Presentation of the 2026 season with Radio Cyclo

 
Find all details about the 2026 BikingMan calendar:

The 2026 calendar

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  Présentation saison BIKINGMAN 2026

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Presentation of the 2026 season

Cet article Presentation of the 2026 BikingMan calendar est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.

Discover the 2025 calendar

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  LIVE SAISON 2025 - Les parcours BIKINGMAN

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Cet article Presentation of the 2025 courses est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.

The fifth and final day of BikingMan Corsica marked the end of this 1,000-km adventure. Of the 200 participants who started, 175 crossed the finish line in Biguglia within the 120-hour limit. A true achievement for these cyclists who pushed their limits throughout the race. Let’s revisit the highlights of this closing day, focusing on the participants’ final efforts and the emotions at the finish line.

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  Corsica 2024 - Résumé du jour 5 BikingMan Origine

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Final Push on Col de Verde: The Lanternes Rouges’ Struggle

Day 5 began at Col de Verde, where the riders at the back of the pack, dubbed the “lanternes rouges,” continued to push on with courage despite their exhaustion. They still had around 200 km to go before reaching the finish. Sebastien Ralle, one of the last to cross this pass, shared his experience:

“Not too bad, but it could be better. My bike never made it out of Nantes, so I had to rent one here. All my gear was in the bike box: Garmin, shoes, helmet, glasses…”

Despite these setbacks, he managed to press on, showcasing the perseverance that defines these participants. Further along, Joanie Lemire, one of the racers, explained:

“Today’s nothing compared to yesterday in the Bavella needles. It’s easy, but at this point, my legs are so tired it feels like I’m moving on instinct. I don’t want to stop, though. My butt hurts so much I have to lie to myself that it’ll pass! I’m eager to finish physically, but at the same time, I feel so alive!”

The weather conditions on Col de Verde also added to the challenge: from sunny moments to fast-gathering clouds, Corsica continued testing the cyclists’ resolve.

A Final Stop in Ghisoni: Moments of Camaraderie

Descending from Col de Verde, participants reached the village of Ghisoni, a welcome resting spot for many. A cozy inn provided a bit of comfort, where some cyclists took a moment to relax before setting off for the final kilometers. Alexandre Benseval, one of the participants, joked:

“We slept in, woke up at 5 a.m., and now we feel fresh as a daisy. My body’s starting to wonder why I’m sleeping so badly and eating so poorly. But I’m holding on to my pilot fish.”

The atmosphere in Ghisoni was friendly and full of solidarity. The innkeeper, who had become close to the cyclists, said she hoped to see them again outside of BikingMan.

Crossing Castagniccia: Approaching the Finish

After leaving Ghisoni, participants headed toward the Castagniccia region—a challenging but beautiful route. With only 80 km left, many took the time to reflect on their adventure. Sylvain Garcia, riding this part of the route, shared:

“I mostly remember the people I met; it was great. Ultra-distance isn’t just about cycling; it’s about connecting with others.”

But it wasn’t all introspection. The local wildlife provided some surprises, as Franck Wendling recounted:

“There was a herd of goats, and then a Patou (shepherd dog) came up. My friend had quick reflexes and stopped instantly. Luckily, the Patou was friendly—he even gave us a few cuddles.”

The Finish Line in Biguglia: Emotional Moments

Throughout the day, participants trickled across the finish line in Biguglia. The emotions were intense, with laughter, tears, and euphoria mixing together. Aurélie Disdier, one of the first women to complete the race, described the emotional rollercoaster of this adventure:

“It’s incredible; I don’t feel like I did all that. It was hard, but I’m so happy to have finished. There were times when you think this isn’t for you, that you’re crazy to be doing this. And the next day, it’s total euphoria.”

Guillaume Laisné, visibly moved by the experience, expressed his gratitude:

“I thought a lot about my family and everything this journey brought me. It really reconnects you with yourself. You come back to normal life feeling reconfigured, with a stronger sense of self. And it gives you a sense of freedom through the experience.”

The final cyclists to cross the finish line were celebrated as heroes. Caroline Lambert, the “lanterne rouge” of this edition, proudly concluded:

“I’m the last one, but I’m very proud to have finished. This was my race.”

