From L'Étape du Tour 2024 in Nice to Switzerland!

There are too many to name. But I prefered the quieter roads like Cormet de Roseland […]

First, could you introduce yourself briefly? 

Age: 27

Job: teacher at a vocational school -> studied health science and teachnology specializing in sports and health science and paired it with a teaching diploma

Live: Bern (capital of Switzerland) Not married but living together with my boyfriend who is also very sporty Hobbies: cycling (road and fixed-gear), trail running, unicycling, cross-country skiing in winter and I like to cook and eat as well as reading books

How did you qualify for L’Étape Championship?

By winning l'Étape Switzerland last year

What was the biggest challenge you faced during this trip? Could you tell us more about the route you took to come and participate in L’Étape du Tour in Nice? Distance, elevation, main mountain passes?

The heat was one of my biggest struggles. I really don't cope well with hot temperatures so I already tried to cool myself down as much as possible at the startline.
During the race I used cool down – Überlegene Kühlung (cool-down.ch) which helps you to remain cool. 

My second challenge was that I had a massive cramp on both legs at the finish of the second hill in the flat around Roquebillière. Luckily I had planed to stop at the refreshment station there anyway. After eating some chips (salt helps with cramps) and drinking some water I started to feel better and could continue the race. Unfortunately, at this point of the race I got passed G. V.-Wild who later won the race. I didn't even try to stay at her wheel because I was to scarred to start riding so hard shortly after having those cramps so I let her pass and continued on my own pace.

Yeah and overall the race was really tough and I often asked myself why I was doing that to myself. So it was a mental battle to keep going and keep pushing even if you feel like giving up a long time ago.

How did you handle the logistics?

I could throw all the stuff that I needed for my bikepacking trip in the bikepack provided by l'étape and which was transported to the finishline. Then on the first stage from Beuil to Gap I had to carry the backpack and the other stuff in a bag for the bike. Afterwards I could give some of my stuff including the backpack to my friend who was also competing at l'étape but couldn't ride the whole way back to Switzerland due to a medical emergency in her family. 

Can you briefly describe the gear you used for this bikepacking trip?

Good question. Need to ask my boyfriend... I never really know what gearing I'm riding as I am more interested in riding my bikes instead of the mechanical/technical parts.

Which landscapes or moments along the way left the biggest impression on you or inspired you the most?

There are too many to name. But I prefered the quieter roads like Cormet de Roselend and Les Saisis or Col des Aravis more than the common ones like Galibier and Col de Iseran.

How did you prepare throughout the year for both the race and the trip?

No specific training. I just like to ride my bike as much as possible without a training schedule. 

What advice would you give to other cyclists considering a similar long-distance journey?

To only pack as little stuff as possilbe but to take a second pair of riding shorts with you. I think it's great to have different shorts with different chamois pads when you ride your bike for many hours over many days.

And of course I would also make sure that my planned route has many nice bakeries, coffee shops and water spots along the way and is as far away from main roads as possible.

Finally, do you have another project like this one?

Not yet but I'm sure there will be another one like this coming up...