Presentation of the 2026 season with Radio Cyclo

 
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The 2026 calendar

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  Présentation saison BIKINGMAN 2026

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Presentation of the 2026 season

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Discover the 2025 calendar

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  LIVE SAISON 2025 - Les parcours BIKINGMAN

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Racing against time

With less than 24 hours left in the event, time pressure became tangible for the remaining participants. After nearly 100 hours of racing, each pedal stroke required intense energy. More than a dozen riders were still 200 kilometers from the finish line, engaged in a real race against the clock. Accumulated fatigue and extreme conditions made the effort all the more challenging. Several of them still had to face the daunting ascent to Itatiaia National Park, a 20-kilometer climb particularly dreaded for its rugged terrain and steep inclines.

“At this point, it’s really as much a mental battle as a physical one,” explained Carlos, one of the participants still racing. “Every meter climbed brings you closer to the finish, but at the same time, you’re wondering if you’ll actually make it.”

The ordeal of Itatiaia

The ascent to Itatiaia Park, the final major challenge of the race, proved to be a real ordeal for many.

“This climb is brutal,” recounted Rafael, another participant. “But after climbing this mountain, you feel invincible. It’s one of the most defining moments of my life.”

The 20-kilometer climb was not only a physical challenge but also a mental test. With every turn, exhaustion set in. However, despite the struggle, cyclists were rewarded by the majestic beauty of the park. This natural site is known for its steep cliffs and impressive biodiversity, home to more than 250 bird species.

Laura, who had struggled with neck pain on day 4, found renewed energy on the climb:

“When you’re so close to the goal, you find strength you didn’t think you had. It’s hard, but the scenery, the nature, everything pushes you to keep going.”

Once the descent began, still on rugged paths, cyclists felt relief getting closer. From there, only 170 kilometers remained, mostly on paved roads leading to the city of Santo Antônio do Pinhal.

The final effort toward Santo Antônio do Pinhal

The last difficulty was a surprise for some. Just before the finish, a final 10-kilometer climb awaited cyclists approaching the finish line. This was a hard blow for those who thought the climbs were behind them, but it only made reaching the finish even more gratifying.

“This final climb is the cherry on top!” exclaimed Pedro, who finished the race in the evening. “Just when you think it’s over, they remind you that nothing is easy in this race. But honestly, once at the top, it’s worth it.”

In Santo Antônio do Pinhal, perched at 1,080 meters, arrivals followed one after the other amid the warm cheers of finishers and spectators. A convivial Brazilian atmosphere reigned, with applause, smiles, and hugs celebrating the achievements of these ultracycling heroes.

Relief for the last arrivals

The day’s arrivals continued into the late afternoon, with each cyclist welcomed by their road companions in a festive and warm atmosphere. Laura, who had overcome persistent pain, finally reached her goal. Crossing the line at 6 p.m., she was overwhelmed with emotion:

“I can’t believe it. After everything I’ve been through, being here is just incredible. I didn’t think I could hold on until the end, but I did.”

Later in the night, the last participant, Rafael, arrived at 3:15 a.m., completing the course to the cheers of his fellow adventurers. Greeted by Peter, his friend who had to withdraw at the checkpoint, Rafael became the official lantern rouge of this edition of BikingMan Brazil.

“It’s hard to describe,” said Rafael with a smile, “but it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever done.”

An extraordinary experience

This third edition of BikingMan Brazil lived up to expectations, offering each participant an extraordinary adventure through the ancient mountains of South America. With breathtaking landscapes and titanic physical challenges, this race once again proved to be one of the most challenging on the ultracycling circuit.

“It’s more than a race; it’s an immersion in nature, a unique human experience,” said Denise Henrich, who finished 15th alongside her partner Guillermo Turano, making them the only pair to complete the race this year. “We gave it our all, and doing it together makes this victory even more special.”

Final standings

The women’s category was won by Raquel Farcioli Parisi, who finished 23rd overall. With 51 participants finishing within the 120-hour time limit, this edition of BikingMan Brazil saw an excellent success rate despite significant obstacles. The men’s podium had already been decided, with André Froes taking first place, breaking the course record by completing the 1,000 kilometers in 60 hours. Juliano Gehrke took second place for the third year in a row, while Julian Manrique completed the podium.

The overall world championship standings have also shifted. Georges André Camprubi entered in 9th place, tied in points with five other ultra-cyclists. The competition promises to be close for the rest of the season.

Next stop: BikingMan Morocco 2023

As the curtain falls on this edition of BikingMan Brazil, the Ultracycling World Championship season is far from over. The next event will take place in Morocco, with the 7th and final stage of the season, where the 2023 champion will be crowned. The race is set to start on October 30, and all eyes are now on this decisive event.

With 51 finishers out of the initial 68 participants, BikingMan Brazil 2023 has once again proven why it is one of the most formidable and rewarding races in the world of ultracycling.

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Juliano Gehrke and Julian Manrique complete the podium

At midnight, between Wednesday and Thursday, Juliano Gehrke crossed the finish line at Santo Antônio do Pinhal, welcomed by the applause of a few spectators in the calm night. This finish marked his third consecutive second place at BikingMan Brazil, an impressive achievement that showcases his consistency and perseverance in ultracycling.

“It’s always a special moment to arrive here, but this third second place leaves me with mixed feelings. It’s an accomplishment, but victory still seems to slip through my fingers,” he shared, both satisfied and reflective on his recurring podium finishes.

A few hours later, at dawn, Julian Manrique completed the podium in third place. Manrique, who faced complications in the last kilometers due to a series of challenging sections, fought until the end. Visibly exhausted, he shared:

“The last kilometers felt endless, but I had to keep going. I’m happy to be here, on the podium, after such a ruthless race.”