Final Podium and the Winners

At the end of these five days of racing, the final standings confirmed some outstanding performances. Rémi Borrion took first place overall, claiming his third victory in a BikingMan race. He completed the course in under 50 hours—a remarkable feat given the challenges encountered.

In the solo category, Rémi Borrion was followed by Jonathan Chassin (2nd) and Grégory Cassini (3rd), both delivering exceptional performances.

In the pairs category, Anthony Duriani and Nicolas Philippi claimed victory, finishing in 7th and 8th place overall. In the women’s category, Fiona Sharp triumphed, finishing in 51st place overall and becoming the champion of her category.

Conclusion – A Moment of Pride and a New Beginning

As BikingMan Corsica 2024 draws to a close, each participant leaves with unique memories, full of challenges, encounters, and discoveries. The experiences they take with them will remain etched forever. They learned to push their limits, face pain, and find joy in the effort.

The next stage of BikingMan awaits them, with the fourth race of the season in the Alpes Maritimes. The start is set for June 23 in Valberg. Meanwhile, the cyclists can savor their accomplishment, rest, and prepare for new adventures.

Congratulations to all participants of BikingMan Corsica 2024! You pushed your limits and proved that nothing is impossible with the determination and courage to tackle a challenge of this magnitude.

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Cet article BikingMan Corsica 2024: Day 5 – The epilogue of a 1,000 km adventure est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.

Day four of BikingMan Corsica tested the remaining participants as they neared the end of this demanding 1,000-km journey across the “Île de Beauté.” Near Ghisoni, in the spectacular Inzecca Gorge—a stunning natural site with deep gorges—the race continued. But it was in the southeast loop that the riders faced the day’s real challenges: the formidable climbs of Col de l’Ospedale and Col de Bavella, located between kilometers 600 and 700, proving to be a turning point for many participants.

The Formidable Climbs of Col de l’Ospedale and Col de Bavella

Cyclists began the day with the ascent of Col de l’Ospedale, a steep climb surrounded by grand landscapes, followed by the even tougher Col de Bavella, featuring long ascents and rugged red granite formations. The faces of the cyclists showed the accumulated exhaustion since the start of the race.

Rémy Borrion, who led the race, overcame these challenges with determination, maintaining his lead. Behind him, other participants tried to keep up, but these two passes took their toll. Mathieu Belay, one of the participants tackling this pass, shared:

“We hit a bit of a slump last night; the road was tough and took a lot out of us.”

Another competitor, Joanie Lemire, explained:

“This is an extraordinary, colossal experience that takes me through incredible highs and lows. That’s why I’m here!”

Amélie Plennevaux stated:

“We’ll eat at CP3, and if all goes well, we won’t sleep tonight. We’ll push through to the finish. But if not, we’ll book a place to stay and tackle the last 100 km tomorrow morning before noon.”

Checkpoint 3 in Zicavo and Strategic Breaks

Throughout the day, many riders opted for a strategic stop at checkpoint 3 in Zicavo, located at kilometer 767, to gather strength before moving on. Here, Laurianne Plaçais and Jean-Michel Maurin, who had decided to ride together for part of the race, took a moment to rest and reassess their strategy. This approach was shared by other riders who knew the next challenge, Col de Verde, would be a tough stage to tackle without an energy boost.

The Climb to Col de Verde: Fatigue Mounts

Col de Verde, at kilometer 785 and rising to 1,289 meters, is one of the most imposing passes on the route. Those who reached it felt the effects of accumulated fatigue and lack of sleep. Dorian Nguy, who reached the pass with a group of cyclists, shared his experience:

“Tough climb, third day, pain everywhere… everywhere. The nights are tough.”

Despite the challenges, these participants kept pushing forward, motivated by the beautiful landscapes around them and the thought of crossing the finish line.

Castagniccia Region: A Scenic Route and the First Finishers in Biguglia

After Col de Verde, participants followed the cliffside road between Castagniccia and Costa Verde, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. For many, this was a chance to recover a bit and get motivated for the final stretch. Jean Paul Sachet, admiring the scenery, said:

“I’m taking in the view before descending to the coast. It gives a bit of energy. I’ll look at the next part of the plan later.”

