BikingMan Origine Corsica 2024: an second day through the Corsican mountains

The second day of BikingMan Corsica 2024 took participants through the breathtaking landscapes of the island, challenging them with the rugged climbs of Corsica’s passes. With 1,000 km to cover and 19,000 meters of elevation gain in complete self-sufficiency in under 120 hours, the event continued to test cyclists’ endurance and determination.

Col de Bavella at 1,218 meters and checkpoint 2 in Vero

At Col de Bavella, 1,218 meters above sea level, a majestic site where the GR20 trail passes, participants were treated to spectacular views of the red granite needles. But before reaching this point, the race leaders had arrived at checkpoint 2 in Vero, at kilometer 469. Rémy Borrion was the first to arrive, recounting the difficulties of the night:

“The climbs between CP1 and CP2 were brutal. My legs were hurting,” he shared, showing that even the best riders were feeling the strain.

Thomas Vérin also shared some anecdotes, including a surprising encounter with “a bunch of pigs” on the road, adding a bit of humor to the intense race.

Col de Vergio and the cyclists’ pursuit

Meanwhile, mid-pack riders prepared to tackle Col de Vergio at kilometer 310. Early on the second day, some participants recounted their night:

“We slept 5-6 hours, relaxed, and even planned our wake-up around the bakery opening,” one cyclist joked, reminding us that this adventure is also about adapting and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

Others shared their fatigue management strategies, opting for short naps to conserve energy.

The climb to the summit of Col de Vergio and the challenge of the Calanques de Piana

At the summit of Col de Vergio, at 1,470 meters, ultracyclists enjoyed breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains before descending toward Porto and facing the famous Calanques de Piana. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed calanques are a must-see, offering an exceptional landscape where the Mediterranean Sea meets red ochre granite rocks.

“It’s my first time in Corsica, and it’s magnificent! Every climb is a feast for the eyes,” said Rancho Proteau, captivated by the beauty of the scenery despite the challenging climb.

Checkpoint 2 in Vero: a well-deserved rest

In the early afternoon, several participants reached checkpoint 2 in Vero (km 469), some exhausted, others ready to continue after a short nap. Mattresses were provided to help them recharge.

“That last hill was phenomenal—my legs are really hurting,” Manuel Gonçalves told us, happy to have made it this far and able to recharge his batteries.

The climb to Col de Scalella and a new nighttime battle toward Col de Bavella

After checkpoint 2, cyclists faced the demanding climb to Col de Scalella, peaking at 1,200 meters. Known for its steep slopes and rough road, this pass tested the participants’ strength.

“Nice, 18% on a bumpy road—not exactly a gift,” joked Aurélien Rivard, trying to keep his humor in the face of the challenge.

By nightfall, the leaders embarked on another nighttime push toward Col de Bavella, a crucial stage before reaching checkpoint 3 in Zicavo.

Here’s the provisional ranking:

1. Rémi Borrion: 744 km
2. Jonathan Chassain: +24 km
3. Grégory Cassini: +31 km
4. Alexandre Meurillon: +35 km
5. Thomas Dupin: +53 km

At the end of this second day, Rémy Borrion solidified his lead, heading toward a potential victory in BikingMan Origine Corsica 2024. However, the race remains uncertain, and the challenge is far from over for the remaining 190 participants.

Join us tomorrow as this intense adventure through Corsica’s mountains continues. Don’t forget to follow the race in real-time on the live tracking platform and social media to stay connected to the action.

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