This podium marked the end of the battle among the top three of this edition, while other competitors continued to fight their way along the course, aiming to finish within the allotted time.

Final challenges for riders still on the course

While the podium concluded, the race continued for cyclists further back, as checkpoint 2, located at kilometer 614, prepared to close. The remaining riders were heading toward the daunting Itatiaia National Park, around kilometer 760. This approximately 20-kilometer ascent on rough roads promised to be a nightmare for many.

Laura, one of the cyclists still in the race, felt the cumulative fatigue and began to worry about the remainder of the route due to severe neck pain.

“I’m really starting to worry. I still have this famous climb ahead, but with my neck on fire, I don’t know if I’ll make it,” she confessed, anxious about not being able to continue.

Andre, another participant, remained determined despite the increasing difficulty:

“This route is brutal; it tests you mentally and physically at every turn. But I’m here for this, to prove to myself that I can overcome it all,” he said, his eyes fixed on the mountain he still had to climb.

The Itatiaia ascent: a titanic challenge

The climb toward Itatiaia National Park is one of the most feared sections of this BikingMan Brazil 2023. With its 20 kilometers of rough, steep roads, it became a true ordeal for the cyclists. With each turn, the incline seemed to steepen, and the poor road conditions only added to the difficulty.

“It’s crazy; you have to experience it to understand how hard it is. Every other climb feels like child’s play in comparison,” explained Paul, a participant reaching the summit.

“You find yourself climbing with sheer grit, no relief, and you question every moment whether you’ll make it.”

The natural park of Itatiaia, perched at 2,450 meters, is an iconic checkpoint for this race. Established in 1937, it is Brazil’s oldest national park, home to unique flora and fauna. With over 250 bird species and breathtaking views around the summit, it’s a reward few cyclists fully appreciate amid the struggle.

The name Itatiaia comes from Tupi, the language of Brazil’s native peoples, meaning “cliff full of peaks,” referencing the rugged formations that dominate the landscape. These cliffs and the park’s altitude add to the grandeur and difficulty of the ascent. For those reaching the summit, it marks the end of the major challenges, allowing them to descend toward Santo Antônio do Pinhal with less than 200 kilometers to go.

“After doing this climb, you feel like you can face any challenge,” shared Marc, another participant who reached the top.

“The whole course is demanding, but here, it’s the ultimate test. Once you’re up there, you realize you can overcome anything.”

Time to celebrate

For those finally reaching the summit of Itatiaia, it’s time to celebrate.

“The view is the cherry on top,” said Laura, despite her pain. “It’s breathtaking, the reward after so much effort.”

After this ascent, participants can finally start descending toward the finish line, a huge relief after so many grueling kilometers.

Humor to cope with the pain

Later, near Santo Antônio de Rio Grande on the afternoon of day four, some cyclists turned to humor to cope with the pain. Jean-Paul, visibly exhausted yet still cheerful, burst out laughing after a minor fall:

“Sometimes, you just have to laugh instead of cry. That’s all we can do at this point!”

His lightheartedness seemed to lift the spirits of others around him, who, despite the fatigue, managed to find joy in this grueling ordeal. However, for others, like Laura, worry continued to grow. She wondered if she would be able to tackle the remaining stages of the course with her persistent neck pain.

“I don’t want to give up, not after everything I’ve accomplished so far,” she said with determination.

The rankings settle, but the race goes on

As the rankings took shape, with the top 10 now complete by the end of day four, 37 participants remained on the course, all facing the final challenges of this BikingMan Brazil 2023. With less than 48 hours before the official end of the race, time became a pressing factor for these cyclists who continued battling fatigue, weather, and tough terrain.

For many, the goal was simply to cross the finish line before time ran out.

“The only thing left is to hold on until the end,” concluded Andre as he pushed forward with determination. “Every kilometer is a victory in itself, but you just have to keep moving.”

Thus, day four of BikingMan Brazil 2023 was marked by moments of achievement, pain, and determination as cyclists neared the end of this exhausting yet rewarding adventure.

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A restless night at Checkpoint 2 – efforts never cease

The night at checkpoint 2, located at kilometer 614, was anything but restful for the ultracyclists engaged in this grueling race. The top 10 athletes began arriving one by one, each quickly refueling before setting off again toward the final stages. Arrivals continued throughout the night, highlighting the determination of competitors who refused to give in to fatigue.

While most riders prepared for the day ahead, the leaders had already departed in the early morning hours, ready to tackle the day’s challenges. The climbs offered no respite, but for the lucky ones, a stunning sunrise over Paraty provided a brief moment of comfort amidst this demanding journey. However, to witness this natural spectacle, cyclists first had to conquer one of the most challenging sections of the course: a 17 km ascent with an average gradient of around 9%.

The paraty ascent – A historic and physical challenge

The Paraty climb is not only daunting due to its physical demands. As Axel explains, it also holds significant historical weight. This region of Brazil hosts the Royal Road, a nearly 1,600 km route that played a critical role during the 18th-century gold rush. At that time, this route allowed the Portuguese to export gold and diamonds to the crown. The cyclists’ passage through this historic location adds another layer of meaning to this stage of the BikingMan.

However, for ultracyclists, history is merely a backdrop. What truly matters are the physical challenges that lie ahead. The mountainous terrain and steep slopes require constant, intense effort. Some riders reach the summit exhausted but relieved to have hit a major milestone. For them, the end of this ascent is a hard-earned relief.

Back to checkpoint 2 – Competitors’ relief

While some riders ascended Paraty’s slopes, others arrived at checkpoint 2 in the morning. Among them was Davi, last year’s champion. Unfortunately, this year seems much more challenging for him. He shares his relief at reaching this stage, although he’s far from the position he hoped to be in. This edition of BikingMan has been particularly harsh for the defending champions, as their strength gradually wanes.