Meanwhile, in Biguglia, Rémy Borrion crossed the finish line, securing his dominance in this edition of BikingMan Corsica. With an impressive time of under 50 hours, he claimed his third BikingMan victory. Rémy shared his thoughts on his well-earned win:

“I hadn’t won anything recently, so I’m happy to get this one. The scenery along the way was incredible, though at night I couldn’t see much. It was an intense race.”

Behind him, Jonathan Chassin finished in second place, expressing his joy despite his fatigue:

“Riding at night through Bavella with pigs crossing in front of you—it’s really amazing. It was beautiful.”

In third place was Grégory Cassini, who expressed surprise at his ability to keep pedaling despite the exhaustion:

“I didn’t think I could make it without sleeping, but in the end, you find hidden reserves of strength.”

The Final Challenge Before the Finish: the Ascent to Casalta

Not all participants had reached Biguglia yet; those still on the course faced one last obstacle—a steep 20% climb to the village of Casalta. Bertrand Notte, taking on this final challenge, laughed through the pain:

“It’s inhumane, help!”

Likewise, Aurélien Rivard, progressing slowly but steadily, shared his thoughts on the punishing climb:

“What a way to end! After 950 km, finishing on a 20% grade… it’s heating up now, perfect!”

And Alexandre Coddeville added:

“Oh, this is a good one! A treat! Thanks, Axel! A nice little dessert, a digestif!”

The Final Countdown and Pride of the Finishers

While the first finishers savored their victory, many participants were still on the road, facing their own challenges. Every pedal stroke brought them closer to the finish line, as the countdown continued. The effort, pain, and perseverance were evident on their faces, but so was the pride of participating in such an intense adventure.

Day four of BikingMan Corsica 2024 was marked by heroic efforts, monumental challenges, and camaraderie among riders who supported each other to the end. The remaining participants will need to finish on time tomorrow, on the fifth and final day of this epic adventure. The provisional ranking is now established, and the list of finishers will continue to grow as the race nears its end.

Tomorrow, we’ll witness the final leg of this breathtaking journey that will remain etched in the memories of the BikingMan Corsica 2024 ultracyclists.

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Early arrivals at checkpoint 3 in Zicavo

The day began with early arrivals at checkpoint 3 in Zicavo after a grueling night for many participants. Cyclists showed signs of exhaustion but remained determined to push on despite accumulated fatigue and soreness.

“Tough! Aching everywhere! Sore… I need a good nap. I haven’t slept yet, so I’ll give it a try,” shared Steven Leroy, one of the cyclists in search of rest.

Sébastien Motte added:

“I don’t remember the names of the passes, but Bavella? Is that it? Man, that hurt. I suffered (nervous laugh). It was brutal! And riding alone at night, it feels endless!”

Rémy Borrion surges toward victory

While most participants struggled to keep going, Rémy continued widening the gap with his pursuers. Around kilometer 915, he was already in the Castagniccia region, known for its vast chestnut forests, with about a 30-km lead over his closest competitor, Jonathan Chassin.

Rémy confided:

“I’m feeling good, but I’m a bit wary of the big climb at the end. I should have enough of a lead,” showing how he maintained his calm and strategy despite the fatigue.

The chase pack in the Castagniccia

Meanwhile, Rémy Borrion’s pursuers were about 100 km behind. With varied levels of energy, participants shared their thoughts on the tough race.

“It’s better now than an hour ago, but it’s hard to stay awake, even with multiple micro-naps,” said Thomas Dupin, revealing the ups and downs of the challenge.

Rémy Borrion’s triumphant finish in Biguglia

In the early afternoon, Rémy crossed the finish line in Biguglia, claiming his third BikingMan victory. He completed the race in less than 50 hours—a remarkable achievement.

“I’m happy to win one, and I loved the scenery I passed along the way. Well, except for the nighttime views… (smiles)” Rémy shared upon arrival, visibly moved and satisfied with his journey.

Jonathan Chassin, who took second place, also expressed his admiration for the Corsican landscapes and his satisfaction with this adventure.

Other finishes and the first duo team

The arrivals continued, completing the race’s top 10, including the first pair of ultracyclists, Anthony Duriani and Nicolas Philippi, who crossed the finish line together.

