion, this final day of BikingMan Corsica embodies the spirit of solidarity, self-overcoming, and personal fulfillment inherent in this event. Each participant leaves with memories, indelible images, and the assurance of having lived through an extraordinary challenge.

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