{"id":659,"date":"2025-08-10T11:22:06","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T09:22:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mathieuplessis.com\/?p=659"},"modified":"2025-09-21T18:07:38","modified_gmt":"2025-09-21T16:07:38","slug":"bikingman-555-vercors-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mathieuplessis.com\/en\/bikingman-555-vercors-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"BikingMan 555 Vercors 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Barely a month after the BikingMan Alpes-Maritimes, I\u2019m already at the start of another round of the BikingMan World Series: the 555 Vercors \u2014 470 km of gravel and 11,000 m of climbing.<\/p>\n

The start is on Friday at 9:00 am from Villard-de-Lans, in the heart of the Vercors Regional Park. The weather forecast is fickle: possible rain, cool temperatures for the season, around 8\u00b0C at night.
\nThe night before, I can\u2019t sleep properly \u2014 turning over my clothing choices again and again. Take too much, and it\u2019s extra weight. Take too little, and risk shivering at the summit, soaked and freezing. Finding the balance is the real puzzle.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_gallery css=”” type=”image_grid” images=”615,631,617″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” bypass_image_cropping=”true” item_spacing=”default” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Start: full gas” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1754923483211{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]9:00 am. The air is fresh, almost cold. A few rays of sun pierce through heavy, rain-laden clouds. Right from the start, the route sends us into an 8 km steady climb.
\nA group of six quickly pulls away. The pace is still under control \u2014 perfect to avoid burning all your matches too soon. The adrenaline of the opening kilometers in ultra-distance racing always has a price.<\/p>\n

At the top, it\u2019s time for the gravel descent. Manu Trigny blasts past me like a rocket. Competitive (and a bit proud), I jump on his wheel. Suddenly, we\u2019re alone at the front. The track joins a winding road diving into the valley. Gr\u00e9gory Cassini, overall winner in 2024 and a local rider, catches us and takes the lead. I tuck in behind him, enjoying his perfect lines.<\/p>\n

At the bottom, the terrain turns rolling, with low-gradient passes. This suits me. I feel good, the start-line euphoria fading. I push a bit, take the lead around km 70, and soak in the scenery: the omnipresent green, dense vegetation, and above all, the incredible passage through the Combe Laval cirque.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_gallery css=”” type=”image_grid” images=”603,625,627,645,641,633″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”3″ masonry_style=”true” bypass_image_cropping=”true” item_spacing=”default” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”End of the fun” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1754923510146{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Km 120. The gradients rise\u2026 and so does the temperature. I feel my feet heating up \u2014 always the same issue when pushing hard in the heat. A storm is on its way. The first drops quickly turn into a heavy downpour.
\nSimon Rambaud passes me, with Greg just behind. I hold my pace. In ultra, you optimize the highs and endure the lows. I know I\u2019ll bounce back \u2014 it\u2019s just a matter of patience.<\/p>\n

I stop to put on my rain jacket. Manu Trigny catches me and we ride within a few hundred meters of each other all the way to CP1, km 245.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Checkpoint and strategic choice” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1754923538619{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]I arrive 3rd at the Checkpoint. It\u2019s 10:30 pm. The two in front leave quickly, without sleeping. Initially, I\u2019d planned a 15\u201330 minute break, but I know I won\u2019t fall asleep this early. I eat, change for the cold, wet night ahead, and set off again\u2026 a bit too quickly, with empty bottles. I realize in the descent. Luck is on my side \u2014 I find water in the first village.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_gallery css=”” type=”image_grid” images=”621,601,637,611″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”4″ masonry_style=”true” bypass_image_cropping=”true” item_spacing=”default” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”A full night on the bike” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1754923567211{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Nights in ultra always have something special. The atmosphere shifts. Light beams dance, switching modes depending on whether you\u2019re climbing or descending, to save battery life.<\/p>\n

The shadows and nighttime sounds put on a little theatre: animal eyes glowing in the distance, branches turned into strange silhouettes\u2026 Deer dart away, wild boar make more noise than a sprinter in the final 200 m.
\nThe wind is fierce on certain passes \u2014 at the Col de Rousset, you almost have to fight to stay upright when exiting the tunnel.<\/p>\n

Between 3 and 4 am, the critical hour: lucidity falters. Like driving at night on a long road trip, the mind wanders. But on a bike, descending at over 70 km\/h, mistakes are forbidden. I shout \u2014 not to scare off wild boar like in Corsica, but to wake my body and brain.<\/p>\n

Despite the cold, I feel better than in Corsica. The kilometers tick by smoothly.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”The sun rises, and so do the mountains” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1754923593666{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]The first light reveals a majestic Vercors, wrapped in fog. The descent along the Gresse river is gentle and soothing before the final two climbs.<\/p>\n

The first, the old tramway route between Seyssins and Saint-Nizier, is pure misery: 12 km of loose stones. With my 40 mm rear tire, it\u2019s a rough ride. I nurse my creaking drivetrain and spare my rear rim.
\nThe gaps stay stable: I\u2019m 3rd, the two ahead are out of reach, and behind is secure.<\/p>\n

The final climb is made for me: a smooth gravel track at 6%. I can push a bigger gear and enjoy the last moments. Barring a mechanical issue, the podium is secured. I take in the unique atmosphere one last time.<\/p>\n

At the bottom, Axel Carion (the BikingMan boss) comes to meet me. We ride the last flowing singletracks to Villard-de-Lans together, under a few rays of sun. The bell rings: adventure over.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_gallery css=”” type=”image_grid” images=”613,643,629,607,605,635,623,619″ image_grid_loading=”default” layout=”4″ masonry_style=”true” bypass_image_cropping=”true” item_spacing=”default” gallery_style=”7″ load_in_animation=”none” img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Takeaways” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1754923619822{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]A BikingMan well-managed, with no set time goal but solid handling of highs and lows. The cool weather was a big help. Resupply was efficient, and I never needed the Camelbak thanks to plentiful water points.<\/p>\n

Points to improve:<\/strong><\/p>\n