BikingMan Corsica 2024 kicked off on the rugged roads of the “Île de Beauté,” challenging nearly 200 participants to tackle 1,000 km and 20,000 meters of elevation gain. Under the Corsican sun, these cyclists embarked on an exceptional course, beginning with the iconic Col de Battaglia at 1,103 meters.
The start and final preparations
The start was given early in the day after final safety checks by organizer Axel Carion. Participants, like Olivier Ollagnier, eager and excited, shared their thoughts:
“I’m super excited; I’ve been thinking about this for months,” he said, while another participant added, “It’s my first BikingMan, and I’m both nervous and excited. I can’t wait for the stress to subside because I’m so happy to be here.”
Some had set ambitious goals, like aiming for a top-three finish, while others simply hoped to complete this unforgettable journey.
The ascent toward Cap Corse and the race’s early hours
The start was organized in waves of 10 cyclists to avoid a massive pack of 200 participants. They headed north toward Cap Corse along roads bordered by turquoise beaches. The course offered stunning scenery, constantly reminding the cyclists of the rugged Corsican terrain. Valentin Lançon commented:
“You get used to the narrow descents; it’s not like the Pyrenees. The roads are completely different.”
Some chose a steady pace, gradually adjusting to the race, while others pushed the tempo, quickly forming groups based on skill levels.
Refueling and recharging (mid-afternoon)
After about 100 kilometers, the main group paused near a fountain to refuel, taking the chance to recover and share impressions:
“There are still 900 km left; we see others and want to follow, to keep up… but you have to stay calm,” noted an experienced Victor Moraine, aware of the importance of conserving energy early on.
This refueling stop in Pino allowed everyone to recharge before tackling the next challenges of the course.
Formation of the lead group and arrival at Col de Battaglia (late afternoon)
At kilometer 150, after passing through Saint-Florent and the Agriates desert, a lead group formed en route to the first checkpoint, located atop Col de Battaglia. Known as one of the toughest climbs in Corsica, this ascent tested the cyclists’ endurance.
Grégory Cassini, the leader of day one, was the first to reach the summit, greeted by a sea of clouds. He shared:
“It was a fast start, which I enjoyed, but this part is a bit out of my comfort zone.”
Behind him, other participants arrived, thrilled by the clear views over the Balagne region and Île-Rousse but visibly exhausted from the climb.
“I’m okay… though I forgot how tough this climb is; it really hurts,” admitted Romain de Castro Vieira.
Night falls, and the challenge continues toward checkpoint 2
As night fell, the leaders embarked on the first nighttime push toward checkpoint 2 in Vero. Most participants opted to rest before beginning this difficult stage, while the back of the pack was already well behind, resting near Saint-Florent at kilometer 138.
Meanwhile, here’s the provisional ranking:
- Gregory Cassini: 290 km
- R. de Castro Vieira: +13 km
- Adrien Foix: +13 km
- Thomas Verin: +15 km
- Thomas Dupin: +15 km
This first day of BikingMan Origine Corsica 2024 lived up to expectations, blending stunning landscapes with formidable challenges. The Corsican heat and steep climbs tested participants, but the beauty of the course rewarded them with every pedal stroke.
Join us tomorrow to follow the adventure’s next stage and the upcoming twists in this exceptional challenge. Follow the provisional rankings on social media and live tracking to stay close to the action.
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