The second day of BikingMan Origine Alpes Maritimes 2024 was marked by unpredictable weather, with rain and cold complicating the participants’ progress. This stage put cyclists to the test, especially during the grueling climbs through the Alps, turning the course into a true endurance challenge.
Nighttime ascent of Col du Finestre (early night)
After checkpoint 1, participants launched into a nighttime battle toward Italy, facing the Col du Finestre at 2,178 meters. This 20-km climb, in freezing temperatures, proved extremely tough for the cyclists.
Several shared their thoughts, including one exhausted participant who humorously stated:
“We’re really savoring this climb. It was brutal. I can’t describe it any other way. It was practically attempted homicide.”
Sylvain Uhrweille added:
“You’ve got to be a bit off your rocker to do this, anyway.”
Guillaume de Spoelberch, sitting outside a bank doorway, shared with his usual humor:
“I found a beautiful spot after knocking on every hotel door and getting yelled at by the guys!”
The climb felt endless for many, but sunrise brought a spectacular view, rewarding their superhuman efforts.
Col de Vachera under the rain (morning)
The day’s second challenge was Col de Vachera, located at kilometer 320. Unfortunately, the sun didn’t show up, and cool, rainy weather accompanied the ultracyclists throughout the climb. One participant described the challenges encountered:
“My cleats are completely worn down, I can’t stand properly on the bike anymore. I’ll have to find a bike shop in Valberg if I want to keep going.”
The steep slopes of the pass, exceeding 10%, combined with the relentless rain, made this climb even more punishing. Despite the difficulties, cyclists were able to admire historical World War II remnants along the route.
The ascent to the chapel of Madonna del Coletto (afternoon)
In the afternoon, cyclists continued through the Piedmont region of Italy, heading toward the chapel of Madonna del Coletto at kilometer 430. This 6-km climb, with an average gradient of 9%, was a true challenge, made worse by increasingly heavy rain and thickening fog.
One participant shared his relief:
“It’s good that the rain has stopped a bit. It was really tough, and it stings a little, but it’s nice to be back on narrow forest roads.”
The chapel, a pilgrimage site, offered a temporary shelter for cyclists, allowing them to catch their breath before pressing on.
The icy challenges of Col de la Lombarde (late afternoon)
Col de la Lombarde, peaking at 2,850 meters, was one of the major trials of the day. The weather was especially harsh, with rain, cold, and fog accompanying participants throughout this 20-km ascent. One cyclist remarked:
“This climb in the rain and cold—it’s a real test. You can’t see a thing; it’s really hard to stay motivated.”
Crossing the pass, cyclists moved from Italy back into France, ready to tackle the descent toward Isola 2000.
Col de la Couillole and the race to checkpoint 2 (end of day)
The last major challenge of the day was the ascent of Col de la Couillole before reaching checkpoint 2 in Valberg, located at kilometer 539. Jean-Michel Maurin took the lead, ahead of Laurianne Plaçais. Despite the difficult weather, he managed to keep an impressive pace.
Participants’ feelings at this point were mixed. Laurianne Plaçais confided:
“This isn’t the best race experience I’ve had. More than once, I asked myself where the fun was in this, especially since riding in the rain isn’t my thing, so I wondered why I was even doing this in these conditions.”
“And did you find the answer?”
“No, it’s just that I’m a little crazy, and I won’t quit. But if I didn’t have any pride, I would have given up.”
The second day of BikingMan Origine Alpes Maritimes 2024 reshuffled the provisional standings, with Jean-Michel Maurin in the lead, followed by Laurianne Plaçais and British rider Harvey Bird. The course, made even more challenging by the weather, tested the resilience and determination of the ultracyclists.
Col de la Lombarde proved to be a pivotal point in the race, and the cyclists are already preparing to face the next challenges. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s recap of day 3 of this ultra-cycling epic across the Alpes Maritimes.
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