“It was incredibly tough this year,” Davi shares upon arriving at the checkpoint. “The heat, the climbs, and now the rain… I didn’t anticipate so many challenges.”

A few kilometers behind Davi, others continue their battle. For many, kilometer 600 marks a turning point. As the weather shifts and rain begins to fall, the race’s atmosphere changes. After days of punishing heat, the arrival of rain presents a new challenge for the participants. Roads that were once dry become suddenly slick and more challenging to navigate.

A respite in the valley – Before the final leg of the race

Cyclists approaching kilometer 610 find a much-needed moment of respite. This region, nestled between two mountain ranges – the Serra do Mar and the Serra da Mantiqueira – offers breathtaking landscapes and temporary refuge for the weary cyclists. These mountain ranges stretch for hundreds of kilometers, reaching altitudes of up to 2,700 meters, creating ideal conditions for adventure seekers, though they are daunting for those conserving energy.

The Serra da Mantiqueira is especially significant on the route, as it leads to the highest point of BikingMan Brazil, Itatiaia National Park, located at 2,450 meters altitude. Before reaching this landmark, cyclists take advantage of the valley to refuel and rest at checkpoint 2, gaining the strength they need for the final leg of the race.

Andre Froes in the lead – The race to victory

In the early afternoon, Andre Froes continues to dominate the race. He has created a considerable gap overnight, pulling several hours ahead of his competitors. His exceptional performance shows his determination to win this year. However, even for a leader as strong as Andre, the last kilometers of the route are no easy feat.

The final 40 kilometers are particularly tough for Andre. The challenging terrain and accumulated fatigue begin to slow him down.

“I felt my legs give way towards the end. Every pedal stroke became a battle,” Andre shares, exhausted, during his final refueling.

As he nears the end, Andre takes over two hours to cover the last 10 kilometers to Santo Antônio do Pinhal. But by 5 pm, he finally crosses the finish line, ending his ordeal. With a time of 60 hours, Andre Froes sets a new record for the BikingMan Brazil event.

A stunning victory for Andre Froes

For Andre Froes, this victory is a crowning achievement. After three attempts at BikingMan Brazil, he finally realizes his goal: winning the race with a significant margin over his competitors. His incredible performance confirms him as one of the best ultracyclists of this edition. The smile on his face as he crosses the finish line says it all.

“This is a dream come true,” Andre declares after his victory. “It was one of the hardest courses I’ve done, but I’m proud to have pushed myself.”

A podium in sight for the other leaders

Behind him, the podium is taking shape. Juliano Gehrke is well on his way to finishing second, as he has in the past two editions. For the third consecutive year, he demonstrates remarkable consistency but remains in Andre Froes’s shadow. Julian Manrique, meanwhile, holds firmly in third place. Both are expected to cross the finish line during the night, ending their own race against the clock.

Thus ends the third day of BikingMan Brazil 2023, with Andre Froes’s spectacular victory and a podium beginning to take form. This day was marked by endurance, perseverance, and exceptional performances amid unpredictable weather conditions.

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Eventful night and early arrivals at checkpoint 1

The night at checkpoint 1 in Saltoópolis was intense. Out of the 68 starters, 66 managed to reach this first checkpoint, marking the end of the race’s first third despite the crushing heat of the previous day. Checkpoint 1, located at kilometer 268, provides a welcome break after hours of battling the elements.

Nighttime arrivals often come with high emotions. For some, the fatigue is overwhelming; for others, emotions take over:

“It’s tough, really tough. I haven’t stopped crying for the last 60 kilometers,” shares one participant, eyes filled with tears.

Yet for Juliano and Sandro, there’s no room for rest. At 2:20 am, they set off in pursuit of the provisional leader Andre Froes, determined to make up ground and stay in contention.

Julian Manrique in ambush

Behind the top three, Julian Manrique lurks close. Despite his fatigue, he opts to keep going instead of stopping for sleep:

“I got to Ubatuba at 1:30 am, but I couldn’t find any inns or hotels. So, I’ll keep moving. I’m not too tired yet—I had a hot dog, and I’ll be fine.”

With 370 km already under his belt, most participants are now heading toward Vargem, a village nestled in the heart of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. This segment is notorious for its difficulty and highly technical terrain.

The “Hell of Vargem”: A dreaded section

The stretch between Saltoópolis and Ubatuba is known to participants as the “Hell of Vargem.” This part of the course is infamous for its challenging terrain, forested dirt tracks, and unpredictable weather conditions. Axel Carion, the founder of BikingMan, recalls it vividly:

“I remember it very well—I can still feel it in my bones. In 2021 and 2022, this stretch was particularly grueling with rain and mud. This year, the weather is more forgiving, with a slightly damp track but not slippery at all.”

Thanks to better conditions this year, participants progress under a bright sun and cooler temperatures. What was once a nightmare for many has become a smoother, albeit still demanding, experience. About thirty participants are navigating this stretch, making their way toward the Atlantic coast and the city of Ubatuba.

Paraty: A crucial resupply stop

Located at kilometer 475, the town of Paraty is an essential stop for supplies. Cyclists find a much-needed pause here before taking on one of the course’s toughest sections: the climb to Cunha, a formidable challenge for everyone.

Julian Manrique, one of the contenders for the podium, stops for a hearty breakfast, preparing himself for the intense climb ahead.

The climb from Paraty to Cunha: A feared challenge

This 17 km climb, with an average gradient of 9%, is one of the most difficult on the course. Riders pass through Paraty, a historic town on the Costa Verde, known for its cobbled streets and colonial buildings. Paraty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is part of the Serra da Bocaina National Park, a vast area of 106,000 hectares covered mostly by Atlantic Forest.

