The second day of BikingMan X Morocco 2023 was marked by an intense duel among the lead cyclists, grueling climbs, stunning landscapes, and mechanical issues that shook up the standings. With nearly 240 km left to cross the finish line, the athletes had to dig deep to push forward in this extraordinary ultracycling challenge.
The duel in the Atlas Mountains (1:50 am – 3:00 am)
Day 2 began in the dead of night. At 1:50 am, Maxime Prieur was the first to reach Checkpoint 2 at kilometer 450. Exhausted from the mountain pass he had just conquered, he took a moment to recover and shared:
“That pass really hurt, but I just saw what’s ahead. I’ll need a good omelet, because after this, it’s going to get tough.”
About an hour later, Laurent Jalabert, his main rival, arrived at the same checkpoint. The gap between the two was slowly closing. Despite his fatigue, Laurent remained clear-headed, noting:
“When my bike stops moving, so do I… When a break’s needed, I take it.”
Sunrise on the Tizi Tazazert ascent (6:00 am – 9:00 am)
As the sun began to rise, cyclists faced the ascent of Tizi Tazazert, towering at over 2200 meters. The first rays of sunlight created a breathtaking view, which the riders couldn’t help but admire, despite the demanding climb. One participant shared his experience:
“It’s stunning, I took it all in. I had the time to admire it because, well, my pace on this climb was slow. Wow, it’s amazing! This is why we go through so much, to experience moments like this.”
The beauty of the Moroccan sunrise provided a brief but precious reprieve for cyclists who pushed on, knowing that moments like these made the struggle worthwhile.
The grueling night and unexpected encounters (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
The night had been long and arduous for the cyclists, with a 40 km straight stretch testing their mental endurance. Many participants encountered nomads along the way, adding a unique local color to the experience. It’s in moments like these that the adventurous spirit of BikingMan truly comes to life. One cyclist recounted:
“Youssef, the owner of a roadside café we came across, made omelets for us from midnight to 4 am. Some even slept there when the hotel was closed. Thank you, Youssef!”
These unexpected encounters provided warmth and humanity amidst the challenge, reminding everyone that BikingMan is also a human adventure.
The rough terrain section and rising difficulties (12:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
While Maxime Prieur solidified his lead, a group of ultracyclists tackled the long 60 km dirt track section. Those who had left Checkpoint 1 felt fortunate to navigate this stretch during daylight. One of them remarked:
“I’m glad to do this part during the day, at least partially. It was pure joy, especially with the sunrise over the Atlas. Honestly, just for that, this race is worth it.”
However, the rocky paths were tough on both bikes and bodies, with constant jolts making progress even more challenging.
Laurent Jalabert’s abandonment and the climb to the summit (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
Around midday, an unexpected turn of events changed the race: Laurent Jalabert, in second place, had to abandon due to a mechanical failure with his derailleur during the ascent of Tizi N’Ouano. This withdrawal left Maxime Prieur with a clear path forward as he continued toward the summit, located at 2895 meters, one of the highest points of the race.
Conditions were harsh: 20 km of uphill dirt tracks, temperatures around 10°C, and icy winds. Yet, the cyclists were rewarded with spectacular views of the canyons carved by the Dades River.
The race to Checkpoint 3 and Maxime’s lead (6:00 pm – 8:30 pm)
Maxime Prieur kept up his pace and arrived at Checkpoint 3 in Bin El Ouidane at 8:25 pm, with nearly two hours’ lead over Laurianne Plaçais, who was now in second place. Though exhausted, Maxime stayed clear-headed about his situation:
“I’m managing my lead, but I’m very, very tired. I’ll try to skip sleep tonight, and with some tajine, I should be fine. If all goes well, I’ll reach Marrakech for breakfast tomorrow morning.”
Florent Dumas made an impressive climb up the ranks, finishing Day 2 in third place. However, Matthieu and Guillaume, well-positioned in tandem, were forced to abandon due to repeated tire punctures.
Day 2 of BikingMan X Morocco 2023 was a grueling day filled with bravery, breathtaking scenery, and unexpected twists. Maxime Prieur emerged as the clear favorite, but the adventure is far from over. With less than 240 km remaining before the finish line in Marrakech, every pedal stroke will count. Laurianne Plaçais and Florent Dumas are ready to seize any chance to close the gap.
This ultracycling journey across Morocco continues to captivate, and the majestic landscapes only deepen the spirit of challenge that drives these extraordinary athletes. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this epic adventure, where every kilometer promises new surprises.
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