The last day of the BikingMan France 2023 was marked by challenging weather conditions. After days of intense heat, this final stretch greeted cyclists with relentless rain, adding an extra layer of difficulty for these ultra-cycling adventurers. On the route between checkpoint 2 and Le Cannet, each participant had to summon their final reserves of strength and courage to reach the finish line, now so close yet still just out of reach.
The veterans of the race: final kilometers and a first-time triumph
By 10 a.m. on Friday morning, the veterans of the race, three men aged 67 and 68, were advancing through the last kilometers. Fueled by weeks of preparation and sheer willpower, they approached these final efforts with a mix of excitement and fulfillment.
“It’s a big moment because we really spent so much time preparing, and now, being 10 km from the finish is emotional,” Didier Carfantan shares.
For them, this challenge symbolizes more than physical performance: it’s a testament to passion and unwavering determination despite the years. By noon, the three veterans cross the finish line in Le Cannet, celebrating their journey with a well-earned accomplishment. They leave behind hundreds of kilometers, elevation gains, and obstacles they overcame together, embodying the very spirit of ultra-cycling.
Rising pressure for the remaining participants
As some reach Le Cannet, about thirty cyclists are still fighting through the last 300 kilometers, where the pressure of the ticking clock grows heavier. The majestic landscapes of Daluis Gorge offer a visual reprieve, yet also announce the final daunting ascent: the Col du Buis. This peak near Saint-Auban, less than 80 km from the finish line, represents the ultimate obstacle in this challenging course.
Between emotion and achievement: the return home
Throughout the afternoon, a steady stream of cyclists arrives at Le Cannet. Among them, Jean-François Daniel, who is deaf, celebrates his arrival with palpable emotion.
“The finish is a mix of emotions, memories, and images etched in my mind,” he shares.
These moments of introspection are precious for these cyclists who, by following the set path, immerse themselves in a profoundly introspective experience. This journey, while physical, becomes a personal voyage, often symbolizing self-discovery and pushing beyond one’s limits. For Jean-François and many others, this race highlights the mental and physical preparation that went into each pedal stroke, helping them overcome self-doubt and concerns about potential mechanical issues or injuries.
At 52, married and a father of two, Franck Wendling sees this experience as a departure from his comfort zone:
“I wanted to get back to the essentials: eating, finding shelter, and above all, pushing my physical limits.”
The rain continues to fall, a constant reminder of the harsh realities of this challenge. Over the last 40 kilometers, cyclists pedal through downpours, adding complexity to each turn of the wheel.
“We even crossed a waterfall right on the road,” shares one participant.
Despite the weather, the support from teammates and friends remains a core pillar of this journey. One cyclist, who almost quit on Monday due to heat exhaustion, finds encouragement in his riding partner:
“I helped him hold on till the end. That’s my greatest satisfaction from this race.”
Striking landscapes and unforgettable memories
Cyclists speak of extraordinary landscapes, surprising encounters, and unexpected moments.
“It’s incredible to see marmots scampering by during an ascent. We don’t get that in daily life!” shares Amélie Plennevaux.
These glimpses of natural beauty offer a counterbalance to the moments of pain and fatigue, providing an emotional equilibrium on this intense journey.
Alexandre Besenval encapsulates this balance, noting:
“In 48 hours, we faced extreme heat, hypothermia, mechanical breakdowns, and moments of discouragement. But each time, we get back on the bike.”
Indeed, mental endurance remains at the heart of this adventure.
Final efforts and crossing the line to cheers
As the day draws to a close, the last rays of afternoon light guide the final cyclists through the final sections of the course. The earlier finishers gather near the finish line to welcome them. The sense of accomplishment is profound, and for some, this journey exceeded all expectations.
“It’s an achievement I made despite my doubts,” confesses Caroline Godher, still moved.
This feeling of pride mingles with physical exhaustion and the challenges they’ve faced.
In the early hours of Saturday, Gabriel Martin, the final finisher of BikingMan France, crosses the finish line with less than five hours to spare before the 120-hour limit.
“I was the last of the group all the way, but it doesn’t matter; the important thing was to finish,” he says humbly.
Exhausted but triumphant, he embodies the core spirit of this race: persevering, no matter how long it takes, to achieve a personal goal.
An unforgettable ending to an epic journey
This BikingMan France 2023 wraps up with intense emotions, indelible memories, and personal stories of perseverance. The 105 finishers of this epic adventure are its heroes, each with a unique story and challenges overcome. From scorching heat to thunderstorms, this race will be remembered for its breathtaking landscapes, challenging climbs, and the courage of those who saw it through to the end.
Participants are now invited to the next stage of the season, BikingMan Aura, set to begin in Beaumont-lès-Valence on August 7. Until then, the spirit of BikingMan lives on in the hearts of these cyclists and their supporters, staying connected through social media and live tracking to relive the moments of this race.
Find us on:
- Website : bikingman.com
- Instagram : bikingman_ultra
- Facebook : bikingmanultra
- Strava : / strava
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