Salam alaykoum! BikingMan X Morocco 2024 has officially come to an end. A total of 103 participants crossed the finish line within the 120-hour limit, completing the 900 km through the Moroccan Atlas. Let’s relive together the highlights of this final day, marked by effort, camaraderie, and deep emotions.
Dawn on day 5: last climbs and encounters
It’s Thursday morning, sunrise, back at kilometer 780 in the region of Tizi n’Tichka Pass, at 2,260 meters above sea level. Here, participants are still facing a steep ascent, with an atmosphere blending fatigue and determination. Among them are Venezuelan cyclists Daniel and Alfredo, who, despite the difficulty, have managed to keep their spirits high.
Didier Esposito, a cyclist, shared:
“I fell two days ago while stopped on an incline, losing my balance. Since then, every time I stand up, it’s unbearable. I haven’t slept, and even getting on the bike is a challenge.”
Another rider shared his thoughts:
“On day two, it felt like I was on another planet. Now we know we’re on time, so we’re pacing ourselves. Last night, we had couscous, but it’s exhausting because that one really hurt.”
Some cyclists even consider taking their time to enjoy the final moments:
“We’ve got an 80-km descent to the finish. We’d love to stop and have another good tagine like last night, but your flight’s at noon tomorrow, so we’ll have to finish today.”
Others, like Alexandre Bensenval, are savoring these final moments:
“I was dreading this climb, but it’s so beautiful. The sun’s coming up, the adrenaline’s there, and it’s incredible to ride through this landscape.”
Emotional arrivals in Marrakech
Meanwhile, other cyclists are completing their adventure, crossing the finish line in Marrakech. Whether it’s their first or their tenth BikingMan, the emotion is always present on this Thursday morning:
“Even after multiple editions, this race leaves an indelible mark on your heart. The beauty of the landscapes, the encounters, the hospitality… it’s all unforgettable.”
One participant shared his unique experience:
“Axel suggested doing the race only during the day. We followed this advice, and it was the best decision. We were able to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and meet incredible people.”
Another cyclist, Amélie Plennevaux, shared a particularly touching moment:
“Yesterday, I gave my water bottle to a woman walking up from her garden. She looked exhausted and was coughing. She accepted it, thanked me, and I felt a bond form despite our language and cultural differences. It’s a moment I’ll never forget because it was magical.”
Back on the road: the last kilometers
This afternoon on day 5, we go back and forth between the finish line and the road. At 50 km from Marrakech, Denis Becquart, alone on the course, explained:
“My friends couldn’t sleep and left at 11. I woke up at 4. They must be at the finish by now, but it doesn’t matter. I’m moving at my own pace.”
The excitement to finish is palpable, but the road remains demanding.
“I think I’ve arrived… finally! The scenery is magnificent, these extraordinary landscapes, and above all, these incredible encounters. Last night, we met a man who shared his life story. He was happy where he is, and it made us reflect.”
Between effort and solidarity
Solidarity and camaraderie define the end of this adventure. In the starry night from Thursday to Friday, two adventurers, Pierrick and Bastien, crossed the finish line at 2 a.m., exhausted but happy:
“The medal is nice, finishing 1,000 km in Morocco is great, but couscous at 2 a.m. is even better!” Bastien joked.
They reminisced about the race’s highlights together:
“The villages we passed through, the generosity of the locals who offered us tea, the kids who gave us high-fives… it was amazing. You realize how lucky you are.”
The last finisher: Philippe Lebailly, an example of perseverance
Friday afternoon marks the official end of BikingMan X Morocco 2024. One last participant remains on the course: Belgian cyclist Philippe Lebailly. Unfortunately, a flat tire in the final hours prevented him from finishing within the time limit. However, the spirit of the race lives on:
“The first shall be last, and the last shall be first,” as they say. Philippe received a warm welcome from the other participants upon his arrival, celebrating his effort and perseverance.
With emotion, Philippe declared:
“I just wanted to finish, no matter the conditions. I did it. Crossing the line, I couldn’t hold back my tears. It was an incredible effort, and I’m very proud. The last hours were the hardest, but the welcome here at the finish was exceptional. We don’t come here just for the time, but for the experience, and the people—it was something beautiful.”
Race recap and final standings
BikingMan X Morocco 2024 officially concludes, with 103 participants crossing the finish line on time. The winner of this edition is Moroccan Abdellah Hida, who skillfully conquered the Atlas’s terrain and challenges.
To wrap up, let’s take a look at the overall standings for the 2024 BikingMan season after this race in Morocco. The new leader is Gregory Cassini, followed by Laurianne Plaçais and Guillaume de Spoelberch. Note that the final race of the season will take place in Taiwan, with 550 points at stake for the winner. Guillaume de Spoelberch, who has impressed throughout the season, is the only one to have confirmed his participation. He holds his destiny in his hands and could very well win the 2024 BikingMan championship title.
Farewell and see you in Taiwan
And so, BikingMan X Morocco 2024 comes to a close. We hope you enjoyed following this adventure with us. The BikingMan team invites you to Taiwan on Sunday, November 3, for the final leg of this exciting season.
Thank you all for joining us and sharing in these powerful moments of ultra-cycling across Morocco.
Find us on:
- Website : bikingman.com
- Instagram : bikingman_ultra
- Facebook : bikingmanultra
- Strava : / strava
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