THE STRENGTH OF FAMILY: HOW CAROLE AND DAMIEN WORK TOGETHER ON THE CONCEPT OF SEMI-AUTONOMY
During the Race Across, the bases of life are real support points. Thanks to meticulous preparation, Carole and Damien turn every break into an ultra-efficient pit stop.
While Damien concentrates on his race, Carole anticipates everything. Their duo perfectly embodies the power of semi-autonomy in endurance events.
Damien Vuillier, ready to take up the challenge of the Race Across France.
Carole Vuillier's story in the world of ultra-cycling
I've been sharing my life with Damien, my husband, for 19 years now, and for all that time I've been accompanying him in his passion for cycling. At first, this meant handing him water bottles at FFC races.
But five years ago, a completely mad challenge turned our routine upside down: the Race Across France, his first ultra. Without hesitation, I followed him on this extraordinary adventure, which transformed me from a companion into a veritable orchestra conductor behind the scenes of his exploits.
Meticulous preparation: every detail counts
Damien Vuillier, participant in the Race Across France, focused despite the difficult weather conditions.
In the weeks leading up to the race, I help him study the route in detail. We examine the map kilometer by kilometer and program estimated times of passage at several key points along the route. We look for fountains, list bakeries and minimarkets and their opening times for refreshments, and visualize them on Google Earth so that he has visual reference points. We also study dangerous crossroads and climbs to find out their distance and difference in altitude. In short, we don't leave much to chance.
In the days leading up to the event, Damien prepares his bike and all his belongings. As for me, I'm in charge of the boxes dedicated to the living bases. The supply bags are precisely numbered to avoid any confusion between what he will eat on site and what he will take with him. I also store lamps, recharging equipment, supplies for treating any wounds, and toiletries.
Departure: between anxiety and confidence
Then comes the long-awaited but always difficult moment for me: departure. I have to admit that I'm anxious by nature, and knowing that he's alone at night, lost in the middle of nowhere, always scares me, even though I know he's careful and experienced.
Lifebases: a key role in performance
I arrange to be at the Basecamp about an hour before he arrives. Using our roadbook, we plan the villages and towns he'll pass through, with an estimated time of arrival. I locate him regularly and adjust the timetable if necessary. Over 1,000 km, we've never been off by more than an hour in total.
I set up my little camp: a camping table, an armchair, his bag of spare clothes, and a power strip for recharging his equipment. On the table, I prepare a mini-buffet of varied food: sweets, chocolate, cold meats, cheese, fruit, compotes and drinks. The aim is that Damien doesn't have to worry about a thing.
When he arrives, time is short. I give him the time, a word of encouragement, and the estimated time of departure. While he's refueling, I take care of everything: emptying and filling his panniers, changing his lights, quickly cleaning his bike, checking the tires, and helping him change according to the weather forecast.
Careful assistance
If he has time for a sleep break, I carefully manage the duration and wake him up at the agreed time. Each stop is optimized so that he can rest and refuel without wasting unnecessary time.
Before he leaves, I give him a few words of encouragement, the gaps with his opponents, and make sure he leaves feeling confident. Afterwards, I put everything away to be ready for the next Basecamp.
The stress of ultra-distance racing
Race Across is very stressful for me. For 48 hours, I don't sleep. But when he crosses the finish line, it's always with immense relief and infinite pride, whatever the result.
One family, one strength
As for me, I'm always praised for my commitment and my on-the-spot assistance. And yet, it all seems so natural to me. These are real moments of sharing between us. I know that my presence and support enable her to excel.
Damien Vuillier shares an emotional moment with his daughter at the finish of the Race Across France.