Cyclists find themselves in a lush, tropical setting, surrounded by monkeys, exotic birds, and even sloths for the lucky ones. While the scenery is stunning, the effort is intense. Participants face not only the steep slope but also encounters with snakes and other local creatures that cross their path. For many, this climb is a moment of true self-overcoming.

Juliano chasing behind Andre Froes

At kilometer 500, Juliano is in second place behind Andre Froes, stopping briefly for resupply. Tired but determined, he reveals his goal of pushing forward without sleep until checkpoint 2 at kilometer 620:

“I’ll keep going to CP2 without stopping, no sleep. I want to try to complete this race without resting.”

The battle for victory is shaping up between Andre Froes and Juliano. The two leaders have created a significant gap from the rest of the field. Juliano pushes hard, resolved to close the distance to Andre.

Andre Froes leads at checkpoint 2

After nearly 31 hours of racing, Andre Froes reaches checkpoint 2 in Arias, at kilometer 614. Despite his impressive performance, the fatigue is catching up:

“I can’t eat solid food anymore; I’m only taking liquids. But I’m confident—winning this race has been my dream, and I’m going to make it happen.”

Andre decides to take a short break before moving on, mindful of his strategic lead over Juliano. He knows the final battle will take place in the race’s closing hours, particularly during the climb toward Itatiaia National Park.

Itatiaia National Park: The course’s high point

Itatiaia National Park, located at 2,450 meters altitude, marks the highest point of this race. Andre Froes continues to widen his lead, passing the 700 km mark as the sun sets. He is now well-positioned for victory, with several dozen kilometers separating him from Juliano.

Behind, Julian Manrique in third position chooses to sleep for about two hours at checkpoint 2 before setting off again. The provisional leaderboard remains led by Andre Froes, with Juliano and Julian chasing. Although the gaps between them are considerable, the race remains unpredictable.

Conclusion of Day 2: A race filled with twists

Day 2 of BikingMan Brazil 2023 was marked by strategic advances, mental and physical breakthroughs, and breathtaking landscapes. Participants faced the “Hell of Vargem,” passed through Ubatuba, and are now tackling the challenging climb to Cunha.

Andre Froes retains his lead with several hours of advantage, yet Juliano remains committed to closing the gap. Behind them, Julian Manrique holds his third-place spot, determined to fight until the end. The coming hours will be decisive, particularly in the ascent to Itatiaia National Park, a daunting trial for all the cyclists.

The weather conditions are milder than in previous years, yet the technical route and climbs continue to test the physical and mental strength of the competitors. With the race for victory heating up, BikingMan Brazil 2023 promises more surprises in the days ahead.

Stay tuned to follow the rest of this epic adventure as participants approach the final stage of this grueling race.

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Regulatory checks and pre-race briefing

A few hours before the start, the usual regulatory checks are completed. Participants have their bikes weighed, receive their GPS trackers, and attend the race briefing. This protocol is essential to ensure the riders’ safety throughout this extreme adventure.

The BikingMan Brazil 2023 course features two major climbs. First, the ascent from Paraty to Cunha, a 17 km climb with an average gradient of 9%. Then, there’s the climb to Itatiaia National Park, which reaches an altitude of 2,450 meters. Additionally, around 30% of the course consists of dirt tracks, adding another layer of difficulty.

The participants are torn between excitement and apprehension as the start approaches:

“I feel calm, happy, this is just the cherry on top. I’ve prepared well for this event,” shared a Brazilian participant.

“It’s my first official ultracycling race; I’m a bit nervous but ready to ride and see Brazil from a new perspective,” said one enthusiastic competitor.

Setting off under the tropical sun

At 5 am, the race begins. The cyclists start together as a pack until kilometer 50, where they reach the first gravel section. This opening part presents no major challenges, but the weather quickly changes the game.

The sun shines brightly, and although forecasts predicted a rain-free week, the heat soon becomes a formidable opponent. By late morning, temperatures exceed 40°C, taking a serious toll on the riders. Faces flush, and frequent stops show the overwhelming impact of the heat.

First incidents on the course

The heat doesn’t take long to cause the first incidents. Mauricio, one of the competitors, falls in Santa Branca. Fortunately, the injury is minor, and he gets back on the road after a short break. Coping with the heat becomes the riders’ top priority, with some, like Eduardo, going to great lengths to stay cool:

“I took 5 kg of ice to cool down; I don’t want to be caught off guard by this heat.”

The cyclists press on toward checkpoint 1, located in Saltoópolis at kilometer 268.

The Brazilian climate, a significant challenge

Brazil’s tropical climate puts the riders to the test. As temperatures soar through the morning, the atmosphere takes a sudden turn by evening. Participants approaching Saltoópolis, near the Tietê River, encounter a much cooler environment. The thermometer drops to 22°C, a stark contrast to the morning’s 40°C.

This abrupt climate change offers a welcome reprieve to the cyclists:

“We’re about ten kilometers from checkpoint 1, and now it’s 20 degrees cooler. Riders can finally make progress in a milder climate,” reports a member of the organization.

Some lucky participants even spot monkeys and toucans, adding an exotic touch to this already unique adventure.

Arrival at checkpoint 1

The race leaders quickly reach checkpoint 1 in Saltoópolis. In 10 hours and 44 minutes, Andre Froes is the first to reach this milestone, closely followed by Gabriel Cavichio and David Alves Do Nascimento.

The battle at the front is intense. Andre, who has managed to pull a slight gap on his pursuers, remains focused on his strategy:

“I’m going to eat well and push on to Ubatuba. It’s all about managing the effort, especially with this heat, which is exhausting.”

Behind him, Gabriel and David are not far behind, while the other riders continue to manage the day’s oppressive heat.

Early logistical challenges

At checkpoint 1, riders regroup before setting off again. Some face unexpected issues, like one participant who explains his phone broke:

“It’s trickier now to organize things like finding hotels and food without a phone. I’ll have to ask people along the way—going old school!”

