FridayFriday is the day all vehicles pass scrutineering. Nonroadworthy motorcycles can be seen riding around the city. The high-pitched cries of two-strokes mingle with that of the large-bore four-strokes for 24 hours. Sleeping is often not an option, unless you have earplugs.
SaturdaySaturday sees the first race. It's for the quads; some 240 of them are entered. The quad circuit is 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles). Competitors can either ride on their own or in teams, one relieving the other in the pit lane.
SundaySunday is the big day. Motorcycles are divided into three categories:
Class 1: 0-125cc for two-strokes, 0-250cc for four-strokesClass 2: 125-250cc for two-strokes, 250-450cc for four-strokesClass 3: 250+cc for two-strokes, 450+cc for four-strokesAt 11:30 a.m., the bikes leave the Parc Fermee in a parade through the city. They arrive at the beach and line up immediately, since the start is usually minutes away. The exact starting time is never known until the very last minute. It depends entirely on the tide!
When the start is given, the ground shakes as the 1000 motorcycles race away. The noise is thunderous, and the crowds cheer when the bikes race past. Sound levels reach dangerous proportions. Usually in the opening kilometer, the first mishaps occur. Many riders are not experienced in racing in soft and wet sand, but in such a tight, large group it would be a miracle if nothing happens. Motorcycles slip and slide, bumping into each other, causing riders to be separated from their bikes. Thankfully, the accidents are not too severe.
It closely resembles the start of the Boston Marathon. There's a front-runner group, followed by a group of passionate amateurs and then amateurs wearing funny costumes. The Enduropale is no exception.
The large group is trailed by a convoy of trucks and 4x4s; medical, technical and sweeper trucks follow the riders until the end of the track. Three medical evacuation helicopters are in the air at all times to intervene when necessary. With 60 motorcycle cops, 365 policemen, 75 private security, 160 firefighters, 180 race marshals, 200 support staff, two field hospitals, six first-aid posts, 14 doctors, one surgeon and 11 nurses, the organizers come prepared.