The fourth day of the BikingMan Portugal 2023 marks the start of a race against the clock for the last participants, who have less than 48 hours to complete the 1,000 km to Faro. This final leg is marked by daring strategies, extreme weather conditions and inspiring individual performances.
Thursday, 6 a.m.: Final checkpoint and last challenges
On the fourth day of BikingMan Portugal 2023, the race becomes a countdown for the last participants, who have less than 48 hours to cover the 1,000 km route to Faro. This final stage is marked by bold strategies, extreme weather conditions, and inspiring individual performances.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, cyclists steadily reach Checkpoint 2 in Vila Viçosa, after over 667 km of riding. For some, this is a moment to reassess their energy reserves. It is also a time when doubts and fatigue set in. One participant shares:
“I had planned for a late start, but at 4 a.m., the noise woke me up. It was a sign, so I got back on the road.”
With more than 330 km still to cover, participants mentally brace themselves for the challenge ahead. The fastest riders are already en route to Faro, while others refine their strategies, hoping to climb a few places in the rankings over the final stretch.
A race against time and self
As Faro draws closer, competition intensifies, with some cyclists locked in fierce battles to gain a few spots. One determined rider shares:
“We’re chasing Frédérico. Instead of just finishing, we’re giving it our all! It feels like being kids again. Incredible memories.”
He also recalls a motivating message from his partner, hinting at a podium finish:
“That message sparked the idea. We thought, ‘Why not? Let’s go for third place.’”
Such determination drives some to take risks. A duo decides to capitalize on their competitors’ sleep, making an ambitious nighttime push. They cover an impressive 500 to 600 km in just 24 hours.
“We wanted that second place—not just for the podium, but for the challenge,” one explains, while his teammate describes the “mental distress” caused by sleep deprivation and nocturnal hallucinations.
Extreme conditions in the Algarve: Heat and climbs
The final 100 km through the Algarve mountains present fresh challenges for the cyclists, with an endless series of climbs. Steep gradients of nearly 20% and temperatures exceeding 30 degrees test their physical and mental limits.
“It’s pure torture, but we’re still smiling,” says Cyril, who, along with teammate Justin, found a creative way to beat the heat.
“We stop at grocery stores to grab ice bags and tuck them into our necks. It’s our air conditioning!”
Despite their precautions, incidents are unavoidable. One rider crashes at full speed on a descent, ending up with burns and a hematoma.
“I’ve been riding without a front brake since the accident,” he shares, determined to push through to the finish.
A wave of finishes: Relief for the riders
Throughout Thursday, the finish line in Faro sees a steady stream of arrivals. After relentless efforts, Gary and Stéphane claim second place in the pairs category.
“It was a crazy bet, but we did it,” Gary says, thrilled with their result.
For others, reaching Faro is a deeply personal achievement—a moment of celebration after days of perseverance. Applause erupts as each cyclist crosses the finish line, marked by the toll of the heat, climbs, and their own fatigue.
Friday: Final push for the last riders
On Friday, the final nine participants are still on the course, striving to complete the last kilometers before the cut-off at 5 a.m. on Saturday. Among them are remarkable performances, including Mohit Kohli, a Brit who climbs 21 places to finish 49th, and the Berthon-Calafel pair, who gain 11 spots to finish 36th and 37th. Additionally, Zoubir Ait Abdallah, in his sixth BikingMan participation, achieves an impressive comeback, gaining 10 places to finish 55th.
Conclusion: Resilience and fulfillment
As this fourth day draws to a close, the competitive spirit gives way to camaraderie and shared experiences among the cyclists. Each rider proudly recounts their stories and challenges—from moments of doubt to surges of adrenaline—creating unforgettable memories.
At BikingMan Portugal, the human adventure takes center stage, offering an experience defined by effort, perseverance, and self-transcendence that goes beyond mere athletic performance.
The riders leave the BikingMan with stories to tell and a personal victory, whether they finished in the early hours or just before the cut-off.
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