Intense start and Corsican challenges on day 1 of BikingMan Corsica 2023: emotions, early difficulties, and breathtaking landscapes

The BikingMan Corsica 2023, the second stage of the ultra-distance world championship, kicked off on the Isle of Beauty with 171 participants ready to tackle 1,000 km and 18,000 meters of elevation gain. The monumental challenge, to be completed in full autonomy within 120 hours, began in Biguglia, near Bastia. Athletes gathered at the starting village for equipment checks, GPS tracker setup, and the final briefing, blending excitement and apprehension.

“It’s always the same before a race like this—a mix of feelings. You’re eager to start, but you never really know what to expect. The weather, mechanical breakdowns, anything can happen,” shared one cyclist, adjusting his gear, ready to embark on an adventure through Corsica’s stunning landscapes.

Early start: 5 a.m. to face the first ascents

At 5 a.m., 161 riders set off after some last-minute withdrawals. Under the early morning light, Corsica revealed its beauty in Murato, offering a glimpse of its mountainous and demanding terrain. For Alain Broglia, accompanied by his daughter Sophie, this was more than just a race:

“For us, it’s a unique opportunity to share precious moments, away from daily life. We have 120 hours—or maybe less—to tell stories and support each other through this incredible adventure.”

They moved forward together, determined to savor every moment of this one-of-a-kind experience.

A route filled with rest stops and spectacular mountain passes

The first 60 km allowed participants to settle into the race, but challenges quickly emerged, especially during the crossing of the Corsican Regional Natural Park and the Castagniccia region. Corsica’s wild beauty shone through its winding roads and steep elevation changes.

“The scenery is breathtaking. It’s my first time in Corsica, and I couldn’t be happier to be here. The road ahead is long, but every kilometer is pure wonder,” shared Anouck Ulrich, visibly captivated.

Improvised pit stops along the route became welcome breaks for cyclists and local shopkeepers, thrilled by the activity. Small village stores offering provisions and cold drinks turned into treasured oases for these athletes in need of energy.

Early dropouts and technical issues

This unforgiving race quickly claimed its first casualties. Within hours, some participants were forced to abandon, such as Stéphane Anta, who suffered a severe crash requiring medical attention. Others faced early mechanical failures. For some, it was a flat tire, but for Lucas Delcourt at the front of the pack, it was a broken small chainring at kilometer 40:

“I’m stuck with just the big chainring. Guess I’ll have to push harder!” he joked, determined to continue despite the setback.

A focused lead group dominating the first stages

As always in BikingMan races, a lead group emerged early. Vincent Cockenpot led the charge, closely followed by Yoan Dercourt, a seasoned ultra-cyclist and last year’s runner-up at BikingMan Oman.

“I’m feeling better and better, though the start was tough. My legs felt heavy initially, but it’s improving,” Yoan remarked, staying focused on his pace and performance goals.

Etienne Paillard, trailing the lead duo by a few kilometers, chose a more relaxed approach:

“I’m not worried about the rankings; I’m riding at my own pace. What matters is finding my rhythm and moving steadily forward.”

This leading pack raced towards Ghisoni, tackling one of the course’s first major ascents: Col de Verde, perched at 1,290 meters. Its steep gradients and stunning views tested both the cyclists’ legs and resolve.

Storms and varied strategies for tackling the night

Weather conditions worsened for some riders approaching Col de Verde. Nicolas took advantage of a sunny break to recharge with a well-deserved pizza stop:

“I dodged the rain so far. Getting back on the road under the sun after a good meal—it’s perfect,” he said, delighted.

Others weren’t as lucky. Bernard, another participant, found himself caught in a downpour just a kilometer from the summit:

“It was a deluge! I reached the top soaking wet, and the descent was slippery and dangerous,” he recounted while trying to warm up.

Into the night: a grueling battle for the determined

As night fell, the race transformed into a test of mental and physical endurance. Every pedal stroke counted for maintaining or closing gaps. Vincent Cockenpot continued to dominate the provisional leaderboard, surpassing the 400 km mark, followed by Yoan Dercourt and Etienne Paillard. Romain Bezot and Florent Dumas fought for fourth and fifth places. Julie Langlois, the race’s leading female, impressed with her 15th place in the general classification.

Towards checkpoint 1: unwavering motivation for the next day

At the end of this intense first day, athletes steadily approached the checkpoint in Porto-Vecchio. Despite the night and mounting fatigue, their motivation remained intact. The Corsican challenge promises to be long and arduous, a fact all participants are acutely aware of. Yet, for these ultra-cycling enthusiasts, each kilometer is a victory, every climb a step closer to triumph.

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