Rando de St Benoît (86) Rando VTT 45 km du 11 janvier 2026 [VTTAE]

Organized by Cyclo Saint Benoît The Saint-Benoît Ride is one of those winter events you simply can't miss. Every year, at the start of the year, you'll find the same frozen smiles, the same local accents (okay, there aren't any), and the pleasure of riding on terrain that, around Poitiers, is used with rare ingenuity. The 2026 edition took place in a dry chill of -2°C at the start. In the parking lot, car doors were slamming a little too close to the vehicles, a sign of a massive influx from dawn. At registration, handshakes were exchanged one after another, proof that here, you'll see more familiar faces than at many rides closer to home. The people of Poitiers have this going for them: they have a playground that attracts and retains riders. We set off with Jimmy on the 45km route, which confirms this reputation. Alternating between open countryside, playful woodland sections, sometimes challenging singletrack, and contemplative stretches along the riverbank, all condensed into a format where boredom is never an issue. Previous editions had played on the humidity: 2024 was icy, 2025 quite muddy, but 2026 benefited from a firm, freezing surface that allowed for fast and smooth riding. The ground was hard, the grip precarious but consistent, and the accelerations were a joy. In these conditions, you had to ride with precision, let the bike glide, and accept that the bike's contact points would be unpredictable. When the sun broke through an hour later, it became clear that you were exactly where you needed to be that morning. For e-MTBs, battery management was obviously a key issue in such temperatures. Trail mode was dominant, Auto mode came in handy to ease a troublesome lower back, and Eco mode ensured efficiency during transitions. I finished the 45 kilometers with approximately 700 meters of elevation gain, with 10% battery remaining. The assistance was invaluable: a lingering backache started to really hurt from the 15th kilometer onward, forcing me to grit my teeth while modulating my effort thanks to the electric assist. We're not twenty anymore, but technology helps us prolong the enjoyment. From an organizational standpoint, it's hard to find fault with the volunteers. A single but comprehensive aid station offered the classic sweet and savory options, in addition to the famous mulled wine collected from the walkers, a well-respected local tradition. The course markings, sometimes criticized last year, are significantly improved. The yellow flags are well-placed this year. The final section through Baiken Park adds a welcome touch of fun: a few obstacles, some flow, just enough to finish with a childlike grin, which is always a good way to end a winter morning. Upon arrival, the inevitable hot sausage sandwich served with a glass of red wine brings everyone together for the same conversations. We retrace the route, compare our consumption levels, joke about age and aches and pains, and promise to return next year, just as we've promised each other in previous years. The St-Benoît Hike isn't just a sporting event; it's a seasonal marker. It signals the official start of the mountain biking season, that the Poitou woods are a force to be reckoned with, and that in January, frost can be an ally. Thanks also to the subscribers of my YouTube channel for the greetings; it's always nice to feel supported. In short, an edition that ticked all the boxes: playful terrain, demanding but favorable weather, impeccable organization, and the local atmosphere intact. We'll be back with Jimmy. Of course, like every year since... well, we're not getting any younger! E-MTB: Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Expert 2025 Cameras: GoPro 12 & 13