Le Roc Quercynois (46) – Raid VTT 100 km – Brenques – 31 mai 2026 [VTTAE]

It all started a few weeks earlier, during the Lalbenque ride. A member of the Roc Quercynois club had raved about their ride as a must-do in the Lot region. The kind of pitch that makes you want to see for yourself. So, I set a date for May 31, 2026. 🚐 After a 4.5-hour drive, I arrived the day before at the Brenques campsite where I met up with Patou and Cédric. First mission accomplished: strategic hydration over a well-deserved beer. 🍺 The next day, we set off as a group at 8:00 a.m. For a 100 km ride, you have to wonder if the organizers are being overly optimistic... or if they know some secret shortcuts. 😅 370 mountain bikers showed up, nearly 200 fewer than last year. A shame, because the course definitely deserves more participants. There are many reasons: the price of diesel, competition... From the very first kilometers, the tone is set. The climb immediately begins in the Lot hills, a real leg-burner, a real cardio workout. The peloton quickly spreads out, and I find myself at the front with a former enduro racer. 🔥 The descents come one after another: fast, technical, sometimes treacherous. I had been warned about the infamous "sea of ​​rocks" on one long descent. So I did what any sensible mountain biker would do: I went to check it out for myself. The result: a magnificent, harmless plunge. The terrain lived up to its reputation. 😆 Corniches, panoramic views, ridge paths, playful singletrack... The Roc Quercynois offers a truly dynamic postcard of the Lot region. It's a feast for the eyes and a real workout for the suspension. On that note, thanks to Jonathan from Xts-suspension for making my bike so comfortable and high-performing! The weather was perfect: dry terrain, pleasant temperatures, overcast skies. The kind of day where you think, "100 km? I'm not scared." Well... that was the plan. 💥 At kilometer 50, my Turbo Levo suddenly decided the ride was over. No more assistance. A growling motor. Legs suddenly realizing the deal had changed. The end. To complete the picture, my T-Type AXS derailleur also decided to act up, only working half the time. Mechanical solidarity, no doubt. 😑 Needless to say, having a day of riding in an area 4.5 hours from home ruined by a breakdown leaves a slightly bitter taste. The bike is only a year old and has 3,700 km on it. Which makes me wonder about that last update done just a few days ago... Specialized's customer service is usually responsive, and I'm hoping for a quick return to normal, as the adventure racing season is just getting started. ☎️ So I called the Roc Quercynois support team. A huge thank you to Daniel, who came to pick up the bike... and its slightly dejected rider. He drove me to the superb viewpoint at the 4th aid station, where my second battery was waiting. It was a chance to admire, from the van, all the sections of the course that I ultimately wouldn't be able to ride... Cruel. Very cruel. 😅 Despite this premature end, I'll especially remember the first 50 kilometers: 1,600 m of elevation gain, real mountain biking, beautiful, technical, and fun. I rode the whole thing in trail mode. I still had 40% battery left with the extender. Meanwhile, Patou continued the adventure to the very end (with a good workout, please!): ✅ 102 km ✅ 3,000 m of elevation gain People from the Lot region don't mess around. 😄 👏 Special mention for: ✔️ the impeccable course markings ✔️ the supplementary GPX track ✔️ the generous aid stations ✔️ the battery drop-off service ✔️ the numerous volunteers along the route A huge thank you to Bernard Laux, Olivier, Daniel, Christian, and the entire Roc Quercynois team for their availability and hospitality. Even though my ride ended halfway through, one thing's for sure: I'll have to come back next year for revenge... hopefully this time the engine will agree! 😁🚵‍♂️ E-MTB: Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Expert 2025 Cameras: GoPro 12 & 13