Will Schofield, a Senior Sports Reporter for Daily Star Sport, took on the Race Across Series 205km bike race through the French Alps, starting in Mandelieu on the Côte d'Azur. The race, created by former ultra-racer Arnaud Manzanini, offers distances from 205km to 2,500km and is designed to be 'much more than a cycling competition.'
Night Riding in the Alps
Schofield began the race at sunset, climbing into the Alps as darkness fell. Despite being his first real night ride, he quickly adapted, enjoying the solitude of the mountains. He noted that while training for distance and elevation is possible, preparing for descending mountains in total darkness is challenging in England.
After starting too quickly and passing earlier riders, Schofield found himself alone for long stretches. His isolation ended in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, where he refilled water while partygoers enjoyed their Saturday night. The climb up Col du Ferrier offered only distant streetlights instead of daytime views.
Cat and Mouse and Solitude
On the Col du Ferrier, Schofield spotted a flashing light ahead, beginning a cat-and-mouse game that lasted until the highest point of the route. He was eventually passed on the Col de Bleine by a rider who would go on to podium. That was the last cyclist he saw for nearly three hours.
At 80km, the Col de Bleine marked the end of most climbing. The next 80km were spent alone, chased by a stray dog, searching for phone signal to check the England score, and hoping for drinkable water fountains.
Mandatory Sleep Rules for Safety
At Bargemon, Schofield encountered backmarkers from the 1000km race, which included mountains like Mont Ventoux. Manzanini has introduced mandatory sleep rules for longer distances: every rider must sleep at least four hours every 36 hours. 'If the rider doesn't comply with the sleep requirement, it's immediate disqualification. There is no negotiation when it comes to safety,' Manzanini said. He knows the dangers firsthand, having fallen asleep at traffic lights during the Race Across America.
Return to Cycling's Roots
The final 50km took Schofield through a string of towns back to the base of Le Grand Duc, the gateway to the Côte d'Azur. He reflected that ultra events like the Race Across Series return cycling to its adventurous roots—just the rider and the bike, without obsessing over watts and weight.
Across 205km and almost 4000m of vertical gain, Schofield was reminded why he loves the sport. 'There were no times or numbers to chase; it was just riding because it’s fun,' he wrote.
