From discovering ultra-distance running to a remarkable victory over the GRAAALPS, Guillaume Poinsot is forging a meteoric rise in the world of long-distance gravel riding. With a methodical approach, a steely resolve, and a constant thirst for improvement, he reflects on the highlights of this challenging journey, his effort and nutrition strategy, the doubts he faced, and his ever-growing desire to push further and higher.
A desire to push his limits
I discovered ultra-distance cycling last year, starting with two 350km gravel races. These first experiences were a revelation. I wanted to go further, push my limits, and really perform in this discipline. So I started my season with The Traka (560km), which I finished in 5th place. This result gave me confidence: I knew I had what it took to ride at the front of the pack in an event like the GRAAALPS, even though it was my first multi-day race.
The desire to push myself, to test the limits of my body and mind, naturally drives me to increase the distance and the difficulty. It is with this in mind that I will participate in the Atlas Mountain Race in February 2026: a 1,350 km mountain bike race with 25,000 m of elevation gain across the Moroccan Atlas Mountains.
Magical landscapes, and moments of doubt
What I love about a multi-day race is the emotional intensity. You go through every possible state, even when you're in the lead. There have been almost magical moments: breathtaking landscapes, incredible mountain passes, total silence at over 2,000 meters altitude, wild encounters like deer in the middle of the night… In those moments, you feel a mixture of power, gratitude, and total freedom. That's why I do this.
And then there's the other side of the coin. I had a real setback around kilometer 300, when my knees started hurting terribly. I had to slow down, fight to maintain my pace without aggravating the pain; it's frustrating when your body reminds you to slow down when your mind is at its peak.
The second defining moment was the ascent of an endless mountain pass, about 120 km from the finish. Steep slope, technical track, scorching heat, and my body already feeling the strain. There, you're alone with yourself. You dig deep, you hold on, and you keep going. It's tough… but it's also in moments like these that you discover who you truly are.
A meticulously planned strategy to remain clear-headed
I've always had this ability to find the right pace for the distance, which allowed me to stay consistent and never really experience a significant drop in energy during the three days. But it wasn't done by chance: I had a real strategy, both for my effort and my nutrition.
I had divided the race into three main phases:
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For the first 24 hours , up to base camp in Turin, I maintained a "semi-liquid" diet to ease my digestion while still keeping up a high intensity. I consumed plenty of gels (both regular and caffeinated), and every 5 hours, a protein bar from COOKNRUN to ensure adequate protein intake, even during exertion.
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For the next 24 hours , I switched to something more substantial, with my favorite energy bars (special mention to the peanut butter/chocolate one ) while continuing with the gels. I also added savory purees to break up the monotony of all the sweets and avoid getting sick of them. And I continued to consume regular protein intake.
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The last 24 hours have been the most challenging in terms of nutrition. At this point, the body starts to reach its limit. I found it harder to eat on the bike, so I gave up gels and focused on energy bars… and a few ice creams in the little bistros along the way; sometimes, the mind needs simple pleasures.
Ultimately, what allowed me to stay focused and perform well was the balance between three elements: a well-planned diet, sufficient sleep (a good six hours, mind you), and a very gradual approach to managing my effort. I really tried to smooth out my energy throughout the entire event, without ever burning myself out.
A victory that changes everything
This victory represents a real turning point. It is a huge boost to morale, because it rewards months (or even years) of commitment, work and often invisible sacrifices.
Behind this performance are the long winter runs in the cold, the sessions where you wake up tired but train anyway, the weekends sacrificed, the times you have to say no to simple things to stay focused on your goal. And there are also periods of doubt, injuries, or phases of poor form where you wonder if you'll get back in time.
So yes, crossing the finish line first in such a demanding race is a huge boost. Mentally, it solidifies the foundations. It shows that all the effort pays off, that I'm capable of winning in very long formats, and that I belong at this level.
This victory also strengthens my desire to continue progressing, to structure my sporting project, and to aim even higher. This victory gives me confidence, but above all, it fuels my ambition: the desire to push the limits even further, with the certainty that the path I'm on is the right one.
To push oneself beyond physical limits
On a three-day race, you know you're going to experience ups and downs; it's almost inevitable. But even when you're prepared, some moments will shake you up more than expected.
As I was saying, the first real moment of doubt came around kilometer 300, when I started to feel very intense pain in my knee. To the point where, for a while, I seriously considered giving up. I rode for almost six hours with that pain, wondering if I risked a more serious injury, if it was worth continuing, if I wasn't ruining everything. It was a constant internal battle between clear thinking and pride. And then, little by little, the pain subsided. I got back into my rhythm. But those hours were a real mental test.
The second critical moment came on the very last major climb, about 120 km from the finish. An endless, steep, and treacherous pass on a track where you constantly had to fight to maintain traction. It was hot, my body was exhausted, and I felt like I was reaching my mental limits. But that's precisely when something else takes over. You cling to an idea, a reason, a goal, and you keep going. When I reached the top of the pass, I was drained, but also completely filled with a new energy: the pride of having persevered, of having pushed myself to the very end.
A life lesson to pass on
What I take away from this victory, beyond the ranking, is that nothing is ever set in stone. A year ago, I discovered ultra-distance running. Since then, I've gone through races, injuries, doubts, and off days… but I've always kept one idea in mind: to keep moving forward, learning, and building myself up in this discipline.
This adventure taught me that the body is capable of a lot, but it's the mind that makes all the difference. Persevering when everything tells you to stop. Believing in yourself even when things are tough. Finding pleasure in discomfort, and meaning in effort. That's what I felt on the GRAAALPS.
And that's what I'd like to share: No matter your level or your past, if you have a deep desire and you accept the path (with its ups, downs, and sacrifices), then you will go further than you ever imagined.
I hope this kind of adventure will inspire others to step out of their comfort zone, set ambitious goals, and discover how ultra-running can be a school of life. For me, at least, I've never been so driven to push my limits.