Ep 5. France: 140 km Mountain Bike Race

In season 3 episode 5 of Boundless, titled "France: 140 km Mountain Bike Race," the adventure racing duo Simon Donato and Paul "Turbo" Trebilcock travel to France to tackle one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world.

The episode begins with Simon and Turbo arriving in France, where they have just a few days to prepare for the race. As they explore the picturesque town of Annecy, they familiarize themselves with the local terrain and prepare mentally for the upcoming challenge.

Their first training ride is a grueling climb up to the summit of La Clusaz, a 2,464-meter peak that will serve as the race's highest point. Despite struggling with the altitude, the duo pushes through and begins to feel more confident in their abilities.

The next day, they meet up with some local riders who give them a tour of the race course. They take on the technical downhill sections and practice navigating the tight switchbacks that will make or break their race. The course is a mix of steep climbs, challenging descents, and technical singletrack that will test their skills and endurance.

As the race day approaches, Simon and Turbo do their final preparations, making sure their bikes are in top condition and their nutrition plan is dialed in. They also meet some of the other competitors, including some of the top mountain bikers in France who are looking to take home the win.

On race day, the duo sets out on the grueling 140-kilometer course, battling through mud, steep climbs, and challenging descents. They face unexpected obstacles like fallen trees and rock gardens but persevere through the pain. Simon takes a hard fall early on in the race but continues to push on despite some lingering pain.

Throughout the race, Simon and Turbo struggle to keep up with the top riders, but they maintain a steady pace and continue to push themselves to the limit. As they approach the final climb, they find themselves in a battle for third place against a French rider.

In a heart-pumping finale, Simon and Turbo make a heroic push to the finish line, sprinting side by side with their French competitor. The race ends in a photo finish, leaving the duo unsure of the results until the final tally is announced.

Despite facing some unexpected challenges, Simon and Turbo cross the finish line with a smile on their faces, proud of their accomplishment. They reflect on the experience and the beauty of the French Alps, grateful for the opportunity to take on such a challenging race.

Overall, "France: 140 km Mountain Bike Race" is an exhilarating episode of Boundless, showcasing the beauty and challenge of one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves adventure sports or wants to see what it takes to push beyond your limits.