The cyclists remount, knowing that the first night battle awaits. They leave Saltoópolis for the coast, heading toward Paraty, a city on the Costa Verde, or Green Coast. This region is famous for its natural beauty, with beaches surrounded by lush mountains.

A night of challenges on the Costa Verde

As night falls, the lead riders race toward Paraty. The Costa Verde is a key segment of BikingMan Brazil, offering spectacular scenery alongside significant challenges. The leading trio of Andre Froes, Gabriel Cavichio, and David Alves Do Nascimento brace for an intense battle through the night. Behind them, another competitor, Sandro Pimentel Martins, is climbing steadily in the rankings, followed closely by Julian Manrique.

The provisional leaderboard has Andre in the lead, but the gaps remain narrow, promising an exciting race ahead.

Conclusion of Day 1: A promising start

The first day of BikingMan Brazil 2023 was marked by extreme weather conditions, with oppressive heat in the morning, followed by a significant drop in temperature approaching checkpoint 1. The cyclists had to adapt to these changes while managing their effort to stay competitive.

The top 3 quickly formed with Andre Froes, Gabriel Cavichio, and David Alves Do Nascimento in the lead, but the race is far from over, with many challenges to come, including formidable climbs and dirt tracks in the days ahead.

Riders are preparing for a decisive night on the roads of the Costa Verde, where the strategies for managing effort, sleep, and navigation will be crucial to maintaining their lead.

Brazil’s natural beauty and tropical landscapes continue to add a unique dimension to this championship stage, offering an immersive experience for the participants along with unforeseen challenges. With the first day behind them, the cyclists gear up for the continuation of this exceptional event, determined to reach the finish line within the time limit.

Stay tuned for Day 2 of BikingMan Brazil 2023, as participants tackle new obstacles on Brazil’s roads, all in pursuit of the ultimate achievement.

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Brazil, with its geographical diversity and breathtaking landscapes, is a dream destination for cyclists seeking adventure. From the lush rainforests of the Amazon to the pristine beaches of the Atlantic, and from rugged mountains to vast plains, the country offers a multitude of terrains to explore.

However, to fully enjoy this experience, it’s essential to choose the right bike for Brazil’s varied roads. In this article, we will guide you through the available options and help you make the right choice.

Which bike to use on the roads of Brazil ?

Understanding the challenges of brazilian roads

Brazil presents a variety of terrains, each with its own challenges:

• Rainforests: High humidity, muddy trails, and tree roots.
• Beaches and coastal Areas: Sand, wind, and sometimes poorly maintained roads.
• Mountains: Steep slopes, rocky paths, and climatic variations.
• Cities and urban areas: Asphalt roads with dense traffic and possible traffic jams.

Criteria for selecting a bike for Brazil 

Several criteria must be considered to choose the ideal bike for Brazil :

• Versatility: The bike must handle different types of terrains.
• Durability: Roads can be rough, so a sturdy frame is essential.
• Comfort: Long rides require a comfortable bike to avoid fatigue.
• Maintenance: Availability of spare parts and ease of maintenance are crucial, especially in remote areas.

Recommended Types of Bikes
1. The mountain bike (MTB)
MTBs are often the first choice for difficult terrains. Their features include :

• Suspension: Front (and sometimes rear) suspensions absorb shocks from rough roads.
• Wide tires: Provide better traction on loose surfaces like mud and sand.
• Sturdy frame: Designed to withstand impacts and wear.

Advantages: Ideal for rainforests and mountains. Modern MTBs are also equipped with multiple gears, making uphill climbs easier.

Disadvantages: Less efficient on paved roads due to higher rolling resistance and extra weight.

2. The gravel bike

Gravel bikes are gaining popularity for their versatility:

• Intermediate Tires: Wider than road bike tires but narrower than MTB tires, perfect for mixed roads.
• Light frame: Often made of aluminum or carbon, allowing for a fast and efficient ride.
• Riding position: More comfortable than road bikes but still sporty.

Advantages: Excellent for mixed roads, including gravel paths and secondary roads. Less rolling resistance on asphalt compared to MTBs.

Disadvantages: Less suitable for very rough and muddy terrains compared to MTBs.

3. The Touring Bike

For cyclists planning long trips with a lot of baggage, the touring bike is an excellent option:

• Sturdy and stable frame: Designed to support heavy loads.
• Wide and durable tires: For better stability and durability.
• Numerous mounting points: Allow for attaching panniers and other equipment.

Advantages: Perfect for long distances and self-supported travel. Optimal comfort for entire days of cycling.

Disadvantages: Less agile and fast than gravel bikes and MTBs, especially on very technical terrains.

Practical Tips for Cycling in Brazil

• Physical Preparation: Train to be fit and capable of handling long distances and challenging terrains.
• Equipment: Bring spare parts, a repair kit, and clothing suited for variable weather conditions.
• Hydration and nutrition: The Brazilian climate can be demanding, so ensure you stay hydrated and well-nourished.
• Safety: Wear a helmet, follow local traffic rules, and be vigilant in high-traffic areas.

Choosing the right bike to explore the roads of Brazil is crucial for a successful experience. Whether you opt for an MTB, a gravel bike, or a touring bike, make sure it matches your specific needs and the terrains you plan to traverse. With the right equipment and adequate preparation, you’ll be ready to discover the natural wonders of Brazil by bike. Have a great trip and safe travels!

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The 2022 season ended a few weeks ago after the wet and epic Brazil event. It is therefore time to take a look back at what happened during this second part of the year.

And let’s start by the first event concerned, introducing our new format: the 555.

