Introduction to the BikingMan challenge in the Alpes Maritimes
BikingMan Origine Alpes Maritimes is the third event of the season in the self-supported ultracycling world championship. Spanning a single 1,000-kilometer course through the Alpes Maritimes, participants must conquer 22,000 meters of elevation gain in under 120 hours—five days of complete autonomy, with no external support for food, sleep, or repairs.
Axel Carion, founder of the BikingMan races, highlights the uniqueness of this event:
“This loop from Valberg to Valberg passes through iconic checkpoints in Briançon and Italy, including the Finestre and Lombarde passes. Participants will experience a variety of legendary Franco-Italian climbs in total immersion.”
The stages alternate between long climbs and descents across breathtaking landscapes, creating a course tailored for experienced endurance cyclists.
Participant insights: Strategies and expectations
Georges André “Giorgio” Camp-Rubi, a veteran with eight BikingMan races under his belt, approaches this edition in the Alpes Maritimes with optimism:
“I feel well-prepared this year. Experience has taught me how to manage tough moments.”
He reflects on his previous participation in BikingMan Brazil, a race that underscored the importance of embracing pain as a gateway to extraordinary experiences.
Axel, while detailing the technical challenges of the course, also shares advice for newcomers. The long ascents and steep gradients demand immense physical and mental resilience. According to him,
“For amateur cyclists, this course is a unique opportunity to push their limits and discover legendary locations, supported by the event’s dynamic atmosphere.”
A demanding course across France and Italy
For this edition, the event takes on an international dimension, incorporating sections in Italy. Axel explains that the idea of this “Franco-Italian duality” stems partly from the historical connection between the Alpes Maritimes and Italy, as well as the untamed beauty of the Italian passes. However, unpredictable weather and the closure of the Bonette Pass due to climatic conditions required constant route adjustments.
The stages feature a variety of challenges. Axel warns that climbs can stretch up to 30 kilometers, and the Lombarde Pass on the Italian side will test cyclists with its steep gradients. The descriptions of the mountains oscillate between admiration and caution, reflecting the essence of the race.
Preparation and perspectives of first-timers
Marion Joubert, a newcomer to BikingMan, approaches her first participation with a mix of apprehension and motivation:
“Sleep is my main concern, but I’m preparing to stop when necessary.”
She is ready to embrace the unknown, drawing on her background in multisport raids that also require endurance and resilience. Her strategy includes scouting potential rest spots and resupply points.
For Marion, this race is both a personal challenge and an opportunity to immerse herself in stunning landscapes:
“This kind of event is a chance to step out of everyday life and create unforgettable moments. Sunrises are incredible, and the scenery is a great source of motivation.”
Her approach involves pacing herself carefully and incorporating rest periods to maintain her stamina.
Clément Bancon, participating in his fifth BikingMan, plans to forgo sleep on the first night. Having successfully used this strategy before, he feels confident in his ability to manage fatigue and weather conditions:
“By optimizing sleep phases, you can save time without exhausting yourself.”
For Clément, ultracycling is a delicate balance of performance and enjoyment, and the Alpes Maritimes course represents an ideal mix of escape and physical challenge.
The challenge of mountain weather
A central concern for all participants is the unpredictability of mountain weather. Axel predicts cooler temperatures, offering relief after a recent heatwave in the region. However, rain is likely, and the combination of cold and wet conditions poses a destabilizing risk, especially on descents where hypothermia becomes a concern.
Both Clément and Marion emphasize their preparations for these elements, each packing appropriate gear. Marion highlights the difficulty of combining rain and fatigue, particularly as wet descents increase danger. Despite these challenges, Axel views unpredictable weather as an integral part of the adventure, enhancing the intensity of the BikingMan experience.
A unique event in organization and setting
Axel reflects on the logistics and efforts required to ensure participant safety despite unforeseen constraints. He expresses gratitude to the Alpes Maritimes department and Italian authorities for their support in organizing this cross-border race. With limited access to mountain roads, coordination with local authorities was essential to ensure their availability and safety.
He also emphasizes the uniqueness of this race within the ultracycling landscape:
“This is a route few people will ever have the chance to ride in their lifetime. It’s also a collective challenge where every participant contributes to the event’s unique atmosphere.”
Giorgio adds that the duality between autonomy and camaraderie—where each cyclist manages their own journey while being part of a collective adventure—is what makes BikingMan so captivating.
Goals and motivations of participants
As a veteran, Giorgio aims to savor every moment of this edition, having learned to embrace challenges and manage tough phases. For Marion, the primary goal is to finish the race, ideally within the time limit and without excessive fatigue. Meanwhile, Clément hopes for a top-15 finish while staying mindful of his pace and physical limits.
Marion concludes by encouraging more women to participate in such events:
“Once you overcome the barrier of the first participation, you realize the adventure is within reach for everyone and incredibly rewarding.”
Axel agrees, explaining that BikingMan promotes diversity among participants and aims to make endurance cycling more accessible to all.
The eve of an epic adventure
For participants, BikingMan Origine Alpes Maritimes 2024 represents a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the Alpes Maritimes from an extreme and immersive perspective. The course, both exhilarating and daunting, promises to create lasting memories for cyclists, whether they are beginners or seasoned veterans.
On the eve of the start, everyone seems ready to tackle the challenge, armed with different strategies but united by a shared passion for ultracycling and exploration.
Axel concludes by emphasizing that BikingMan is not just a cycling race but a human experience where every difficulty overcome strengthens the bonds between participants and pushes them beyond their limits.
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