Col de Bavella: a monumental challenge for cyclists

To close the day, we looked back at kilometer 700, atop Col de Bavella, one of the course’s major challenges. Participants shared the difficulty of the climb, especially with the intense heat that made the ascent even more grueling.

“My GPS showed 38°C in the mid-afternoon; it was hell,” said Aurélien Rivard, highlighting how this pass remains a formidable challenge.

Day three of BikingMan Corsica highlighted the determination and strength of all participants, particularly Rémy Borrion, who delivered an impressive performance. The final rankings are starting to take shape, with the top 10 now established: Rémy Borrion in first, followed by Jonathan Chassin and Grégory Cassini.

Join us tomorrow for day four of this extraordinary adventure on the roads of Corsica. Thank you for following the race, and stay connected for the next stages of this incredible challenge.

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Col de Bavella at 1,218 meters and checkpoint 2 in Vero

At Col de Bavella, 1,218 meters above sea level, a majestic site where the GR20 trail passes, participants were treated to spectacular views of the red granite needles. But before reaching this point, the race leaders had arrived at checkpoint 2 in Vero, at kilometer 469. Rémy Borrion was the first to arrive, recounting the difficulties of the night:

“The climbs between CP1 and CP2 were brutal. My legs were hurting,” he shared, showing that even the best riders were feeling the strain.

Thomas Vérin also shared some anecdotes, including a surprising encounter with “a bunch of pigs” on the road, adding a bit of humor to the intense race.

Col de Vergio and the cyclists’ pursuit

Meanwhile, mid-pack riders prepared to tackle Col de Vergio at kilometer 310. Early on the second day, some participants recounted their night:

“We slept 5-6 hours, relaxed, and even planned our wake-up around the bakery opening,” one cyclist joked, reminding us that this adventure is also about adapting and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

Others shared their fatigue management strategies, opting for short naps to conserve energy.

The climb to the summit of Col de Vergio and the challenge of the Calanques de Piana

At the summit of Col de Vergio, at 1,470 meters, ultracyclists enjoyed breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains before descending toward Porto and facing the famous Calanques de Piana. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed calanques are a must-see, offering an exceptional landscape where the Mediterranean Sea meets red ochre granite rocks.

“It’s my first time in Corsica, and it’s magnificent! Every climb is a feast for the eyes,” said Rancho Proteau, captivated by the beauty of the scenery despite the challenging climb.

Checkpoint 2 in Vero: a well-deserved rest

In the early afternoon, several participants reached checkpoint 2 in Vero (km 469), some exhausted, others ready to continue after a short nap. Mattresses were provided to help them recharge.

“That last hill was phenomenal—my legs are really hurting,” Manuel Gonçalves told us, happy to have made it this far and able to recharge his batteries.

The climb to Col de Scalella and a new nighttime battle toward Col de Bavella

After checkpoint 2, cyclists faced the demanding climb to Col de Scalella, peaking at 1,200 meters. Known for its steep slopes and rough road, this pass tested the participants’ strength.

“Nice, 18% on a bumpy road—not exactly a gift,” joked Aurélien Rivard, trying to keep his humor in the face of the challenge.

By nightfall, the leaders embarked on another nighttime push toward Col de Bavella, a crucial stage before reaching checkpoint 3 in Zicavo.

Here’s the provisional ranking:

1. Rémi Borrion: 744 km
2. Jonathan Chassain: +24 km
3. Grégory Cassini: +31 km
4. Alexandre Meurillon: +35 km
5. Thomas Dupin: +53 km

At the end of this second day, Rémy Borrion solidified his lead, heading toward a potential victory in BikingMan Corsica 2024. However, the race remains uncertain, and the challenge is far from over for the remaining 190 participants.

Join us tomorrow as this intense adventure through Corsica’s mountains continues. Don’t forget to follow the race in real-time on the live tracking platform and social media to stay connected to the action.

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Cet article BikingMan Corsica 2024: an second day through the Corsican mountains est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.

The start and final preparations

The start was given early in the day after final safety checks by organizer Axel Carion. Participants, like Olivier Ollagnier, eager and excited, shared their thoughts:

“I’m super excited; I’ve been thinking about this for months,” he said, while another participant added, “It’s my first BikingMan, and I’m both nervous and excited. I can’t wait for the stress to subside because I’m so happy to be here.”

