BikingMan Origine Alpes Maritimes 2024: the epic conclusion on day 5

Welcome, everyone! The sun shines over Valberg on our final day with BikingMan Origine Alpes Maritimes. The race has officially ended: the 120-hour limit to complete this challenging 1,000-km course has now passed. Of the 128 registered participants, 80 crossed the finish line, a testament to their incredible endurance and determination. Let’s look back on the highlights of this last day of ultra-cycling adventure.

An emotional morning arrival

From the early hours of this last day, the finish line was alive with the arrival of brave cyclists who had faced the rigors of ultra-cycling. Starting at 5 a.m., cheers rang out as each rider crossed the finish line, celebrating the incredible feat they had accomplished.

“How are you?” someone asked an exhausted but happy cyclist.
“Great, just in time for croissants!” he joked, despite his fatigue.

Another described his arrival:

“The final stretch was tough, long, and really felt in the muscles. We had to dig deep into our reserves. But we kept going; it was important to hold onto this top spot together—we’re competitors, after all.”

A demanding course and breathtaking scenery

BikingMan Origine Alpes Maritimes was no easy journey.

“It was really hard, both physically and mentally. The downpours on the Lombarde, today’s heat—all combined with the fatigue made it really tough,” shared one participant.

For many, this BikingMan was the hardest race they had ever done, making the victory all the sweeter.

“This was the toughest event I’ve ever done, but it gives it a unique flavor,” said one, smiling.

Checkpoint 3 in Levens: racing against time and fatigue

Meanwhile, 150 km back at checkpoint 3 in Levens, dozens of participants were still on the course, focused on reaching the finish line before the time limit. At dawn, these ultra-cyclists were gearing up to hit the road again.

“You’re taking on Col de Turini—it’ll probably rain, you’ll be soaked, but it’ll be a real experience,” encouraged a supporter.

Another rider recounted his nighttime journey:

“I arrived at 1 a.m., managed to sleep a bit, which was crucial for setting off strong again. I hope this will be my last day. Fortunately, the good weather is back.”

The atmosphere was both tense and hopeful, with the final kilometers promising to be the toughest yet most rewarding.

The climb up Col de Turini: a formidable challenge

We then caught up with participants on the final leg of the course, mid-ascent on the iconic Col de Turini, a favorite among Tour de France fans. By midday, a small group tackled this climb, one of the most feared on the course.

“We took a beating,” laughed one of them. “The rain, the climb… impressive! But it’s all part of the adventure.”

Despite the difficulty, spirits were high:

“After the rain comes sunshine, with a smile! That’s the magic of BikingMan.”

Others acknowledged the race’s nearing end:

“It’s almost over; it’s really a treat to savor these last moments.” The riders knew they were close to achieving something significant.

The summit of Col de la Colmiane: nearing the end of the adventure

At the summit of Col de la Colmiane, at 1,503 meters, another legendary Tour de France stage, participants realized they were finally close to the finish.

“It’s finally ending—about time! We’ve gone from 10 to 25 degrees in 24 hours; it’s intense,” shared a rider.

Others used humor to stay motivated:

“I’m proud of myself, even if it’s not easy to put up with myself every day. But today, I’m happy—I’ve found a reason to be proud.”

The final kilometers: perseverance rewarded

The last kilometers of BikingMan Origine Alpes Maritimes are often the most grueling.

“Every pedal stroke is a victory,” explained one cyclist.

For many, the effort was as much mental as physical.

“The lesson is to take each stage one at a time. When there are 200 km left and 7,000 meters of elevation, don’t think about the finish line; just focus on reaching the next checkpoint.”

Others expressed their satisfaction in completing this epic race:

“I’m rewarded for a year and a half of training with intense sessions that required sacrifices in both family and professional life. Finishing in four days is immensely satisfying.”

The final finishers: a triumphant welcome for the “lanternes rouges”

With great emotion, the finish line welcomed the “lanternes rouges” (last finishers) of this edition, arriving with less than two hours to spare before the cutoff.

“We made it!” they declared proudly, met with applause from their fellow adventurers.

“It’s a huge sense of accomplishment,” shared one finisher. “I’m proud to have completed this feat and persevered.”

Another, visibly moved, added:

“It’s like being in a battle. We saw some fellow riders drop out along the way, but those who finish are the survivors. And carrying this ‘lanterne rouge’ is a true badge of pride.”

The end of BikingMan Origine Alpes Maritimes: a legendary race

BikingMan Origine Alpes Maritimes has finally come to a close, marking the third stop of the Ultra Cycling World Championship season. But the adventure doesn’t stop here: the “555” race has already begun, a 500-km journey to be completed in 55 hours in the Alpes Maritimes.

Before concluding, let’s take one last look at the final standings: Jean-Michel Maurin wins this edition, followed by Hervé Bird and Laurianne Plaçais. Eighty participants crossed the finish line, highlighting the difficulty and grandeur of this challenge.

Next stop: BikingMan Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

The next BikingMan, the fourth of the season, will be held in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, starting on July 21 in Villard-de-Lans. Until then, thank you for following along on this incredible adventure through the Alpes Maritimes. Take care, and get ready to experience new emotions with BikingMan!

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