That's it, it's over!

From August 19th to 24th, 2023, the first edition of our ultra-distance cycling challenge took place: The Giants. More than 100 cyclists came to test themselves against the most beautiful French collars on three routes of 300, 500 or 1000 km, alone or as a couple. It's difficult to summarize five days if rich in encounters, mutual support, and self-improvement in a single text, but we will do our best.

1. To do an ultra, you need to get in shape

If some of us had shared the stages of their preparation during the preceding months, we met the majority of participants at the time of bib collection at Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse, or at the briefing, Pierre Lamy room in the city center of Annecy.

Each person arrived with their own physical condition and level of confidence. ; We could only check their bikes and mandatory equipment. However, they all seemed to share two things in common: They were They were highly motivated and prepared to face intense heat. With climate change, weather conditions are becoming increasingly unpredictable; however, we will gradually have to get used to these kinds of temperatures in the summer.

The organizing team explained the origins of the event during the briefing and was able to provide participants with any missing information about the challenge, as well as answer their questions. Geoffrey, co-organizer of the event, also made sure they were aware of the precautions to take to prevent heatstroke or severe dehydration.

The following morning, between 7:15 and 7:45, the race started on the Pâquier. wide promenade located on the banks of the Lake Annecy and offering a Magnificent view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

2. To complete an ultramarathon, you need to take your time.

Since everyone approaches an ultramarathon with their own motivations, everyone runs at their own pace. That's what we love about ultramarathons; there's no single truth. the essentials the goal being to reach the finish line within the allotted time and in good health.

At their own pace, the competitors then set off towards the Alpine passes on the Three defined routes. While the fastest were already tackling the mountain passes at a running pace, Others managed their race calmly, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and playing with the heat. Some even chose to lose time during the day to ride more at night, in the cooler weather.

As we had imagined, the conditions took their toll from the very first hours of the competition. A few Participants, particularly those on the shorter distances (300 and 500 km), were overwhelmed by the heat, unable to make progress, and preferred to return to Annecy rather than risk further injury. more Health problems, a decision we support. Fortunately, the majority were able to continue their journey through our mountain ranges to reach the various checkpoints or the finish line.

As the hours, days, and kilometers passed, everyone found what they were looking for: a moment to reconnect, an opportunity to discover themselves, a chance to meet new people and share experiences...Assisted by an incredible team of volunteers at checkpoints, in vehicles, and at the security command post, and followed by their relatives They all gave it their all and we thank them for it.

3. To complete an ultra, you need to nail your finish.

The first arrivals From those who achieved incredible sporting performances to those who could boast of having completed a more than ambitious challenge, we did not want to make any distinction. All were warmly welcomed at Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse with food and drink, sometimes the presence of loved ones, and an edelweiss for each participant. This plant, symbol of eternity and past love will represent the seed that germinated in each of the cyclists during the event.

We were particularly struck by the cohesion that has reigned Among the participants: Cyclists forced to abandon the race offered their help at the finish line in the following days, and finishers who could gladly stayed in the area to welcome those who came after. Sometimes one or two days later!

To conclude this event, we all gathered together. At Woodstock Garden for the Finisher Party, the outdoor bar of theAnnecy Hostel (Annecy youth hostel): A friendly place offering both local cuisine and beers.

It's a tightly packed account of five It was a very intense few days, but it doesn't matter because everyone will come back with their own head full of memories! We'll of course complement it with a photo album. And we're excited to announce a film of the event in a few weeks. We can already tell you all about the second edition of the Giants next summer! You can register for subscribe to our newsletter now to be kept informed of all the information.

We thank all the participants, volunteers, photographers, and event partners (lthe city of Annecy, the Annecy Mountains destination, the Ford Annecy garage, Black Sheep vans, the Maurten and TA brands) for their presence and support.