Some had set ambitious goals, like aiming for a top-three finish, while others simply hoped to complete this unforgettable journey.

The ascent toward Cap Corse and the race’s early hours

The start was organized in waves of 10 cyclists to avoid a massive pack of 200 participants. They headed north toward Cap Corse along roads bordered by turquoise beaches. The course offered stunning scenery, constantly reminding the cyclists of the rugged Corsican terrain. Valentin Lançon commented:

“You get used to the narrow descents; it’s not like the Pyrenees. The roads are completely different.”

Some chose a steady pace, gradually adjusting to the race, while others pushed the tempo, quickly forming groups based on skill levels.

Refueling and recharging (mid-afternoon)

After about 100 kilometers, the main group paused near a fountain to refuel, taking the chance to recover and share impressions:

“There are still 900 km left; we see others and want to follow, to keep up… but you have to stay calm,” noted an experienced Victor Moraine, aware of the importance of conserving energy early on.

This refueling stop in Pino allowed everyone to recharge before tackling the next challenges of the course.

Formation of the lead group and arrival at Col de Battaglia (late afternoon)

At kilometer 150, after passing through Saint-Florent and the Agriates desert, a lead group formed en route to the first checkpoint, located atop Col de Battaglia. Known as one of the toughest climbs in Corsica, this ascent tested the cyclists’ endurance.

Grégory Cassini, the leader of day one, was the first to reach the summit, greeted by a sea of clouds. He shared:

“It was a fast start, which I enjoyed, but this part is a bit out of my comfort zone.”

Behind him, other participants arrived, thrilled by the clear views over the Balagne region and Île-Rousse but visibly exhausted from the climb.

“I’m okay… though I forgot how tough this climb is; it really hurts,” admitted Romain de Castro Vieira.

Night falls, and the challenge continues toward checkpoint 2

As night fell, the leaders embarked on the first nighttime push toward checkpoint 2 in Vero. Most participants opted to rest before beginning this difficult stage, while the back of the pack was already well behind, resting near Saint-Florent at kilometer 138.

Meanwhile, here’s the provisional ranking:

1. Gregory Cassini: 290 km
2. R. de Castro Vieira: +13 km
3. Adrien Foix: +13 km
4. Thomas Verin: +15 km
5. Thomas Dupin: +15 km

This first day of BikingMan Corsica 2024 lived up to expectations, blending stunning landscapes with formidable challenges. The Corsican heat and steep climbs tested participants, but the beauty of the course rewarded them with every pedal stroke.

Join us tomorrow to follow the adventure’s next stage and the upcoming twists in this exceptional challenge. Follow the provisional rankings on social media and live tracking to stay close to the action.

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Cet article BikingMan Corsica 2024: the epic launch of day one est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.

The program opens with a warm welcome from host Cédric Ferreira, who introduces viewers to the prologue of BikingMan Corsica 2024, a key stage in the Ultracycling World Championship. This prologue takes place at San Damiano campsite, located on Corsica’s eastern coast near Bastia. The enthusiasm is palpable from the outset, as this event is highly anticipated in the ultracycling community. Two special guests join the program: Axel Carion, founder of BikingMan and a fit new dad, and Rémi Borrion, a BikingMan veteran with six participations, including two victories at BikingMan Oman and BikingMan France. Axel and Rémi, central figures in the event, share their experiences and expectations for this new edition.

The course of the 7th edition of BikingMan Corsica

The prologue focuses on presenting the course for the 7th edition of BikingMan Corsica, described by Axel Carion as a “revamped” route with several new features. This unique course spans a total length of 1,000 kilometers to be completed in 120 hours, featuring a 19,000-meter elevation gain. Axel emphasizes that this is a special edition, as the route was collaboratively designed based on feedback from participants and Corsican residents.

Route reversal and new discoveries

A major novelty this year is the reversal of the course direction compared to previous editions. Cyclists will head counterclockwise, starting northward toward Cap Corse, passing through Bastia. This decision aims to provide a fresh perspective on Corsica and rediscover iconic locations like Saint-Florent and the Agriates Desert. The first major challenge of the course is the Col de la Battaglia, Corsica’s toughest climb, which also serves as the first checkpoint. Next comes the Col de Vergio, the island’s longest climb and another standout feature of this edition. Together, these legendary Corsican passes create a highly demanding course.

