{"id":460,"date":"2025-06-03T09:21:25","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T07:21:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mathieuplessis.com\/?p=460"},"modified":"2025-10-09T21:28:11","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T19:28:11","slug":"2025-corsica-bikingman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mathieuplessis.com\/en\/2025-corsica-bikingman\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Corsica BikingMan"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-5-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;top-bottom&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]With a slight delay\u2014time to gather the photos and let the memories settle\u2014here is finally my debrief of BikingMan Corsica 2025. My first BikingMan of the year\u2026 and yes, there will be more.<\/p>\n<p>This year, preparation was far from ideal. Not many long rides, a packed schedule, delays with gear\u2026 I approached the start with barely over 5,000 km logged, most of it on a mountain bike between January and late March. In the end, it helped with cadence and flexibility, even if I clearly lacked long-distance volume.<\/p>\n<p>The race? 983 km, 120-hour time limit, nearly 20,000 meters of elevation gain. A full-on Corsican loop. A warm-up lap around Cap Corse before diving into the serious stuff. Over 28 climbs on the GPS: Col de Battaglia, the long climb up Vergio, the Bavella Needles, and a few surprises courtesy of Axel Carion\u2014those unlikely roads, borderline gravel at times, with brutal gradients.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_gallery css=&#8221;&#8221; type=&#8221;image_grid&#8221; images=&#8221;404,414,400&#8243; image_grid_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; layout=&#8221;3&#8243; masonry_style=&#8221;true&#8221; bypass_image_cropping=&#8221;true&#8221; item_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; gallery_style=&#8221;7&#8243; load_in_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-5-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;top-bottom&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Day 1 \u2013 Cap Corse, Battaglia, and a freezing night&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1750689362957{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]Start at 11:30 am, in waves. The sun is shining. Weather forecast is perfect for the whole event.<\/p>\n<p>The Cap Corse loop goes perfectly. Smooth roads, gentle gradients. Exactly the kind of terrain that suits my 90 kg. The only downside: processionary caterpillars. Constant slaloming required, some drop from the trees, they\u2019re crawling all over the road.<\/p>\n<p>I stay in control, keep the watts low to avoid burning out. The average speed is high\u2014over 27 km\/h for the first 250 km\u2014and I\u2019m feeling good.<\/p>\n<p>Then comes the Col de Battaglia. Slopes over 16%, and I immediately realize my gearing (42 \/ 10-44) will be tight. I spin the pedals, trying to stay under 300-340 watts, but quickly, my rear derailleur beeps\u2026 I\u2019m already in the lowest gear.<\/p>\n<p>From that point on, I\u2019ve got no margin. I climb standing, pushing hard, and I\u2019m not alone. I pass two riders, get passed by two others. We\u2019re all zigzagging across the road to ease the gradient. It\u2019s steep, but the atmosphere is magical. The sun sets, the sky lights up, and the view descending toward Bocca di Laggiarello is spectacular.<\/p>\n<p>I reach CP1 in Olmi-Cappella (km 226) an hour ahead of my plan. I take time to eat, refill bottles, catch my breath. Then I head into a freezing descent. I stop to put on my down jacket and long gloves\u2014the cold bites hard on those night descents.<\/p>\n<p>Next up: Col de Vergio. Nearly 40 km of climbing, but a very steady profile. I find my rhythm, overtake another rider, we exchange a few words, then I continue alone. I reach the top around 2:45 am, with an icy wind blowing. I put on all my layers\u2014leg warmers, down jacket, buff\u2014and begin the descent.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s long\u2014over 30 km\u2014and freezing. I focus on the centerline to keep my trajectory. The final kilometers are tough. I spot two wild boars, start dozing off on the bike. My goal: reach Porto and sleep for an hour.