Life is stronger than anything: Tom and Valentin on Route des Grandes Alpes® Gravel!
There are projects that are born of friendship, forged in adversity, and take on their full meaning when they surpass themselves. The one Tom Bonneau and Valentin Giraud are about to embark on is just such a project: in October 2025, they will get on their bikes to cross the Alps from north to south, following the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes Gravel route. It's a self-sufficient journey through breathtaking scenery, but above all a project that brings hope and solidarity to the fight against cancer.
A friendship forged over time
Tom and Valentin met around ten years ago, thanks to the latter's cousin Simon. Over the years, their complicity has grown stronger: parties, trips, joint projects... until they've become true fellow travelers, both literally and figuratively.
But in February 2024, life turned upside down: Tom was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer. This marked the start of a long battle, involving hospitalizations and heavy treatment. The summer was marked by a severe infection in his leg, to the point where amputation was considered. Then, against all odds, an unexpected turnaround: the leg healed and, a few months later, Tom learned that he was in remission. A rebirth, lived intensely. Back to climbing, back to sport, and above all... back to life.
A challenge born of a promise
Throughout this difficult period, an idea germinated: to embark on a great cycling trip together, once recovery came. A keen cyclist, Valentin had already cycled the Vélodyssée and Normandy. It was enough to inspire Tom, who let himself be seduced by the adventure.
One year after remission, the promise becomes a reality: they will cross the Alps by Route des Grandes Alpes® Gravel. Departure October 2 in complete autonomy.
Demanding sports preparation
Preparation is no rigid plan. Tom, a refuge keeper in the Écrins, trains in the mountains whenever he can: running, hiking, a few mountain passes on his bike. Valentin, based in La Rochelle, supplements his training with running, strength training and regular Gravel outings. The realization of the difficulty came during the Hautacam - Tourmalet sequence, with all the equipment on the bike: a real slap in the face, but also a motivating electroshock.
Giving meaning : Pedaling for the fight against cancer
Beyond the sporting challenge, this project carries a strong solidarity dimension. A fundraising campaign was launched for the direct benefit of the Ligue contre le cancer. The initial target was set at €3,000, but following a mad dash, it was raised to €5,000 to raise the challenge even higher. Already, local media and associations are starting to relay the initiative.
A message of hope
Through this crossing, Tom and Valentin want to convey a message: even after the ordeal, it's possible to get back up, surpass oneself and give new meaning to one's journey. Route des Grandes Alpes will not only be a sporting adventure, but also a symbol of resilience and solidarity.
Support the project: you can participate in the online kitty and follow their day-to-day adventure on Instagram : @tombnnx @giiraufard. Every donation, every sharing, every encouragement will contribute to give more strength to this solidarity challenge :
"The more we collaborate on this project, the more we'll be able to make a project that lives up to our hopes and raise as many donations as possible. "