Exploring wild Corsica

Axel highlights that this edition showcases Corsica’s untamed and authentic side. After the Battaglia and Vergio passes, riders will traverse the famous Calanques de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This section offers spectacular scenery and challenging ascents. The route dives into remote, unspoiled terrain, where Corsica’s abundant wildlife often shares the road with participants, immersing them in the island’s hidden corners. One of the most feared sections is the Col de Tartavello, a stunning yet grueling climb leading to Checkpoint 2 near the village of Vero. The stretch between CP2 and CP3 remains equally wild and rugged, featuring poorly maintained yet picturesque Corsican roads winding through remote villages.

Spectacular finale and unpredictable weather

The race’s finale is equally impressive. After passing Checkpoint 3, participants will tackle the famous Cols de l’Ospedale and de Bavella before heading to the grand finale: the Castaniccia ridge road. This last section, never used in previous editions, takes riders through a region rich in religious heritage, featuring churches and basilicas, all while offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Axel and Rémi also discuss Corsica’s microclimates, which add another layer of difficulty. Cap Corse is often windy, the Battaglia Pass can be extremely rainy, and the Vergio Pass is likely to be freezing, especially at night. These unpredictable weather variations demand both mental and physical preparation to handle diverse conditions.

Participant strategies and preparation

Drawing on his experience, Rémi shares his race approach. He plans to sleep very little and aims to complete the 1,000 kilometers in around 50 hours, targeting a top 10 or even top 5 finish. He explains that the adrenaline of the race keeps him awake, and while sleep deprivation is challenging, the competitive spirit keeps him focused. Axel notes that BikingMan Corsica has become a highly popular race, attracting nearly 200 participants annually. Many are newcomers to ultracycling, choosing Corsica for their first BikingMan experience. Despite the course’s difficulty, the event fosters a friendly and supportive atmosphere, creating a familial bond among participants.

Second part of the prologue: New guests

In the second half of the prologue, two additional guests join the program: Aurélie Disdier and Mathias Arlot, newcomers to the BikingMan world. Aurélie, from Nice, is participating in her first BikingMan Corsica and shares her excitement about the challenge ahead. She already has experience in ultra-distance cycling, including a 500-kilometer ride with a 7,000-meter elevation gain over two days. Mathias, who has been training for a year and a half, is equally eager. Living in Paris, he has had to train intensively despite geographical constraints, accumulating thousands of meters of elevation gain in the Paris region. Both share their respective strategies: Aurélie plans for overnight stops with pre-booked accommodations, while Mathias opts for a more flexible approach, adjusting to his race pace.

Participant motivation

Aurélie and Mathias also explain what motivates them to participate in ultra-distance events. Aurélie reveals that her desire to explore new places and push her personal limits drove her to take on this challenge. Although she has some apprehension about night riding, she manages her fears by setting clear goals and maintaining a positive mindset. Mathias, a former smoker, sees ultracycling as a personal challenge and a way to surpass himself. For him, ultra-distance is both a physical and mental adventure, enabling him to push boundaries while discovering new landscapes. Both are particularly excited about the family-like atmosphere of BikingMan and the camaraderie among participants, which motivates them greatly.

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Cet article Prologue of BikingMan Corsica 2024 est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.

Thursday to Friday night: a starlit finish

During the night from Thursday to Friday, new finishers cross the line at Biguglia. For them, the race is finally over, and the intensity of emotions is tangible. Relief at the end is paired with the satisfaction of having completed this challenge alongside companions and unforgettable landscapes. Marceau Roustang sums up this sentiment perfectly:
“There’s pleasure in the suffering, but also moments you wish to erase, like the intense heat, the flat tires, or the endless climbs.”

Serge Vidali and Lili Suhendar: last participants, same fight

As the sun rises, two participants remain on course in the Novella region, at kilometer 800. Lili Suhendar, from Indonesia, and Serge Vidali, the last rider, face the ultimate challenges of the race. At 6:30 a.m., Lili struggles after an exhausting night. His condition worsens an hour later when he crashes, damaging his bike. Serge catches up with him using his GPS, provides support, and offers a spare inner tube to fix the puncture.
“We’re doing it the right way,” says Serge, turning competition into mutual assistance.

