The spectators shouted this Sunday August 28 to encourage the more than 2,600 participants of the 13th edition of the 24 Hours Bikes on the Bugatti circuit of Le Mans. Under the stands, in the paddocks, the runners display big smiles on arrival, but also large dark circles under their eyes. “There, after 5 hours of cycling in total, I will sleep well tonight“, announces Benoit, who was running with six colleagues from his company. “My legs hurt too much, I’m a little sorry, but afterwards I’ll feel the pleasure of what I’ve accomplished.“
Some didn’t wait for the final bell to come out the camping table and the aperitif. “We’ve been waiting for it for 24 hours, after the pressure on the track, the one in the glass is a pleasure“laughs Victorio, not really a fan of cycling, but having come to have a good time this weekend.”It was great to ride on a circuit like that, a good first experience“, adds Willy, who also came with friends.
Registration completed in one hour
Because since 2009, the 24 Hours bikes attract more and more. This year, in January, all registrations were completed in an instant. “That we were full in one hour is a first and it was also a surprise for us.“, says Romain Gasnal, the organizer. “We had more than 300 teams on the waiting list, our organization is adapting, but we will always be frustrated. This is the price to pay to have an event that lasts with a quality welcome.“
In the standings, if there was suspense between the two teams of four Dutch from Scorpions Racing Team, they nevertheless dominated the rest of the ranking. Already defending champions, under their former name, Sarto Endurance Team, the two teams were one lap ahead of the six Frenchmen from Socopa Viande 1. Note also the performance of the eight riders of the France Bleu Maine team who finished 403rd out of 580.