555 Vercors
This inaugural edition invited participants to immerse themselves in the heart of the Vercors for a course mixing road (80%) and gravel (20%) over a distance of 500 km and a time limit of 55 hours. If on paper one could imagine a half-BikingMan, a quick look at the elevation (12,000m) puts things into perspective and sets the tone for the challenge that this adventure represents. As a result, it is hardly surprising to find emblematic figures of BikingMan and the ultra scene on the starting line: Captain Max, 4th on the Euskadi 2021 and the 2022 edition in Corsica a few weeks earlier, Fabian Burri our favorite Swiss gipsy and finisher of 10 BikingMan and a number of other ultracycling events around the globe, Christophe Coulomb, also very experienced with a list that continues to fill up well, or even Florent Dumas, 3rd in Portugal in beginning of the season or our Shaman Axel who is riding again after having just completed his 1st BikingMan X a few days earlier. Finally, after having completed his first BikingMan in Corsica and above all having been inspired by the success of Laurianne, his wife, on the X, FX has also joined the adventure of the 555.

Départ du 555 Vercors

Le sourire de Christophe

Axel enchaine après le X

Damien 2nd à la poursuite de Max

Antoine bientôt dans le gravel

Paulo full gaz!

Vive les gorges

Florent dans le dur

FX sort du gravel

Captain Max 1er à l'arrivée

With a start for the first time for a BikingMan at noon, given in heavy rain, our furious bunch set out to attack the mountains of Vercors, a hotbed of resistance during the 2nd World War. And it is clear of one thing, they themselves will have to fight their own battle to cover this magnificent track in less than 55 hours.
If in front, Captain Max quickly takes the lead and will never let go, even when the night comes to disrupt the reading of a sector covered by vegetation, behind him the positions are exchanged many times between Florent, Damien and FX who joins in their duel.
Behind them, Axel is already far behind, accompanied by Antoine, who is a bit in difficulty. They will go a good way together until they reach the finishline.
Further on, Christophe lives his adventure in Solo, and continues his journey almost serenely. Behind him, at a good distance, Christophe Coulomb and Richard Jeanjean have decided to share this adventure and ride together, with totally opposite feelings: Richard, not much of a fan of offroading, suffers these sections harshly when Christophe, tackling this 555 without putting on any pressure, on the contrary take full advantage of passages in the middle of nature.
With them for a good part of the course, Jérôme suffered a major backlash at the end of the second day and found himself very close to giving up. But, supported by his comrades, he chose to rest and set off more quietly on Sunday morning, while Fabian, who lacked training, lost positions since the halfway point and found himself just ahead of Jérôme.
On the withdrawal front, Paulo suffered major GPS problems and after more than 50kms of detour chose to give up, just like Thomas and Raphael.
Establishing the first mark of the 555 Vercors in 29h39m, Captain Max won a superb victory under a memorable welcome from the public present at Villard-de-Lans. Behind him, it was finally FX who snatched 2nd place, over-motivated by the proximity and the battle with Florent and especially Damien who finished only 13min behind him. Florent lost ground to them a little near the end of the course and took 4th place arriving a little over an hour later.
Then follow Axel and Antoine with a night arrival, then Christophe in the early morning.
Christophe and Richard finish after 47 hours of racing, at the end of the morning. A few hours later, it was Fabian’s turn to complete his 555 with the red lantern Jérôme who had a good fight to finish with a good margin on the time limit, in less than 53 hours.

Find the complete ranking of the 555 Vercors:

555 Vercors 2022 rankings

AURA #2
The BikingMan Sprint series resumes at the start of August with the 2nd edition of the BikingMan AURA. Back to Beaumont-Lès-Valence where the race village is once again deployed to welcome the hundred participants who have come to rediscover the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This time, the heat wave will accompany the whole event with dry conditions which will make the search for water sometimes very difficult.

Cyril sur la ligne de départ

AURA 2022, c'est parti

Reflets sur le lac

Quentin devant le Mont Gerbier

Le long du lac sous la canicule

Dans la montée du Pas de Peyrol

Bertrand repose les jambes dans le Grand Colombier

Bascule du Grand Colombier

Superbes gorges pour rentrer dans le Vercors

Trilogie de la Chartreuse

It is accompanied by the fervor and energy of Cyril, mayor of the municipality of Beaumont-lès-Valence, that the start is given at 5am, the usual time for BM Sprint events. The riders set off in waves towards the Ardèche foothills.
After a few hours, a battle begins to take shape at the outposts, with some well-known bibs including Rémi and Patrick, already wheel in wheel at the exit of Mont Gerbier but both outstripped by a newcomer, Yoan Dercourt, who will put pressure in front for a good part of the race. At breakneck speed, these 3 will continue until CP1.
Behind, Bertrand, still in the race to achieve his challenge of completing all races of the Sprint series, encountered mechanical problems which put a premature halt to his morning progress and cast doubt on his ability to finish this stage. Forced to find a solution to repair, he will walk for nearly 20 kms to find a possible repair solution. After several lost hours, he still manages to set off again with a bike in working order and climbs back at breakneck speed on the red lanterns. A great scare compared to his ambitions, fortunately behind him now as his pace quickly puts him back on track to cross the first checkpoint in time.
At the start of CP1, Rémi left alone in the lead, Yoan resting a little more, while Patrick chose to let them explain themselves to resume his progress at his own pace. Next objective, the ascent of the Pas de Peyrol and its superb panoramic view.
After a short ride with Bruno, who caught up with him shortly after the descent of the Pas de Peyrol, Patrick joined Rémi again, disturbed by a poor food choice. Yoan is then alone in front as the night sets in at the end of this first day.
Behind, as often, the gaps already seem huge as the latecomers stop for the night before reaching checkpoint 1 (km 270). A long day is ahead for them to stay in the race and make sure to remain within the time windows.
For our leading trio, the night shuffles the cards and the progress is sometimes fluid, sometimes hesitant. The positions are also blurred with the first significant rest stops, and a crossed silhouette can be a reparted leader as much as a back-to-level pursuer.
For Patrick, this night will change everything: following his GPS, he anticipates a change of direction and throws himself into what he first believes to be the road, but quickly turns out to be a bumpy track. Things follow one another and the fall is inevitable. Lying on the ground, Patrick is seized with intense pain. Unable to leave, he therefore contacts the organisation to report his fall and asks them for assistance. On the spot, as they try to free him from his bike and put him back on his feet, a violent pain seizes Patrick. He quickly understands that his mistake will be fatal to his adventure and that rescue will be needed to help him. When they arrive, the pain is confirmed and only an injection can mask this pain and allow him to be evacuated. For Patrick, the race is over and so begins another adventure (find his full story of his BikingMan here: BikingCrash in AURA).
Now alone in the lead, Rémi and Yoan continue their progress towards the early hours of the day and checkpoint 2, Rémi now in the lead will maintain a short lead, around one to two hours over Yoan until the finish. Rémi will thus complete the course, including these 50kms of extension to avoid the Tour de l’Ain, in less than 49 hours, his 2nd victory on a BikingMan! Yoan will arrive a little over 2 hours after him.
Further on, after resuming a quasi-senator’s rhythm, Bertrand will finish the race while managing in 35th place overall. He is still on his way to his challenge of completing the 7 sprint events on the calendar for the 2022 season!
Note the beautiful 20th place overall of the first woman, Vanessa, who completed her 1st BikingMan there.