Finish line emotions: Étienne Chignard and Loïc Lastenet reunite

At 10:40 a.m., 54-year-old ultra-cyclist Étienne Chignard completes his fifth BikingMan amid applause from his family. His experience doesn’t make the finish line any less emotional:
“It’s magical, and that’s what BikingMan is about: the emotions, the people, and this unique moment you seek after 1,000 km of challenges.”
Even after several editions, each adventure is unique and filled with unforgettable memories.

Shortly after, 30-year-old Loïc Lastenet also arrives in Biguglia, setting a record: he is the only participant to have finished all six editions of BikingMan Corsica. Finishers steadily cross the line, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Tony Boisblet and Philippe Rocher, who tackled the race on a tandem.

Tony Boisblet and Philippe Rocher: an inspiring tandem

By late morning, Tony Boisblet and Philippe Rocher reach Biguglia, greeted as heroes. This duo, comprising a visually impaired athlete and his guide, is the first tandem to complete the 1,000 km Corsican challenge. Tony, whose family had come to support him at checkpoint 2, is overwhelmed with emotion. His mother expresses her pride:
“Tony is everything to me. He’s an example of courage and resilience.”
For Philippe, this challenge embodies the essence of BikingMan:
“It’s this emotion and authenticity we came for. Tony is a source of inspiration through his courage and attitude toward his disability.”
Their tandem finish symbolizes self-overcoming and solidarity.

Véronique and Bruno: the epic journey of the Caledonians

Among the last arrivals, Véronique and Bruno from New Caledonia also cross the line. For them, BikingMan is a family adventure:
“I thought of my grandchildren and children throughout the course. I want to show them the importance of moving forward and looking up, especially in a place as beautiful as Corsica.”
Bruno compares the mountains of New Caledonia to those of the island:
“I never thought I’d do 18,000 meters of elevation gain, but here, anything is possible!”
Their journey through Corsica’s landscapes will remain etched in their memories, even during the most challenging moments.

Serge Vidali, the last to cross the line: solidarity at the heart of the race

The day concludes with the award ceremony and a festive atmosphere. Serge Vidali, whom we followed throughout this final day, crosses the line in the evening to the cheers of gathered participants. He humbly shares:
“You move forward and build solidarity even with strangers. It’s incredible to be welcomed by 200 people, even though we didn’t save lives.”
For Serge, the bonds formed during the race provide a sense of accomplishment.

Lili Suhendar: last finisher of the 2023 edition

At 2 a.m., Lili Suhendar, who came from Indonesia specifically for this challenge, crosses the line in 149th and last place. Despite the obstacles, he wears a radiant smile, symbolizing his tenacity and passion for ultra-cycling. His experience demonstrates that BikingMan is more than a competition: it’s a personal adventure where every finisher surpasses their limits.

Looking back on the 2023 edition: success and rankings

This edition of BikingMan Corsica brought together 171 participants, with 149 successfully completing the course and 22 forced to abandon. The final standings crown Yoan Dercourt as the solo winner, Anouck Ulrich as the first female finisher, and the pair of Mathieu Lalague and Jérôme Lesgourgues. The three categories highlight the diversity and commitment of participants in this unique event.

On to the next stage

The BikingMan Corsica 2023 comes to an end, but the adventure continues. The next stage of the season will take place in June at BikingMan France, with a demanding course including iconic climbs such as Mont Ventoux and the Col de la Bonette. Meanwhile, BikingMan’s social media platforms continue to share the stories and memories from this Corsican edition rich in emotions.

In conclusion, this final day of BikingMan Corsica embodies the spirit of solidarity, self-overcoming, and personal fulfillment inherent in this event. Each participant leaves with memories, indelible images, and the assurance of having lived through an extraordinary challenge.

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Cet article BikingMan Corsica 2023 Day 5: Last arrivals and emotions at the finish line est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.

