BikingMan Origine Aura 2024: Day 4 – The tenacity of participants facing the final stretch

A Day Full of Challenges and Accomplishments

The 4th day of the BikingMan Origine Aura 2024 concluded in Villard-de-Lans. After 1,000 km across the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this self-supported adventure continued to test the ultracyclists, revealing their tenacity and their ability to overcome the most extreme challenges. Between the satisfaction of the early finishers and the fierce struggle of the remaining competitors, this 4th day was rich in emotions.

 

 

Estelle Gerbier: The First Woman to Cross the Finish Line

One of the most memorable moments of the day was the arrival of Estelle Gerbier, the first woman to cross the finish line in this edition of the BikingMan Origine Aura. She ranked 11th overall, a remarkable achievement completed in less than 57 hours. Estelle’s arrival on the red carpet in Villard-de-Lans was greeted with applause, celebrating her victory in the women’s category.

Estelle shared her impressions after finishing the race:

“I chose this race to ride in this beautiful region, but unfortunately, we didn’t have much luck with the weather. Despite that, it remains an incredible adventure.”

Her achievement highlights the strength and perseverance of female participants in this type of competition, proving that ultracycling is not just a male challenge.

Checkpoint 3 in Saint-Agrève: The Last Hurdle Before the Finish

While Estelle was savoring her victory, the atmosphere was quite different at checkpoint 3 in Saint-Agrève, located at kilometer 810 of the route. Here, the ultracyclists still in the race were facing a true mental and physical challenge. Despite exhaustion, they continued to push forward toward the finish line.

One of them, searching for motivation, expressed his mindset:

“Coffee is what keeps me standing. Every 90 km, I tell myself I just need to get through the next segment… just 180 km more to go.”

This checkpoint marked the last stop before the final push toward Villard-de-Lans. For many, this moment was crucial, symbolizing the approach of the finish line after hundreds of kilometers battling fatigue, the weather, and the course’s obstacles.

The Finishers’ Waltz: Many Cyclists Cross the Finish Line

In the early morning, a series of finishers arrived in Villard-de-Lans, sharing testimonies filled with emotion and satisfaction. Several of them expressed pride in having taken on this titanic challenge, emphasizing the importance of support and solidarity that accompanied them throughout the race.

One of them, Dimitri Martin, confided:

“I set myself a goal of 4 days, and in the end, I managed to finish in 3. But I know I couldn’t have done it alone. It’s the energy of other participants, the kindness, and constant support that helped me make it to the end.”

An 18-year-old finisher, participating in a BikingMan for the first time, shared his enthusiasm for the future and the beauty of the experience:

“It was long, it was hard, I’m sore all over, but the landscapes were breathtaking. It made me forget all the pain. It was an incredible experience. This is my first BikingMan, but I hope it won’t be the last. I’m really looking forward to participating in other races.”

Philippe: An Example of Resilience at 70 Years Old

Among the finishers, Philippe Geffroy, a 70-year-old cyclist, gave an especially inspiring account. Having already completed several BikingMan races, he finished this edition in under 70 hours, far surpassing his expectations:

“I told myself that at 70, finishing a BikingMan in under 70 hours would be amazing. I had set a goal of 85 to 90 hours. I went through painful moments, but the landscapes, the wild beauty of the region gave me the strength to keep going.”

Philippe also emphasized the importance of turning pain into positive energy, a motivational message for all participants:

“It’s progress through pain, but once you manage to turn it into happiness, you discover something greater within yourself!”

The Battle of the Lanternes Rouges: A Seemingly Endless Challenge

While the first finishers arrived in Villard-de-Lans, the lanternes rouges—the nickname for the last competitors—continued to struggle on the roads. At kilometer 640, these ultracyclists were battling exhaustion, steep climbs, and the cold of the night. Their goal? To reach checkpoint 3 before setting off on the final stage.

One of them expressed a feeling of extreme fatigue:

“The fatigue is really starting to weigh on me. I tried taking a few one-hour naps, but I’ll probably have to stop earlier tonight.”

Another, visibly exhausted, shared his experience:

“I’ve been pushing through for 600 km. I stopped on a bench like a hobo to sleep, and now I’m back at it. Just gotta keep going a little longer.”

The Last Major Challenge: The Cirque de Combe Laval and the Col de la Machine

The Cirque de Combe Laval and the Col de la Machine represented the ultimate challenge for the ultracyclists still in the race. After 950 km, climbing this 12-km pass with an elevation gain of 775 meters and an average grade of 6.3% proved to be an ordeal for their tired legs.

One participant described this final challenge:

“It’s beautiful, but it hurts. I can’t wait to get to the top, just for the view.”

The Final Stretch and the Approach to the End of the Race

By the end of this 4th day, 78 participants had crossed the finish line, savoring the relief and joy of overcoming one of the most demanding challenges of their lives. There were still 92 ultracyclists on the course, racing against time to finish the event before the deadline set for Friday, July 26, at 12 PM.

Tomorrow will mark the end of this extraordinary adventure. Thank you for following this 4th summary of the race. Stay tuned for the final episode of this epic BikingMan Origine Aura 2024, where we’ll recount the last moments of this exceptional race.

 

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