Louan, a Breton on the Road

They-they crossed the Alps and they-they tell...

Louan, can you introduce yourself?
My name is Louan Gourdel, and I'm originally from a village near Rennes, in Brittany. I'm currently spending my time training to become a truck driver. I'd describe myself as an occasional amateur cyclist who likes to climb and climb and climb. In fact, I don't really like flat roads like I do back home in Brittany, I hardly ride them the rest of the year, what attracts me are the mythical climbs of the Tour de France and mountains in general.

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What motivated you to embark on a cycling trip in the Alps?

I'd had this dream in my head for a long time of crossing the French Alps on the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes®. But I wanted to set myself an extra challenge and do something unprecedented, by attempting the round trip! (spoiler: if you're reading this testimonial, it's because I've taken up the challenge!)
Challenges and surpassing oneself are two driving aspects in my life, allowing me to get out of my comfort zone and break my daily routine. Beyond the sporting aspect this kind of experience allows you to reveal yourself, face your fears and emerge with more confidence.

What route did you take and why?
I took the official and historic Route des Grandes Alpes® itinerary, between Thonon-les-Bains (Lake Geneva) and Nice (Mediterranean Sea), passing of course through the most famous passes: Colombière, Iseran, Galibier, Izoard...By completing this round-trip itinerary, I totaled 1500 kilometers and over 36,000 meters of positive vertical drop.

Your trifecta of passes?

The Iseran for its altitude, its snow walls and its preservation (especially the southern slope).
The Galibier for the myth of the Tour de France.
The Izoard for its steep slopes and also because it was the first one I climbed when I was 17, in 2016.

Ane anecdote to share?
On the very first day, at the end of the first stage on the way back to the car, I stupidly crashed while braking on the white stripes of a rain-soaked crosswalk. As a result, my right forearm was almost completely skinned and the derailleur hanger on my bike was completely bent. I went to the chemist's to have my wounds treated and to buy the necessary items. Fortunately, I'd brought a spare derailleur hanger for my bike. This mishap didn't dent my goal or my determination, and the next day I was off again.

You can read an article published in Ouest France numérique with this link: https://www.ouest-france.fr/leditiondusoir/2023-08-09/ce-cycliste-occasionnel-a-traverse-les-alpes-a-velo-en-solitaire-et-en-aller-retour-dfc2a634-2b30-4d3b-9cdc-24ff95a25566