Tony Boisblet and Philippe Rocher, an inspiring tandem

The story of Tony Boisblet and Philippe Rocher is one of a unique and daring challenge. Already known for completing BikingMan France on a tandem last year, they decided to take on the rugged Corsican terrain together. Tony, who is visually impaired, and Philippe, his guide and partner, have progressed side by side since the start of the race, crossing sublime yet formidable landscapes. By 9 p.m. Wednesday night, they reached Checkpoint 2 in Porto, having covered 670 km. Awaiting Tony at their arrival was an emotional surprise: his family had traveled from the mainland to cheer him on.

Tony’s mother’s words of gratitude toward Philippe underscored the importance of their partnership:
“Thank you, Philippe; you’re always there for our son.”
This bond strengthened their resolve, and after a restorative night at Checkpoint 2, they set off at dawn to tackle the remaining 300 kilometers. With steady pacing and unshakable determination, they were expected to arrive in Biguglia later that day.

Finishers continue to arrive in Biguglia

Biguglia became the gathering point for BikingMan Corsica finishers, with arrivals ongoing day and night. On Wednesday afternoon, the first pair to cross the finish line, Mathieu Lalague and Jérôme Lesgourgues, clocked an impressive time of 63 hours and 49 minutes, placing 28th and 29th. At 1 a.m., Jean-Michel Agut and Julia Sajous arrived, securing 41st and 42nd places, respectively.

These nighttime arrivals, greeted with applause and congratulations, created an intense and festive atmosphere, with each athlete welcomed by those who had already finished. For everyone, the event was a personal achievement, and the support from fellow participants made every victory even more special.

Alain and Sophie: a father-daughter duo taking on Cap Corse

Among the many compelling stories of this edition, the tale of Alain and Sophie stands out. This father-daughter duo chose to share the adventure of BikingMan Corsica together, a decision that speaks to the depth of their familial bond. Encountered on the first day, brimming with determination, they now found themselves on the final stretch along the turquoise waters of Cap Corse.

At 60, Alain was a source of pride for Sophie, who admitted emotionally:
“I’m proud of him because not everyone has a dad in this kind of shape.”
Their bond deepened over the kilometers, even as they managed the challenges of tackling such a demanding event as a duo. For Alain, this experience was a rare opportunity to share a unique moment with his daughter.
“It’s like she’s still mine,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion. Together, they crossed the finish line in 81 hours and 35 minutes, claiming 56th and 57th places.

Balancing personal achievement and the transmission of values

Alain and Sophie’s journey perfectly illustrates the values of perseverance and self-transcendence that define BikingMan. For Alain, this adventure was more than a physical performance:
“The goal isn’t just to finish but to give your best and pass that on to my children.”
This familial dimension added depth to their feat, a reminder that every participant carries motivations far beyond simply crossing the finish line.

A warm atmosphere at the finish line

As more finishers reached Biguglia, the atmosphere at the finish line grew increasingly festive. Those who had already completed the race enthusiastically welcomed their fellow participants, turning the end of the course into a true sporting family reunion. For the approximately 50 remaining participants still on the course, the pressure mounted: they now had less than 24 hours to reach the finish line within the 120-hour limit.

A provisional ranking and determined finishers

At the end of this fourth day, the provisional BikingMan Corsica rankings revealed inspiring performances. The top finishers held their positions while others continued climbing the leaderboard. Every place earned reflected days of preparation, intense effort, and endurance strategies. For the last riders still on the road, the challenge was now to finish within the allotted time, battling fatigue and pain.

Social media and live tracking to follow the final kilometers

As the adventure neared its conclusion, organizers invited fans and participants’ loved ones to track the race in real-time. With social media updates and live tracking provided by partner Owaka, everyone could support the remaining riders on their journey to Biguglia. For these athletes, every message of encouragement counted as they prepared to complete their incredible journey through Corsica.

This fourth day was marked by emotional finishes, stories of solidarity, and a relentless drive for self-improvement. BikingMan Corsica is more than a competition: it embodies the values of perseverance, support, and unbreakable bonds. Tomorrow’s finale promises even more moments of high intensity.

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Cet article BikingMan Corsica 2023 Day 4: Solidarity and perseverance in the final kilometers of the heroes of the Isle of Beauty est apparu en premier sur BikingMan.