<\/p>\n<p>Arriving in Porto, I find a clean car wash station. I discreetly park my bike and lay down on a slab, shielded from the wind and streetlights. I fall asleep quickly\u2026 but only for 14 minutes. Cramps wake me up. I try to sleep again\u2014no way. I toss and turn for 40 minutes. I leave without really sleeping, and having lost an hour.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_gallery css=&#8221;&#8221; type=&#8221;image_grid&#8221; images=&#8221;386,394,390,388,418,406&#8243; image_grid_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; layout=&#8221;3&#8243; masonry_style=&#8221;true&#8221; bypass_image_cropping=&#8221;true&#8221; item_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; gallery_style=&#8221;7&#8243; load_in_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-5-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;top-bottom&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Day 2 \u2013 Meltdown&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1750689487973{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]Strangely enough, I feel okay starting again. The sunrise over the Piana calanques gives me a second wind. I ride up toward Carg\u00e8se\u2014everything is closed. In Sagone, a station has just opened: I stock up on water, two Cokes, a snack.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m feeling good. The climbs come one after another, steady, not too steep. But in the descents, the cold is still brutal.<\/p>\n<p>I pass CP2 in Vero (km 465) around 10:45 am. Then\u2026 I crash. Literally. A long gravel-like climb to Col de Scalella drains me. I unclip and walk three times. My bike computer pauses\u2014I\u2019m too slow. A Corsican friend, Herv\u00e9, drove from Porticcio to cheer me on; he\u2019s waiting at the summit. He sees me arrive, I\u2019m in rough shape\u2026 We chat for five minutes, then I push on, trying not to lose too much time.<\/p>\n<p>The whole afternoon is a nightmare. I\u2019m falling asleep on the bike. I lose track of time. I try to nap but can\u2019t find a quiet, shaded, or isolated spot. I\u2019m empty. I squeeze in 7 minutes on a bus stop bench\u2014no better.<\/p>\n<p>Gradually, Corsica pulls me back. I lift my head. The landscape drives me forward. I ride through Aull\u00e8ne, stop at a bar to refill water.<\/p>\n<p>Evening comes. I rack up more kilometers, ride through Zonza, climb toward L\u2019Ospedale. Night falls. The wind picks up. So do humidity and clouds. The wild boars return. I narrowly avoid them on the descent to Porto-Vecchio. I shout in the dark to scare them off. I\u2019ve never seen so many animals in one night.<\/p>\n<p>I decide not to attempt the Bavella Needles at night. Too risky. Too drained. I find a hotel in Solenzara. Sandwich, quick shower, two alarms: 60 min and 180 min. I miss the first. I sleep 3 hours.<\/p>\n<p>I lose four places. But I recover.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_gallery css=&#8221;&#8221; type=&#8221;image_grid&#8221; images=&#8221;408,416,412,422&#8243; image_grid_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; layout=&#8221;4&#8243; masonry_style=&#8221;true&#8221; bypass_image_cropping=&#8221;true&#8221; item_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; gallery_style=&#8221;7&#8243; load_in_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-5-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;top-bottom&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Day 3 \u2013 Rebirth&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1750689415878{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]4:30 am, I set off again. The Bavella Needles await. Steep. Long. But stunning. Sunrise over the cliffs. I climb without forcing it, soaking in the views.<\/p>\n<p>I run into Nicolas, a bikepacker. We chat a bit, then go our separate ways. It\u2019s a beautiful day, the climbs flow well. I\u2019ve got my legs back. I\u2019m still switching between down jacket and short sleeves at every pass\u2014wasting too much time changing. I\u2019ll need to improve that.<\/p>\n<p>The 8th rider is 20 km ahead, the 10th, 20 km behind. I manage my effort. I want to finish clean.<\/p>\n<p>Between Al\u00e9ria and Talasani, I thought I could power through in the big ring. Axel (the organizer) had other plans. Isolated, punchy, punishing roads. I\u2019m glad to have 34 mm tires.<\/p>\n<p>The final two climbs are hell. I\u2019d been dreading them\u2014they didn\u2019t disappoint. Gradients over 20%, winding roads, seemingly endless. But I\u2019m in my bubble.<\/p>\n<p>One last call to my kids, to my partner. I climb, slowly\u2014but I climb.