Desertus Bikus 2026: 1,217 km – pushing yourself to the limit

Cycling across Spain, crossing the Pyrenees, tackling over 1,200 kilometres of heat, elevation gain and demanding trails: on the Desertus Bikus 2026, Thomas Davtin experienced far more than just a race. It was a true test of his limits.

For 97 hours, time is no longer measured in days, but in kilometres, climbs and minutes snatched from sleep. In this kind of event, nights almost cease to exist: just a few naps to get going again, recover just enough, then back on the bike.

The body tires. The legs burn. Your focus wanes. But you have to keep going.

In total, 1,217 kilometres divided into three main sections:

• 405 km and 4,570 m elevation gain
• 336 km and 2,714 m elevation gain
• 476 km and 8,334 m elevation gain

Impressive figures, but they only tell part of the story. Because the reality of the Desertus Bikus lies elsewhere: in the hours of solitude, the moments of doubt, the crushing heat, the long stretches of rough gravel… and the unexpected.

In the heart of a challenging section, a violent impact on the front wheel causes the tyre and inner tube to burst. The equipment, however, withstands the impact perfectly: no breakages, no wheel failure, and the bike is back on the road immediately after repairs.

Another major difficulty: a misreading of the route takes him onto a section that is far too challenging, impassable by bike.
The result : 17 kilometres on foot, pushing the bike over steep and technical terrain. A setback costly in both energy and time, but one that will not dampen his determination.

That is also what ultra-distance is all about: knowing how to handle the unexpected, staying clear-headed when tired, and continuing to push forward when things get complicated.

In such extreme conditions, the reliability of the equipment becomes essential. Fitted with Mavic Allroad SL Carbon wheels, Thomas encountered no technical issues throughout the entire route. Despite the vibrations, impacts and the most demanding sections, the wheels performed flawlessly from the first to the last kilometre.

The same high standards applied to his clothing: dressed entirely in Mavic, he could rely on gear that was comfortable, breathable and high-performance, essential when spending almost four days on the bike.

At the end of the 97 hours, there is much more than just a time. There is the immense satisfaction of having overcome the obstacles, persevered despite the fatigue, and turned every difficulty into progress.

Because in a race like the Desertus Bikus, the finish line doesn’t just reward performance.

It rewards the ability to push oneself to the limit