Welcome to the final update on BikingMan Sri Lanka, the opening race of the 2024 World Ultracycling Championship. The race is officially over, the 120-hour time limit has ended, and it’s time to look back on this fifth and final day that brought this epic journey across the radiant island to a close.
A challenging night for some participants
The day began early—or rather continued for some—like Indian ultracyclist Amit Samarth, who faced an especially difficult journey. After losing his way multiple times and battling torrential rain in the final kilometers, he shares his adventurous tale:
“Last night, everything seemed so simple. I was close to the finish, then things got complicated. It was raining so hard I couldn’t navigate properly with my GPS. I ended up at a police station to recharge my lights and had to retrace my steps.”
This account captures the challenges of that last night, where each rider had to dig deep to keep going.
The challenges of the final stretch
On the final stretch, Axel Carion joined the cyclists by bike to meet them along the way. The route from checkpoint 3 at Tissamaharama to Panadura (the finish) spanned 306 km, with secondary roads, irrigation canals, and intense heat. Axel Carion described the specifics of this segment:
“Participants have to follow a maze of secondary roads and tracks along irrigation canals. It’s the hottest part of the course, with high humidity. Mentally, it’s a challenge to stay on course until the end.”
Despite the exhaustion, participants kept moving forward, savoring every moment:
“I felt a real connection with the people—even the youngest kids were smiling. I saw kids offering me an apple just when I needed it. These small gestures make all the difference,” says Alain Broglia.
The last finishers cross the finish line
While some were still battling along the roads, others crossed the finish line, completing the 1,000 km journey. The top 10 finished in the early morning, and many shared their reflections:
“This BikingMan is unique because you don’t see the country like a regular tourist. You’re truly connected with the locals, eating in places you’d never think to go, and it’s as much a cultural challenge as it is physical.”
Another rider, Adrien Leroux, expressed his gratitude toward the Sri Lankan people:
“They helped us, guided us, some even offered us a roof for the night. Their hospitality was essential to reaching the finish!”
The life lessons of BikingMan Sri Lanka
Beyond the physical effort, this BikingMan was a life lesson for many. One participant summarized their experience:
“It’s a lesson in kindness. Learn to smile—a smile costs nothing. The Sri Lankans showed me that every day. I saw incredible landscapes, but what stayed with me most was people’s kindness.”
A well-deserved break under intense heat
By midday, with temperatures soaring over 40°C, some riders still on the course took a well-deserved rest. One of them shared:
“I stopped at a local home—they gave me a place to sleep, cooked eggs, and helped me recover. I couldn’t go on, I was completely lost, but their hospitality helped me push forward.”
These pauses were essential for recharging before continuing toward the finish.
Cricket: Sri Lanka’s beloved sport
During this fifth day, participants also witnessed the Sri Lankan passion for cricket. Around kilometer 885, a parade celebrating a local victory caught Axel Carion’s attention:
“The size of this procession was incredible! Several hundred people were there, showcasing Sri Lankans’ enthusiasm for the sport.”
These unexpected moments added depth to the cyclists’ experience, reminding them that ultracycling is also a human adventure.
Unforeseen challenges: crossing a trench at kilometer 920
BikingMan Sri Lanka is an adventure full of surprises. At kilometer 920, riders encountered a massive trench dug across the road, making passage tricky. Some had to improvise stunts to cross it, while others received local help to get through.
This kind of unexpected challenge is part of the charm and difficulty of ultracycling.
The arrival of the last finisher: Wijebandara Chameera, the local hero
In the late afternoon, among the final finishers was Wijebandara Chameera, the only local rider in BikingMan Sri Lanka. Welcomed warmly by his family, he expressed his pride and joy in completing the journey:
“It was an incredibly tough experience, but I did it. I recommend everyone to try this, as it pushes you beyond your limits.”
A closing lunch to celebrate an unforgettable adventure
With the race over, participants gathered for a closing lunch. This moment allowed them to share memories of the incredible journey, recall the challenges they overcame, and celebrate the extraordinary achievement together.
Guillaume De Spoelberch, the winner of this edition, was honored once more, along with Laurianne Plaçais and Christian Auriemma, who completed the podium. The 39 ultracyclists who finished within the time limit were warmly celebrated.
Final standings of BikingMan Sri Lanka 2024
BikingMan Sri Lanka 2024 left a lasting impression with its stunning landscapes, intense challenges, and the exceptional hospitality of the Sri Lankan people. Here are the top three finishers:
- Guillaume De Spoelberch – Winner
- Laurianne Plaçais – 2nd place
- Christian Auriemma – 3rd place
The complete leaderboard features 39 finishers, each of whom experienced a unique journey across the island.
Next up: BikingMan Corsica
The World Ultracycling Championship season is just beginning! The next race will be BikingMan Corsica, kicking off on Sunday, May 26. Join us soon for a new adventure on the Corsican roads!
Find us on:
- Website : bikingman.com
- Instagram : bikingman_ultra
- Facebook : bikingmanultra
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