Welcome to the third day of BikingMan Sri Lanka 2024, a key stage in the World Ultracycling Championship. Today, we’re in Panadura, on Sri Lanka’s west coast, where the finish line awaits the riders after this epic 1000 km self-supported race. As the competition wraps up for the early finishers, we’re thrilled to announce that Guillaume De Spoelberch has won this edition of BikingMan Sri Lanka. But before delving into the winners’ arrival, let’s look back on the highlights of this third day.
End of day two: arrival of the chasers at Nuwara Eliya
We left the riders at Nuwara Eliya, also called “Little England,” at the end of day two. While the leaders were already well settled, the chasers arrived at checkpoint 2 in the middle of the night. They experienced intense moments on Sri Lanka’s challenging roads, marked by grueling climbs and unforgiving descents.
The cyclists describe the course as a true physical test.
“The elevation here is all or nothing. When it climbs, it’s 14-15%, and the rough asphalt makes it even tougher,” recounts participant Loris Labianca.
These conditions, combined with accumulated fatigue, forced some to alternate between micro-naps and pedaling, trying to stay focused. The elephants that inhabit certain regions add another dimension to this already demanding adventure.
Passing through Ella: a pause in a picturesque setting
After leaving Nuwara Eliya, the cyclists passed through the scenic town of Ella, renowned for its mountainous landscapes and tea plantations. This segment was carefully integrated into the course by Axel Carion, founder of BikingMan, who wanted participants to enjoy breathtaking views of landmarks like Little Adam’s Peak, rising to 1,141 meters. This part of the route also led them toward Yala Reserve, known as “Elephant Route,” where encounters with wildlife, especially elephants, were common.
Axel Carion highlighted that this segment, though beautiful, posed a considerable challenge for the riders. The scenic routes included steep slopes and difficult conditions. Some participants spent hours covering relatively short distances due to the terrain’s difficulty and the weather.
Battle for the win: Guillaume De Spoelberch takes the lead
Throughout this third day, a leading trio emerged, featuring Guillaume De Spoelberch, Laurianne Plaçais, and Italian Christian Auriemma. These three riders fought hard for the win during the night of day two into day three. As they neared the last 100 kilometers, this elite trio faced scorching conditions, with temperatures climbing over 35°C and heavy humidity.
Guillaume De Spoelberch managed to maintain his lead throughout the course despite the tough conditions.
“The sun helps, but the heat is intense. We’ve actually got 40 km more than expected, which is a psychological challenge,” says Laurianne Plaçais mid-effort.
Discovering Galle: a historic stop missed by the riders
On this third day, participants rode near the historic city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified city is famous for its colonial architecture and rich multicultural history, having been under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. However, the riders didn’t have the chance to explore these historic gems, as the route bypassed the city center, directing them to more race-friendly roads, away from Galle’s dense traffic.
Extreme weather conditions: rain joins the race
As the leaders neared the finish line, weather conditions worsened. A violent tropical storm struck the Panadura region, making the final kilometers even more challenging. Cyclists faced torrential rain and intense lightning, adding a new level of difficulty to an already tough competition.
“I’ve never seen lightning like that—it was huge, clear, and the thunder was deafening,” says Laurianne Plaçais, who finished in second place.
Arrival of the leaders at Panadura: Guillaume De Spoelberch triumphs
Despite the challenging conditions, Guillaume De Spoelberch crossed the finish line first, winning BikingMan Sri Lanka after leading the race from start to finish.
“I can hardly believe it. I came here for fun, and now I’ve won. Winning isn’t what matters; it’s about finishing,” he confesses, visibly moved after his achievement.
This victory marks a milestone for him in a race where the main battle is against oneself.
Laurianne Plaçais and Christian Auriemma complete the podium
A few hours after Guillaume, Laurianne Plaçais crossed the finish line, securing second place. She demonstrated remarkable determination despite tough weather conditions and technical issues.
“I didn’t feel like I was in a race; it felt more like a beautiful journey, almost surreal,” she says at her arrival.
In third place, Christian Auriemma also delivered an impressive performance. The Italian made his mark on this edition with his tenacity and his memorable encounter with an elephant during the night.
“I got very close to an elephant, and it tried to charge me,” he recounts.
The chasers and the race against time
With the podium decided, the race continues for the remaining participants, some of whom are racing against the 120-hour time limit to reach the finish. This race against time tests their endurance and resilience, with several kilometers still ahead and unpredictable weather looming.
Provisional race summary
The third day of BikingMan Sri Lanka 2024 wraps up with a podium featuring Guillaume De Spoelberch, Laurianne Plaçais, and Christian Auriemma. But for the other cyclists, the adventure continues, and the battle to finish within the time limit rages on. The provisional standings show widening gaps as the remaining riders face the final challenges before crossing the finish line.
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