BikingMan France 2023 – day 1: Start under the Côte d’Azur heat and first challenges

The third stage of the BikingMan Origine 2023 begins on the Côte d’Azur, in the city of Le Cannet, where 128 ultra-cyclists prepare for a 1000 km course. With a total positive elevation gain of 20,000 meters and strict self-sufficiency rules, this challenging loop requires flawless physical and mental preparation. Participants will tackle two major checkpoints, the first at the foot of the famous Mont Ventoux in Venasque, and the second at the Col de la Bonette, reaching a peak of 2715 meters.

The start: a mix of nervousness and excitement

In the early hours of the morning, the cyclists are buzzing with a mix of excitement and apprehension for this intense race. For some, it’s the beginning of an adventure they’ve been preparing for months.

“Today’s the day we put everything into practice. I’m a bit nervous, but we’ll go easy,” shares one participant, visibly focused and ready to give his best.

“It gives you chills, wondering if we’ll make it… or not… the different cols, and then there’s the heat,” Bastien Devos reflects with a tense smile.

Others express concern about the weather, particularly the heat, which promises to add to the challenge.

5 a.m.: an intense start

At dawn, the 128 ultra-cyclists finally set off on the region’s roads. Their first goal is to reach checkpoint 1, located in Venasque at the 438th km. The sunrise reveals the stunning Côte d’Azur landscape, but it’s the early climbs, such as the Col de l’Être, that mark the beginning of this endurance race.

Breakaways and the leaders’ strategies

Quickly, the ultra-distance regulars break away from the pack to gain an early lead. Pieter Aarnoutse leads the group, taking an aggressive approach.

“It’s fine for now, but the heat will probably slow us all down,” he shares from the front.

A few kilometers behind him, Maximilien Couvreur, Laurianne Plaçais, and Noel Barreca coordinate to keep a steady but cautious pace. Laurianne explains her strategy:

“I’m pacing myself, trying to stay focused on my race and manage my effort. With this heat, you have to be careful not to burn out on day one.”

First difficulties: intense heat and managing effort

By early afternoon, temperatures rise sharply, reaching over 32°C, testing the participants. The heat becomes a formidable adversary, and even the most experienced cyclists stop to cool down.

“It’s so hot. Just a break for ice water is a dream,” says one cyclist, taking a moment to recharge in a village along the route.

These refreshing breaks, both physical and mental, become essential to maintain a good pace and avoid burnout.

Strategic stops in response to the climate challenge

With the first 200 km behind them, many cyclists are struggling with the heat. Further back in the top 20, regular cooling breaks become a crucial ritual.

“Mentally, it’s a blessing. I’ve been looking forward to this for 10 km. It’s these little victories throughout the day,” shares one participant, resting in a café with a cold drink.

These stops allow ultra-cyclists to replenish their energy and recover mentally for the kilometers ahead.

Late afternoon: gaps begin to widen

As the day draws to a close, gaps between cyclists start to widen significantly. Pieter Aarnoutse, long in the lead, is forced to stop after being hit hard by the intense heat. This allows Laurianne Plaçais and her race companions, Maximilien Couvreur and Noel Barreca, to take the lead. Now, this group of four has several dozen kilometers ahead of the main pack.

Checkpoint 1: a nighttime goal for the leaders

After 350 km, the frontrunners head toward checkpoint 1 in Venasque, at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Darkness has fallen, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the challenge. Reaching this checkpoint is crucial to maintain a strong position, but doing so requires precise resource management.

Most participants still in Sainte-Baume Regional Park

While the leaders press on toward the checkpoint, most riders are still in the Sainte-Baume Regional Natural Park. Here, managing heat and fatigue becomes critical, as cyclists know they’ll need to conserve energy for the challenges still ahead. With temperatures staying high even in the evening, cyclists set a pace that allows them to preserve their energy for the days to come.

Day one conclusion: a significant challenge for the ultra-cyclists

The first day of BikingMan France 2023 has been marked by the oppressive Côte d’Azur heat and the initial tough climbs. Cyclists quickly adapted to demanding conditions to avoid early burnout. For some, breaks in village cafes were essential to handle the heat, while others took a cautious approach from the start.

This opening stage showcased the leaders’ skills in managing effort, with Laurianne Plaçais leading, followed closely by Maximilien Couvreur and Noel Barreca, all of whom made the most of the situation. As the lead cyclists approach Mont Ventoux, the majority of participants continue advancing through the Sainte-Baume Natural Park, hoping to reach the checkpoint in the coming hours.

The coming days promise even greater challenges, with new peaks to climb and accumulated fatigue setting in. BikingMan France 2023 is shaping up to be a test of resilience and determination, where each cyclist will need to draw deeply on their reserves to complete this extraordinary journey.

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