ABU DHABI // As a physical education instructor for the police, Novak Bacetic is used to pushing his officers so that they are in top shape.
Recently, however, he put himself to the test by participating in one of the world’s toughest endurance cycle races.
The 32-year-old Serbian took part in the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur, a long-distance ride in which cyclists attempt to compete the 1,200 kilometres route in less than 90 hours.
It was first staged in 1891, making it older than the Tour de France, which was first organised in 1903.
This year, 6,000 people from all over the world participated in the recreational event.
“You can go as fast as you want or you can enjoy the scenery and finish just within the time limit,” he said. “It’s up to the person. My goal was to finish it.”
While the winner managed to complete it in 42 hours, Mr Bacetic was pleased with his 83 hours and 45 minutes time.
“It was incredibly hard,” he said.
“I was awake for 48 hours and the sleep deprivation was a challenge. I was a little nervous and I did not know what to expect before the event.”
Two thirds of the way into the race, Mr Bacetic developed a condition called Shermer’s Neck, in which the neck muscles fail due to fatigue and can no longer support the head.
“I could not raise my head for the last 400km and so I had to support it with one hand while the other hand held the cycle,” he said.
“Even this did not stop me.”
Despite this, he said “the experience was a lifetime achievement”, which was made easier thanks to the hospitality of the French people.
“Families were handing out water, coffee and famous French pancakes in the middle of the night,” he said.
“In most of the places, it was free of charge. One of the places only requires that you send them a postcard,” he said.
Mr Bacetic took up cycling as a hobby five years ago.
After participating in 200km, 300km and 400km randonneuring trips, he aimed for the challenge of the Paris-Brest-Paris tour.
Most of his training for the big event took place on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi and at the Yas Marina Circuit.
While the UAE was becoming more cyclist-friendly, he believed it must be made safer for cyclists.
“You can cycle in UAE for eight months of the year and people should be allowed to cycle on the roads,” he said.
“If you’re not allowed to cycle on the roads, there should be cycling tracks and not just on the Corniche as it is a bit short. There should be connected cycling tracks.”
He said motorists needed to be educated on how to respect cyclists.
arizvi2@thenational.ae
