The giants
That's it, it's over!
From August 19 to 24, 2023, the first edition of our ultra-distance cycling challenge was held: The Giants. More than 100 cyclists came to compete against the most beautiful French collars on three routes of 300, 500 or 1000 km, alone or two. It’s difficult to summarize five days for you if rich in encounters, in mutual aid and in surpassing oneself in a text, but we will do our best.
1. To do an ultra, you have to get in condition
If some of us had shared the stages of their preparation during the previous months, we met the majority of the participants when collecting their bibs at the Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse, or at the briefing, Pierre Lamy room in the city center of Annecy.
Everyone arrived with their own physical condition and confidence level. ; We could only check their bikes and their mandatory equipment. However, they all seemed to share two things in common: They were highly motivated and were going to face intense heat. With climate change, weather conditions are becoming more and more unpredictable, however, we will have to gradually get used to these types of temperatures in the summer.
The organizing team explained the genesis of the event during the briefing and was able to provide the participants with any missing explanations about the event and answer their questions. Geoffrey, co-organizer of the event, also made them aware of the behaviors to adopt to prevent heatstroke or cases of severe dehydration.
The next morning between 7:15 and 7:45, the departure was given on the Pâquier, wide promenade located on the banks of the Lake Annecy and offering a magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
2. To do an ultra, you have to take your time
As everyone shows up for an ultra with their own motivations, everyone runs their race at their own pace. That's what we love about ultras, there's no truth, the essentials being to reach the finish line within the allotted time and in good health.
At their pace, the competitors set off towards the Alpine passes on the three defined routes. While the fastest were already starting the passes at a running pace, Others took it easy, 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 expected, the conditions caused damage from the first hours of the race. A few participants, especially on the shorter distances (300 and 500 km) found themselves crushed by the heat, unable to move forward and preferred to return to Annecy rather than risk more health problems, a decision we support. Fortunately, the majority were able to continue their journey through our mountains to reach the various checkpoints or the finish line.
Over the hours, days and kilometers, everyone found what they came looking for: A moment to meet up, an opportunity to discover each other, the opportunity to meet people and share... Assisted by an incredible team of volunteers at the checkpoints, in the vehicles or at the security PC, and followed by their loved ones, They all went to the limit and we thank them for it.
3. To do an ultra, you have to take care of your arrival
First arrivals who have achieved incredible sporting performances, to the last ones who can boast of having completed a more than ambitious challenge, we did not want to make any distinction. All were warmly welcomed at the Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse with something to eat, sometimes the presence of loved ones and an Edelweiss for each of the participants. 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 which reigned between the participants: Cyclists forced to abandon the race offered their help at the finish line during the following days, the finishers who could were happy to stay in the area to come and welcome the others, sometimes a day or two later!
To close this event, we all met up 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.
This is a well-packed account of five Very intense days, but it doesn't matter because everyone will come back with their own memories! We will of course add a photo album to it. and we will announce a film of the event in a few weeks. We can already look forward to seeing you next summer for the second edition of the Giants! You can register at our newsletter now to be kept up to date with 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, the Black Sheep vans, the Maurten and TA brands) for their presence and support.
