The weekend of 24 and 25 August 2024 will be marked by a great challenge for seven firefighters and a gendarme from Alençon, who are preparing to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Vélo, a demanding endurance event.
The team representing the Alençon firemen’s cycling club lines up once again at the start of this symbolic race with a clear objective: to surpass the 1,351 kilometers they had covered the previous year.
A look back at the 2023 edition: 423 laps and difficult conditions
The 2023 edition had already been a true baptism of fire for six of the eight members of the team, for whom it was their first participation. Characterized by difficult weather conditions, with hailstorms and storms shortly after the start, the race was neutralized for 35 minutes.
Despite these obstacles, the two Pompiers Alençon Cyclosport teams completed 423 laps of the circuit, an impressive total of 1,351 kilometers. Team 1 was 561st out of 621 after covering 627 kilometers, while Team 2 finished 450th with 724 kilometers.
A strengthened and determined team
For the 2024 edition, five of last year’s participants are doing it again, namely: Frédéric Cosson, gendarme of the Alençon brigade, Christophe Delauney, assistant at the rescue center, Bertrand Manson, head of the volunteer firefighters, Dimitri Bourlier of the training section of Sdis, and the young Émeline Chalumeau, the youngest member of the group at 21 years old. They are joined by three new members: Siegrid Nehls, 27 years old, Emmanuel Denizot, 36 years old, and Eddy Lubin, who replaces Dominique Foureau, the veteran of the previous year’s team at 70 years old.
A rough but complete preparation
The preparation for this new edition was marked by bad weather conditions. “The rainy weather since spring has made training difficult,” explains Frédéric Cosson. To make up for this lack of road trips, the team members intensified their muscle strengthening in the gym. Some also used their holidays to train in more favorable conditions, such as Bertrand Manson in the Auvergne volcanic passes and Christophe Delauney on the Isle of Beauty.
A double aim: performance and cohesion
It is therefore with increased determination that the eight members of the Alençon firemen’s cycling club embark on this adventure. Their ambition is not only to improve on their performance from last year, but also to push their limits in a different context, while strengthening the spirit of togetherness in the group. The verdict on their efforts will be known on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 3 p.m.
The challenge has been launched and all eyes are on this team ready to once again brave the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans Vélo event.