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Odyssey of an Ultra-Cyclist
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  1. Along the Miles: All My Cycling Adventures/

BikingMan AURA 2023

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Emilien Mottet
Author
Emilien Mottet
I am Emilien Mottet, a hyperactive ultra-cyclist with a thirst for adventure and discovery. Traveling long, even very long distances by bike is my passion. In 2023, I made my mark by winning the Race Across France and the BikingMan Aura. But beyond titles and victories, what drives me is the journey itself: exploring the world, getting to know myself better, and testing my body and spirit against the challenges of each route. For me, each race is less a competition against other cyclists and more a personal quest for self-improvement. I place great importance on finishing each event, as that’s where my true pride lies. Riding my trusty BMC, I favor a minimalist approach, always aiming to travel as light as possible, even if it means sacrificing comfort.
Table of Contents

BikingMan Aura 2023: An Unforgettable Journey
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The Start
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From my departure in Beaumont les Valences, in the darkness of the 9th wave at 5:09 am, I had a clear plan: stay calm until dawn, then give everything I had to CP1 in St Flour. I firmly believe in the advantage of starting strong on these first hundred kilometers. The body is fresh, the mind is sharp, and everything still seems possible.

Arrival at CP1
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I reached CP1 around 3 pm. Aware of the long night ahead, I took the time to eat something hot, mentally and physically preparing myself for the rest of the race.

The Challenge of the Night
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As I rode, the Cantal landscape unveiled itself in all its splendor after Puy Mary. Arriving in Issoire, I allowed myself to enjoy a descent that I’ve mastered since the Godivelle. But with the beauty of the day comes the cold of the night: 7°C at Vollore Montagne. Traveling light, without gloves or leggings, my sleeves and Gore-Tex windbreaker were my only shields.

The Charm of the Bakery
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When dawn broke, it was the enticing scent of a bakery before Montmerle sur Saône that tempted my taste buds. Who would have thought that a simple mishap with a bank terminal and two chicken bagnats could cost me long minutes and significant digestive effort?

Rest at CP2
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Reaching CP2 around 8 am, I granted myself a well-deserved rest. I already had a lead of 50 km, and I decided to stop for almost 2 hours. A quick shower, a short nap, and I was back on the road.

The Challenges of the Final Segment
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The last stage of the race, marked by 350 km and an elevation gain of 7500 m, was epic. Despite the heat and the almost vertical slope of the Grand Colombier, I drew from my reserves to continue. And the beauty of the Chartreuse at the end of the day was the gift that nature offered me for my efforts.

The End of the Journey
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The Vercors posed a few challenges. For the first time, I felt a certain heaviness in my legs. Hyperglycemia, due to a pack of candies devoured too quickly, did not help. However, the thought of my imminent victory pushed me forward. The descent to Beaumont les Valences, with the arrival at 4:37 am, was a moment of reflection on the incredible adventure I had just lived.

Acknowledgments
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Beyond my personal victory, what touched me most was the unwavering support of my friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Yet again, this support was of paramount importance. Encouragements at Orbeil after Issoire and by the shores of Lake Bourget reminded me why I was doing this. A big thank you to all of you! For your faith in me, for your love, for being my strength when I needed it most. I finished BikingMan Aura 2023, but we all won. Thank you!

Experience with the Organization and Social Networks
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The organization of this event was flawless. Their professionalism and attention to detail greatly contributed to making this race a memorable experience. Furthermore, living this adventure while sharing it on social networks was an enriching experience. The interactions, encouragements, and community dynamics made me want to continue on this path and learn to share even more. It’s a dimension of the sport that I particularly appreciated and am eager to explore further in the future.