Bytagand the publication "Nicolas Chatelet: 1000 kilometers to reach the essential"
Just a few days after achieving the feat of winning the very first edition of the Race Across Spain, Nicolas Chatelet opened his door to 3bikes.fr for an exclusive interview… Still marked by the fatigue of this epic 1000-kilometer crossing, but with the sparkling eye of those returning from an inner journey, he told us with sincerity, intelligence, and emotion what it means to push one's own limits. His story is a lesson in surpassing oneself, but above all an invitation to believe in what is essential.
By Jeff Tatard – Photos: ©Julien Rabier / DR / in thetagram Raceacrossseries
It all starts with a coincidence of timingMathematics teacher Chatelet has been scrutinizing the dates of the Race Across France for two years, never able to participate, hampered by his school commitments. But this time, Spain beckons. The school holidays coincide. Destiny is in motion.
The goal? First, finish.
In the harsh world of ultracycling, aiming for a place doesn't make much sense: too many parameters are beyond control.. "My only goal was a time: 40 hours”, explains Nicolas. A personal, pure challenge, far from the podiums and the spotlight.
On the day of departure, in Santander, the tension is palpable. Navigating by following a GPS track in a large, unfamiliar city, without getting lost between the cycle paths, is not something natural for him. But once past the city, the kilometers stretch out, the route takes place, and the adventure can begin.
Loneliness for 1000 kilometers?
…Nicolas Chatelet embraces it fully. No music in your ears. No distractions. Just the wind, its breath, and your wandering thoughts.. "These are the moments I seek., he says, go from euphoria to distress in a few minutes, learn to welcome both. "
Among the most beautiful memories of this Race Across Spain, he recalls a portion bytagée in the night with Damien Vuillier, absolute reference in the world of 1000 km ultra events.These moments of complicity in the darkness remain etched in my memory..” And then there are the volunteers, their smiles, their humanity, which become so many points of reference in the crossing of the effort.
But the race is anything but a long, quiet river.The last night is a terrible ordeal: 250 kilometers with only two water bottles, after having lost a crucial supply. Thirst gnaws at me, lucidity wavers.
But here again, experience speaks for itself. Look for a fountain, remember the Open Runner cards, adapt, never panic.I train to ride dehydrated", he says with a half smile. A training that few would dare to attempt, but which, that evening, saves the race.
Nicolas Chatelet's victory was not based on a flourish.
It is the result of precise effort management and intelligent preparation. His training, inspired by that of elite runners, combines intensity and volume, with shock weeks of up to 45 hours in the saddleAdd to that impeccable mental hygiene: no caffeine before the race, no sleep debt, ability to mentally break down the distance.
His equipment, however, remains minimalist: a Cannondale mounted with extensions, the bare essentials for food and safety, and almost total autonomy between base camps. Above all, Chatelet adopts a very profound ultra philosophy: “A 1000 kilometers is like repeating my daily bike-to-work commute 100 times. If one commute is easy, why shouldn't 100 be?"
This logic of simplicity is his secret weapon. By breaking down effort into elementary gestures, he makes the impossible accessible.
Why put yourself through such trials?
The answer is in a few words: “To travel with myself. " Nicolas Chatelet is not chasing glory, nor even victory.He runs to cross his own shadows, to touch his own lights.
And he learns with every kilometer. The race reminds him, for example, that the body has a fascinating plasticity: injured in his hand before the race, unable to hold his handlebars, he discovers that, during the effort, his body knows how to compensate, reinvent its movements.
No complex mental strategies, no mystical mantras: just the love of raw effort, and the ability not to dramatize difficult moments.. Upon arrival in Madrid, it is a scene of rare beauty. No spectacular effusion, but hugs, sincere smiles bytagwith the volunteers and other runners. Fatigue does not prevent gratitude. With the awards being handed out 40 hours later, we have time to see the next ones arrive, to discuss, totager. It's magic."
Nicolas Chatelet is already looking further ahead. Next summer, he will take part in the legendary Transcontinental Race, one of the most demanding events in the world.For this new odyssey, he will benefit from the support of Cycles Lekeuss and the Brame group.
His ambition does not change: “ explore one's limits, with humility and passion"And to those who dream of also taking the step towards ultra, his advice is clear: “Go for it. No matter the challenge, no matter the format. Dare. We learn by doing."
By crossing the finish line of the Race Across Spain, Nicolas Chatelet did much more than cross a countryHe reminded each of us that the greatest journey is often the one we take within ourselves. Mile by mile. Dream by dream.
MagThis article is magnificent! And the winner in 40 hours too... and to think he did it without sleeping. It makes my blood run cold!
Well done, you need a physique, of course, but above all a mental one. Surpassing yourself is a personal satisfaction to experience. Congratulations, but be careful not to overdo it; you can pay for it as you get older, I know what I'm talking about. In the meantime, enjoy yourself and treat yourself; life goes by quickly. Good luck for the next one. 👍