BikingMan Portugal 2023, Day 2: intense heat and physical challenges for the leaders

The second day of BikingMan Portugal 2023 pushed cyclists beyond their physical and mental limits, especially the leaders. After a grueling first day under relentless sun, the race intensified with unexpected challenges, withdrawals, and a fierce battle for the top spot. As the peloton advanced into the Alentejo, Portugal’s driest region, managing effort and heat became a top priority.

A race filled with obstacles for some

From the start of the day, incidents disrupted the rhythm for several participants. Denis Moreno’s race came to an abrupt end following a crash on a gravel section just before the first checkpoint. His fall left him with a broken wrist, forcing him and his partner Fabrice Upel to abandon the race.
During the night, as the fastest cyclists continued progressing along the coastline, others faced physical and mental struggles. Frédéric Le Gall, visibly emotional, admitted he had considered quitting:
“I had an emotional start. At one point, I really wanted to go home, but the desire to keep going won out, and I pushed on.”

An exhausting night for the leaders

At the front, Sébastien Bouchet, Laurianne Plaçais, and Maxime Prieur showcased their perseverance. Around 2 a.m., Bouchet, leading since the start, was spotted in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite moments of weakness, he maintained his pace, closely followed by Laurianne and Maxime. However, this lead came at a cost. Bouchet shared:
“I had two or three rough patches, but I’m managing. It’s not easy to find water around here.”
Laurianne highlighted the mental toll of riding in the dark on challenging roads:
“Nighttime is mentally tough. You can’t see much, and progress feels slower.”

Checkpoint 2 at Vila Viçosa: narrowing gaps

After 24 hours and 37 minutes of racing and over 600 km covered, Sébastien Bouchet reached the second checkpoint at Vila Viçosa, a former convent turned tourist hotel. Behind him, Laurianne and Maxime fought to keep up, taking brief rest breaks to recharge. Maxime, for instance, paused in a bus shelter, while Rémi Borrion, one of the favorites, used the opportunity to overtake him.
The leaders described their improvised recovery moments, reflecting the intense physical demands they faced. Maxime quipped:
“I slept sitting on bat droppings! But I’m staying motivated—I’ll catch him.”
Despite Bouchet holding a nearly 50 km lead over his pursuers, the relentless efforts of the competitors kept the battle intense. About two hours after Bouchet, Laurianne and Rémi reached the checkpoint.

Trouble for the leader: Sébastien Bouchet in difficulty

At 10:30 a.m., while stopping at a supermarket for supplies, Bouchet experienced a sudden health setback. The accumulated heat and fatigue took their toll, leaving him feeling faint. The organizers, in constant communication with him, decided to monitor his condition closely to prevent further risks:
“He might need rest or medical attention. A sudden drop in pressure could escalate quickly, so we’re staying alert,” said Axel Carion.
After experiencing nausea, Bouchet resumed the race, but this pause significantly reduced his lead. Rémi Borrion and Maxime Prieur were now just 10 km behind him.

Scorching heat on Alentejo’s roads

The Alentejo region, known for its arid climate and high temperatures, added an extra layer of difficulty on this second day. With temperatures ranging between 30°C and 37°C, hydration and pacing were crucial. Cyclists sought shade and stopped frequently to replenish their water supplies. Even Bouchet acknowledged the challenges posed by the heat:
“I grabbed lukewarm water—there wasn’t anything better. But with this heat, it’s hard to maintain the pace.”

The final stretch: a leading quartet within 200 km of the finish

After his unexpected break, Bouchet rejoined the race, though his health remained fragile. Meanwhile, his competitors, including Rémi Borrion and Laurianne Plaçais, sensed the leader’s vulnerability. With less than 200 km to go, the leading quartet—Bouchet, Rémi Borrion, Laurianne Plaçais, and Maxime Prieur—kept up an intense pace despite mounting fatigue and extreme conditions.

Conclusion of day 2: a test of survival

Day 2 of BikingMan Portugal 2023 was defined by extreme physical challenges. Between withdrawals, crashes, health issues, and suffocating heat, participants had to tap into deep mental and physical reserves to stay in the race. The leaders’ morale, however, remained high, fueled by the determination to cross the finish line.
With narrowing gaps and fierce competition, the upcoming stages promise new twists and high-intensity performances.

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