The Race Across organization proposes itineraries on which living bases are placed. Whether you choose a compact format or an itinerant one like the RAF, these living bases become veritable oases where you receive assistance from the organization, your family or your team. Damien and his wife have exploited this concept to the full. With meticulous organization, they have turned every break into a perfectly orchestrated pit stop. While Damien devotes himself exclusively to his goal of riding and pushing back his limits, his wife anticipates everything: meals ready, equipment optimized, logistics mastered. This dynamic, in which everyone plays a key role, perfectly illustrates how semi-autonomy can become a real performance lever in these exceptional endurance adventures.
Carole Vuillier's story in the world of ultra-cycling
I've been sharing my life with Damien, my husband, for 19 years now, and for all that time I've been accompanying him in his passion for cycling. At first, this meant handing him water bottles at FFC races. But five years ago, a completely crazy challenge came along to upset our routine: the Race Across France, his first ultra. Without hesitation, I followed him on this extraordinary adventure, which transformed me from a companion to a veritable orchestra conductor behind the scenes of his exploits.
Meticulous preparation: from maps to refreshment stands
In the weeks leading up to the race, I help him study the route in detail. We examine the map kilometer by kilometer and program estimated times of passage at several key points along the route. We look for fountains, list bakeries and minimarkets and their opening times for refreshments, and visualize them on Google Earth so that he has visual reference points. We also study dangerous crossroads and climbs to find out their distance and difference in altitude. In short, we don't leave much to chance.
The days before the event, Damien prepares his bike and all his belongings. As for me, I'm in charge of the boxes dedicated to the living bases. The supply bags are precisely numbered to avoid any confusion between what he will eat on site and what he will take with him. I also store lamps, recharging equipment, supplies for treating any wounds, and toiletries.
Departure: between anxiety and confidence
Then comes the long-awaited but always difficult moment for me: departure. I have to admit that I'm anxious by nature, and knowing that he's alone at night, lost in the middle of nowhere, always scares me, even though I know he's careful and experienced.
Lifebases: a key role in performance
I arrange to be at the base camp about an hour before he arrives. Using our roadbook, we plan the villages and towns he will pass through, with an estimated time of arrival. I locate him regularly and adjust the schedule if necessary. Over 1,000 km, we've never been off by more than an hour in total.
I set up my little camp: a camping table, an armchair, his bag of spare clothes, and a power strip for recharging his equipment. On the table, I prepare a mini-buffet of varied food: sweets, chocolate, cold meats, cheese, fruit, compotes and drinks. The aim is that Damien doesn't have to worry about a thing.
When he arrives, time is short. I give him the time, a word of encouragement, and the estimated time of departure. While he's refueling, I take care of everything: emptying and filling his panniers, changing his lights, quickly cleaning his bike, checking the tires, and helping him change according to the weather forecast.
Careful assistance
If he has time for a sleep break, I carefully manage the duration and wake him up at the agreed time. Each stop is optimized so that he can rest and refuel without wasting unnecessary time.
Before he leaves, I give him a few words of encouragement, tell him about the gaps with his opponents, and make sure he leaves feeling confident. Afterwards, I tidy everything up so that I'm ready for the next base.
The stress of ultra-distance racing
Race Across is very stressful for me. For 48 hours, I don't sleep. But when he crosses the finish line, it's always with immense relief and infinite pride, whatever the result.
One family, one strength
As for me, I'm always praised for my commitment and my on-the-spot assistance. And yet, it all seems so natural to me. These are real moments of sharing between us. I know that my presence and support enable her to excel.
Interview with family and friends at the base
RACE ACROSS PARIS
The Race Across Paris adventure is fast approaching, and there are only a few places left! Whether you're a long-distance cycling enthusiast or a lover of the capital, this semi-autonomous race is the perfect opportunity to push your limits while discovering Paris from a new angle.