<\/p>\n<p>Last descent. Last flat kilometers. I push a bit, hoping to reach the restaurant near the campsite before closing. Too late. Closed.<\/p>\n<p>I cross the finish line around 9:30 pm. The BikingMan bell rings\u2014a release. A sound that marks the end of 2\u00bd days of struggle, doubt, and beauty. Axel is there, surrounded by the Race Angels. Smiles, hugs, pats on the back\u2026 The ritual is well-rehearsed, but heartfelt. The organizing team is truly outstanding. One final embrace, a few simple but powerful words. A wave of human warmth, enough to stir deep emotion. And the profound satisfaction of having held on. Of having made it through day two.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_gallery css=&#8221;&#8221; type=&#8221;image_grid&#8221; images=&#8221;420,398,396,392,412,402&#8243; image_grid_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; layout=&#8221;3&#8243; masonry_style=&#8221;true&#8221; bypass_image_cropping=&#8221;true&#8221; item_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; gallery_style=&#8221;7&#8243; load_in_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-5-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;top-bottom&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Gear&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1750689560903{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; el_id=&#8221;bike&#8221;]I rode with an Open UP\u2014a true all-round gravel bike that turned out to be an excellent choice. Stable, reliable, comfortable, and above all, versatile thanks to its generous tire clearance.<\/p>\n<p>I ran 34 mm tubeless Schwalbe Pro Ones on ZIPP 303 Firecrest wheels. Major strengths: outstanding comfort, great grip, and no lateral wind issues on descents. Not a single puncture, not a single mechanical.<\/p>\n<p>For the drivetrain, I used a SRAM XPLR 42 \/ 10-44 setup\u2014but clearly, it wasn\u2019t enough. On the steepest climbs, I needed a real MTB gearing, like a mullet setup with a 10-52. That said, the SRAM AXS electronic system performed flawlessly: one battery was enough for the whole race (I had a second as backup, never needed it).<\/p>\n<p>Disc brakes, of course. A must for this kind of race.<\/p>\n<p>For bags, I used Cyclite\u2014generally well-designed, but I need a better system to access my down jacket quickly without opening the saddlebag or removing the Camelbak. Something to improve.<\/p>\n<p>Garmin 1040 head unit. Great battery life, ClimbPro super helpful for anticipating climbs, but the route recalculation was erratic: it shut down three times without reason and showed a 10 km error near the finish.<\/p>\n<p>Comfort-wise: stem too low, bar tape too thin. Result: heavy carpal tunnel compression and several weeks later, my fingers are still numb. That\u2019ll need fixing.<\/p>\n<p>The aerobars I loved in Morocco were useless here. Not enough flat sections.<\/p>\n<p>Lighting:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Headlamp: Decathlon Forclaz HL900 + spare battery \u2013 excellent.<\/li>\n<li>Front light: Garmin Varia UT800 \u2013 full power for descents.<\/li>\n<li>Rear radar: Garmin Varia \u2013 only used on main roads.<\/li>\n<li>Rear light: Decathlon SL110 \u2013 50 hours of battery life for under \u20ac4, unbeatable value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Down jacket: Decathlon Forclaz \u2013 perfect for long cold descents and sleeping on the ground.<\/p>\n<p>For audio: Shokz Open Run Pro 2 bone-conduction headset. Perfect for calling my family during long climbs, super comfortable. I\u2019m planning to load up some podcasts for future races. I don\u2019t listen to music\u2014I like to stay connected to the environment, especially at night.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_content&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;434&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; img_link_large=&#8221;yes&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-5-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;top-bottom&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221;&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":423,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"BikingMan Corsica 2025 \u2013 983 km & 20,000 m Climbing","_seopress_titles_desc":"A brutal Corsican loop: 983 km, ~20,000 m climbing, wild terrain and iconic passes. 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