1,800 cyclists on the starting line: a look back at a crazy edition of the Bol d'Or Vélo on the Castellet circuit

On Saturday, the Bol d'Or Vélo kicked off its second edition of the 24-hour endurance race on the Castellet circuit. Lined up in the pit lane were more than 1,800 participants, the majority competing in the 24-hour format, with others competing in the 6-hour gravel and time trials.

" It's a unique event, accessible to cycling enthusiasts (1,600 participants in 2024, 1,800 this year, including 109 solo), encouraged by their friends and the public. Accessible to those aged 18 and over, it attracts enthusiasts from England, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain. But also from Brest, Nantes, and Lyon, and 34% from the PACA region ," announces Romain Nicolas, deputy director of Larivière Organisation.

A great excitement on the azure track, where sweat is very present from the first lap, in the oppressive heat. In the paddocks, a lot of cohesion and fun. While the seriousness is put in the program and the sporting challenge to be met, the competitors let loose on the choice of the name of their team, "Les Raclettes" for the Savoyards, or even, "GRRRR" and a leopard outfit, for the Toulonnais. The Bol d'Or Vélo, certainly makes less noise than its elder the Bol d'Or Moto, but it is just as sporty, entertaining and friendly.