Find the complete ranking of BikingMan AURA #2:

AURA 2022 rankings

Euskadi #2
If in September children have their back-to-school, ultracyclists have their Euskadi and for this 2nd edition of the BikingMan highlighting the charms of the Basque Country and the Pyrenees, the show has largely been there, be it the magic landscapes or the battle to decide the winner.
Once again established at the Eden Villages Bela Basque campsite in Anglet, the race village welcomed participants as usual from Saturday. On paper, this stage presents the toughest field with no less than 4 winners of BikingMan: Laurianne of course, victorious on the X, Rémi winner on the AURA and France 2021, Lorris on the France and Clément, winner of the 1st edition and Portugal at the start of the season and Corsica 2021. Big players therefore, without mentioning other solid athletes also present.

Euskadi #2, c'est parti!

Lorris malheureux animateur du BikingMan Euskadi

Affaire de famille, Emilie avance imperturbable

Dans les lacets

Christophe au somment de Spandelles

Nombreux chevaux en liberté sur le parcours

Marche obligatoire dans les raidars

Nature et faune, la recette sauvage de l'Euskadi

Marco dans une des ascensions

Stephen notre fière lanterne rouge

And quickly all the promises kept will be revealed. Lorris, motivated and prepared as ever, is riding like hell in front. Behind him, follow Sébastien Bouchet, also starting at a fast pace, Rémi then Laurianne. Bertrand, as often, started with the leaders at the start of the race but will gradually switch to management mode to ensure that he gets to the end of his long season and this BikingMan Euskadi. Clément is a few minutes behind, starting cautiously as usual.
The morning will continue at a good pace until a first puncture for Lorris which will quickly degenerate, his tire also being damaged, chaining other punctures. At the checkpoint, it was Clément who was the first to validate his passage, followed closely by Laurianne and a few minutes later by Lorris who gave his all to compensate for the loss of time.
Sébastien has already lost ground, feeling some pain. Rémi also arrives at the checkpoint in bad shape and lacking energy, already 2 hours late. A small form that will push him to give up going further after suffering in the last kilometers leading to the checkpoint.
If the leaders give the impression of not suffering too much from the difficulties of the course, behind the feeling is very different with a majority of the participants walking in the double-digit percentages offered by the main climbs of the first third of the course. The gaps are widening and quickly it seems clear that the time barriers will pose significant difficulties for the back of the peloton. If last year the heat had caused damage during the first 2 days, it is hardly more lenient temperatures which for the moment accompany the runners in their duel with the mountain and it is perhaps the latter which will show the most ruthless.
For the moment, it is a 3-way battle which is taking shape in front with Clément and Laurianne who exchange positions regularly on the road to checkpoint 2. On arrival in Campan, Laurianne is leading with almost 1h30min ahead of Clément. Lorris follows at 1h30 more but the pain in his knees is intense and he doubts he can continue. Behind, the gaps are huge.
This last section will bring a memorable fight between Laurianne and Clément who continue to exchange the lead until Clément seems to take the upper hand and dig a small gap. Behind, Lorris finally gave up to preserve his knee.
Victory now seems promised to Clément, but he encounters GPS problems, makes a navigation error and goes in the wrong direction. When he comes back on track, Laurianne has just passed in front, though the gap is tiny and there are still 8kms to go. On the live tracking, it is almost impossible to determine for sure who is ahead, the effect of location updates displaying one or the other in the last successively. On the finish line, we do not know who is then in front. We expect to see Laurianne arrive but suddenly Clément appears and crosses the finish line first. Laurianne appears barely a minute later, a ridiculous gap after 1000km covered, it’s simply incredible! With the effect of the starting waves, it is a gap of 2 min on their total time which actually separates them.
However, it will be necessary to wait 8 hours more for the 3rd rider to finish: Charles in turn crosses the finish line, in 66h47m.
At the race village, arrivals are now more or less one after the other until the fateful time barrier is approached. Stephen, one of the oldest participants, fought against time throughout the event to get through the checkpoints in time. Everyone fearfully followed his position on the livetracking in hopes of seeing him arrive in time. It is almost 3am (the time limit for the race being at 5am) when we finally see him arrive and successfully cross the finish line. 117h55m! Incredible Stephen!
Note, in the general classification of the series, this 2nd position places Laurianne temporarily in the lead ahead of Bertrand, who finishes his 6th BikingMan of the year.

