Desertus Bikus 2026: 1,217 km to the limit

Crossing Spain by bike, crossing the Pyrenees, tackling over 1,200 kilometers of heat, elevation gain, and demanding trails: on the Desertus Bikus 2026, Thomas Davtin experienced much 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 kilometers, climbs, and minutes stolen from sleep. In this kind of race, nights barely exist: just a few naps to recharge, recover just enough, then get back on the bike.

The body tires. The legs burn. Clarity fades. But you have to keep going.

In total, 1,217 kilometers divided into three major sections:

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

Impressive numbers, 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 tire and inner tube to burst. The equipment, however, withstands the impact perfectly: no breakage, no wheel failure, and the bike is back on the trail immediately after repairs.

Another major difficulty: a misreading of the route leads him onto a section that is far too challenging, impassable by bike.
Result : 17 kilometers on foot, pushing the bike over steep and technical terrain. A setback costly in both energy and time, but one that won’t dampen his determination.

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

In this extreme context, the reliability of the equipment becomes essential. Equipped with Mavic Allroad SL Carbon wheels, Thomas encountered no technical issues throughout the entire course. Despite vibrations, impacts, and the most demanding sections, the wheels performed flawlessly from the first to the last kilometer.

The same high standards applied to his clothing: fully outfitted in Mavic, he could count on gear that was comfortable, breathable, and high-performance, essential when spending nearly 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 obstacles, persevered despite 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