The Race Comes to an End
The fifth and final day of BikingMan Origine Corsica marked the end of this 1,000-km adventure. Of the 200 participants who started, 175 crossed the finish line in Biguglia within the 120-hour limit. A true achievement for these cyclists who pushed their limits throughout the race. Let’s revisit the highlights of this closing day, focusing on the participants’ final efforts and the emotions at the finish line.
Final Push on Col de Verde: The Lanternes Rouges’ Struggle
Day 5 began at Col de Verde, where the riders at the back of the pack, dubbed the “lanternes rouges,” continued to push on with courage despite their exhaustion. They still had around 200 km to go before reaching the finish. Sebastien Ralle, one of the last to cross this pass, shared his experience:
“Not too bad, but it could be better. My bike never made it out of Nantes, so I had to rent one here. All my gear was in the bike box: Garmin, shoes, helmet, glasses…”
Despite these setbacks, he managed to press on, showcasing the perseverance that defines these participants. Further along, Joanie Lemire, one of the racers, explained:
“Today’s nothing compared to yesterday in the Bavella needles. It’s easy, but at this point, my legs are so tired it feels like I’m moving on instinct. I don’t want to stop, though. My butt hurts so much I have to lie to myself that it’ll pass! I’m eager to finish physically, but at the same time, I feel so alive!”
The weather conditions on Col de Verde also added to the challenge: from sunny moments to fast-gathering clouds, Corsica continued testing the cyclists’ resolve.
A Final Stop in Ghisoni: Moments of Camaraderie
Descending from Col de Verde, participants reached the village of Ghisoni, a welcome resting spot for many. A cozy inn provided a bit of comfort, where some cyclists took a moment to relax before setting off for the final kilometers. Alexandre Benseval, one of the participants, joked:
“We slept in, woke up at 5 a.m., and now we feel fresh as a daisy. My body’s starting to wonder why I’m sleeping so badly and eating so poorly. But I’m holding on to my pilot fish.”
The atmosphere in Ghisoni was friendly and full of solidarity. The innkeeper, who had become close to the cyclists, said she hoped to see them again outside of BikingMan.
Crossing Castagniccia: Approaching the Finish
After leaving Ghisoni, participants headed toward the Castagniccia region—a challenging but beautiful route. With only 80 km left, many took the time to reflect on their adventure. Sylvain Garcia, riding this part of the route, shared:
“I mostly remember the people I met; it was great. Ultra-distance isn’t just about cycling; it’s about connecting with others.”
But it wasn’t all introspection. The local wildlife provided some surprises, as Franck Wendling recounted:
“There was a herd of goats, and then a Patou (shepherd dog) came up. My friend had quick reflexes and stopped instantly. Luckily, the Patou was friendly—he even gave us a few cuddles.”
The Finish Line in Biguglia: Emotional Moments
Throughout the day, participants trickled across the finish line in Biguglia. The emotions were intense, with laughter, tears, and euphoria mixing together. Aurélie Disdier, one of the first women to complete the race, described the emotional rollercoaster of this adventure:
“It’s incredible; I don’t feel like I did all that. It was hard, but I’m so happy to have finished. There were times when you think this isn’t for you, that you’re crazy to be doing this. And the next day, it’s total euphoria.”
Guillaume Laisné, visibly moved by the experience, expressed his gratitude:
“I thought a lot about my family and everything this journey brought me. It really reconnects you with yourself. You come back to normal life feeling reconfigured, with a stronger sense of self. And it gives you a sense of freedom through the experience.”
The final cyclists to cross the finish line were celebrated as heroes. Caroline Lambert, the “lanterne rouge” of this edition, proudly concluded:
“I’m the last one, but I’m very proud to have finished. This was my race.”
Final Podium and the Winners
At the end of these five days of racing, the final standings confirmed some outstanding performances. Rémi Borrion took first place overall, claiming his third victory in a BikingMan race. He completed the course in under 50 hours—a remarkable feat given the challenges encountered.
In the solo category, Rémi Borrion was followed by Jonathan Chassin (2nd) and Grégory Cassini (3rd), both delivering exceptional performances.
In the pairs category, Anthony Duriani and Nicolas Philippi claimed victory, finishing in 7th and 8th place overall. In the women’s category, Fiona Sharp triumphed, finishing in 51st place overall and becoming the champion of her category.
Conclusion – A Moment of Pride and a New Beginning
As BikingMan Origine Corsica 2024 draws to a close, each participant leaves with unique memories, full of challenges, encounters, and discoveries. The experiences they take with them will remain etched forever. They learned to push their limits, face pain, and find joy in the effort.
The next stage of BikingMan awaits them, with the fourth race of the season in the Alpes Maritimes. The start is set for June 23 in Valberg. Meanwhile, the cyclists can savor their accomplishment, rest, and prepare for new adventures.
Congratulations to all participants of BikingMan Origine Corsica 2024! You pushed your limits and proved that nothing is impossible with the determination and courage to tackle a challenge of this magnitude.
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