Find the complete ranking of BikingMan Euskadi #2:

Euskadi 2022 rankings

Brazil #2
We are finally at the last stage of this 2022 calendar to close a rich season with style. Brazil welcomes us for the 2nd time with this year a new departure city and a deeply reviewed race course with more than 250km of gravel sections. Here we are in Santo Antonio do Pinhal where the race village is set up.

Rare moment sec lors de la 1ere journée

Pluie, boue et toujours le sourire

Vicky pour son 2e BikingMan Brazil

Des passages inoubliables

Des conditions difficiles pour les montures

Au coeur de la Serra do Mar

Un pont boueux pour Marcelo

La pluie avec le sourire

Prêt pour la pluie

Idan jusqu'au bout de l'effort

If the preparatory stages for the race take place under a beautiful weather, the forecast announces a rainy week. Monday morning at 5am, the start is however given in dry weather, but the time to clean up in the race village and the rain actually begins to fall. It will not stop for the day and offer dantesque conditions to the participants depending on the sections of road encountered. From the first kilometers of the race, the favorites took their places and we therefore find Andre (already participating last year) and Davi at the forefront, followed by Omar, Raphael or Bertrand. Vicky, an accomplished competitor and already 7th overall last year, is also well placed. Behind, the slower progression makes the conditions even more unfavorable, the rain having time to transform the road into muddy and slippery tracks. Despite the conditions, the pace at the head is surprisingly good and CP1 is reached in a little over 13h (for 274km or around 20km/h on average). Andre is the one getting there first, about twenty minutes before Bertrand who plays big on this event since the stakes are high for him. If he manages to finish in the top 16 overall, he will come back ahead of Laurianne in the series classification and would therefore win the 2022 championship. And at this moment, his position is ideal since feeling in good shape, he will leave before Andre and Davi and lead the race, although Andre will follow suit.
At CP1, Adrien is an astonishing 4th while Juliano, 2nd in the 2021 edition, is slowly starting to position himself. A little slower, Axel is ahead of Vicky and arrives a few minutes after Raphael.
For Bertrand, things will start to go wrong during the night with a succession of problems which will see him lose ground and demote in the classification. Ahead, the fight will rage between Andre and Davi.
Day 2 will spare the competitors from the rain and give them some respite. At CP2, the final classification begins to take shape. Davi arrives there in first place with more than an hour ahead of Andre. Juliano manages it nearly 6 hours later and another 5.5 hours later it is Vicky who reaches CP2. By sleeping less than Axel, she was able to overtake him and now has a 2 hour lead over him. Bertrand demoted to 7th place. Among the favourites, Leandro (better known as Leo) will retire with severe back pain shortly after CP2 while Omar will suffer a bad crash approaching CP2. Behind also the troubles are accumulating for some, between frequent mechanical problems with the mud damaging the transmissions, the brakes put to the test with the steep descents and the many gravel sections. The conditions also put several participants out of the game, finding themselves out of time. Once again this year, Brazil is demanding for the bikes as well as for the athletes.
In front, the leaders will attack the most difficult section of the route to climb to the entrance of the Itatiaia National Park. A long brittle gravel section but with incredible views where refueling is a real challenge. The accumulated fatigue and these difficult conditions will put our leaders in difficulty. Davi and Andre find themselves in turn in near hypothermia and the organization is forced to stop them for a time as a safety measure so that they warm up before leaving. Andre, he will have a minor fall but fatigue and lack of coherence will force him to stop longer, helped by locals. This allows Juliano to overtake him and even get back on Davi a bit before he too is trapped in these epic conditions. Behind, Vicky and Axel overtook Andre and continued on their way to Itatiaia.
When Davi reaches the entrance to the park, he has just passed 80 km escorted by a dog who has taken a liking to him and has followed him continuously ever since. Exhausted and hurt by the distance covered, this companion will find temporary refuge around the shops that border the exit of the Gravel section of the park. Later, a member of the organization will come to bring him back to Davi who will adopt him.
After leaving the gravel, the end of the course seems almost like a formality as the biggest difficulties are now behind. Davi then proceeds towards the race village and wins this BikingMan Brazil 2022 with nearly 7 hours ahead of Juliano, 2nd again.
Behind them, Vicky does not give up and will not give Axel any chance to come back on her. She reaches the finish line with a 34min margin over Axel, and offers herself a superb podium in the event. Axel wins a place compared to 2021 and approaches the podium. A few hours later, it’s Andre’s turn to finally reach the finish, then Raphael and Wim will follow.
For his part, Bertrand will give up a few places again during his last night, taken by fatigue which will force him to stop several times. The objective is nevertheless largely achieved since he takes 11th place overall and therefore does better than his objective of top 16. This means he wins the BikingMan championship and above all becomes the first to finish 7 BikingMan in one season, a gigantic challenge and evidence of enormous management to achieve it.
During an endless night, the arrivals will follow one after another until the arrival of the last pair, made up of Philippe and Idan who complete the course in 117 hours. Exhausted at the finish, Idan successfully completed his 2nd BikingMan Brazil.

Find the complete ranking of BikingMan Brazil #2:

Brazil 2022 rankings

The season therefore ends with this epic Brazilian conclusion and Bertrand’s superb performance which allows him to win the championship ahead of Laurianne, herself the author of several incredible performances, notably her victory in X and her 2nd place for 2 minutes on the Euskadi. A huge congratulations to you both for this and for hosting this 2022 series.

Bertrand, Champion BikingMan 2022

Laurianne aura aussi mis la pression à Clément

Cet article Summary of the 2nd part of the 2022 season est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.