BikingMan Portugal 2023, Day 1: Intense heat and high-speed action in the Algarve

The BikingMan Portugal 2023 kicked off in the vibrant Algarve region in southern Portugal. Under a starry dawn sky, 84 ultra-cyclists prepared to tackle 1,000 km of self-supported racing, with 12,000 meters of elevation gain. Between intense heat and challenging roads, this first day was filled with obstacles, impressive performances, and surprises.

Pre-race preparation: anticipation builds

The race began in the heart of Faro, where cyclists gathered for equipment checks, GPS tracker installations, and final adjustments. The route, marked by two checkpoints in Sagres—the southwesternmost point of Europe—and Vila Viçosa, promised a grueling challenge under the Algarve sun. For many participants, this opening event of the season was a blend of excitement and mild apprehension:
“I’ve been here for three days. I can’t wait to start,” shared Christophe Girard, eager to begin.
For others, preparation had instilled confidence and calm. One participant candidly admitted:
“No stress. I don’t know if it’s naïveté or something else, but I’m ready.”
At 5 a.m., the cyclists finally set off, filled with goals and anticipation.

The opening kilometers: a blazing pace

From the start, several participants pushed ahead, setting a blistering pace. Jean Guérin, among the leaders, sped off at over 28 km/h. Closely followed by Maxime Prieur, he shared his thoughts:
“The pace is already tough, with plenty of heat and rough roads, but we’ll stick to it for now.”
Maxime added:
“He tried to break away, but I’m a finisher. I’ll catch him in the last 300 kilometers.”
Behind them, a group of favorites, including Laurianne Plaçais, Rémi Borrion, and Benoît Merchais, adopted a more strategic approach, conserving energy for later stages. As the morning progressed, temperatures soared past 30°C, putting added strain on the athletes.

Sébastien Bouchet takes the lead

Around kilometer 176, Sébastien Bouchet surged to the front, gradually distancing his competitors. By late afternoon, he reached the first checkpoint in Sagres, completing the initial 279 kilometers in 9 hours and 45 minutes.
“I thought someone was still ahead of me, but then I realized I was leading—it was a surprise!”
Shortly after, Maxime Prieur arrived, followed by the rest of the top 10. Cyclists took advantage of the checkpoint to cool off and prepare for the next leg of the race.

Individual strategies and challenges

While the frontrunners pressed on, others adopted a more cautious approach. Several riders slowed down, managing their efforts to avoid burning out in the heat. Cédric explained his pragmatic strategy:
“Everyone started super fast. I decided not to follow that frantic pace because I think it’ll come back to haunt them.”
This first day underscored the difficulty of maintaining a relentless pace while managing the sun’s impact and mounting fatigue.

Early setbacks: mechanical issues and withdrawals
As some found their rhythm, others faced setbacks. Joshua Bussy, wearing bib number 10, encountered mechanical issues early on. A malfunctioning front derailleur forced him to consider alternative plans. He rented a bike, only for the replacement derailleur to break, ultimately forcing his withdrawal.
Meanwhile, American rider Dario Serra suffered a heavy crash in a corner but managed to continue with minor scrapes. Bruno Pallierne, on the other hand, made frequent stops to cool down and stave off dehydration.

Nightfall: the strategic nocturnal battle begins

As the day gave way to night, cooler temperatures set the stage for a nocturnal showdown among the boldest competitors. Sébastien Bouchet maintained his lead, closely followed by Maxime Prieur. Both riders knew that every stop could prove decisive in the final standings.

Day 1 conclusion: endurance and resilience

The first day of the BikingMan Portugal 2023 tested the cyclists’ endurance management, resilience, and adaptability. Between mechanical issues, oppressive heat, and fatigue, this opening stage already highlighted the most robust competitors of the edition.

The upcoming stages promise further twists and turns, where the ability to manage fatigue and overcome obstacles will be crucial for reaching the finish line on time.

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