Race Across Switzerland

In the world of cycling, there are races that transcend and are more than just sporting competitions. They are journeys where asphalt and mountains become a terrain of self-discovery, of fighting against physical and mental limits, and of communion with others and nature itself. The Race Across Switzerland is not just a cycling event; it is a symbol of all that can be beautiful in sport.

Joy is there, in every smile shared with a fellow competitor, in every panoramic view that rewards a difficult climb. Sharing is embodied in the mutual encouragement, the meals eaten together by the roadside, the stories told to help pass the miles. Perseverance is found in every pedal stroke, every climb, every moment when one refuses to give up even when the whole body screams to stop. Pain is a constant companion, a reminder of the challenge, but also a teacher, pointing the way to a deeper understanding of oneself.

And then there is selflessness, the quality that allows cyclists to put aside their personal needs and desires to pursue something greater. Whether it’s finishing the race, setting a new personal best, or simply being part of this extraordinary community, selflessness is the heart and soul of this experience.

The Race Across Switzerland is not for everyone, you have to be ready physically but also mentally. It is an adventure for those who seek to understand what it really means to be alive, for those who want to go beyond what they thought were their limits, for those who want to touch the very heart of what it means to be “ultra-ordinary” .

Join me in this story as I reflect on my experience in this extraordinary race. It’s a story of cycling, yes, but it’s also a story of love, struggle and discovery. This is my story in the Race Across Switzerland.

The First Loop: A Journey of Awakening (200km)

The start of the race was a breathtaking moment, marked by rapid heartbeats and great excitement. The first loop, consisting of 200 kilometers, was an invitation to discover not only the splendid Swiss landscapes but also my own limits.

· Ascent of the Col de Saint-Cergue : The first kilometers were an introduction to what awaited me. The ascent of the Col de Saint-Cergue presented itself as an initial challenge, a climb where each turn of the pedal was a revelation. The sweat was flowing, but with it came a sense of accomplishment, and the beauty of Lake Geneva from my back greeted me.

· The Mountain Road and the Jura Plateau: After the pass, the mountain road took me to the Jura plateau. It was a dreamlike landscape, where the mountain pastures and cattle seemed to be part of a magnificent canvas. The feeling of freedom was almost palpable, and I felt in harmony with nature, lost in a silent dance with the road under the ringing of bells...

· Around Lac de Joux and Vallorbe: The passage around Lac de Joux was a moment of serenity. The sparkling water was like a mirror of my thoughts, and Le Brassus, then Vallorbe, were magnificent stages in my journey. The road was both my adversary and my friend, guiding my thoughts and encouraging me to go further.

· Return to Lausanne and Rest: The return to Lausanne was marked by mixed feelings. The first loop was behind me, and I felt both tired and happy. The base camp was a haven of rest, where I stopped for 1h15. The shower was a real pleasure, and the refreshment a moment of enormous joy where I was able to share my first stories with Elio , Arnaud Manzanini , and the race director Marjorie de Goumoëns.

The first loop was more than just a bike ride. It was a journey of awakening, an exploration of my emotions, desires and fears. Every detail of the road, every climb and descent, every panoramic view was like a chapter in a larger story. It was preparation for what was to come, and a reminder that racing was not only a physical challenge but also a mental and perhaps a little spiritual adventure. The bike was my companion, and the road my guide, as I embarked on a journey that would change me forever.

The Second Loop: An Odyssey of the Soul (335km)

The second loop began as an invitation to a deeper adventure. After the rest and the invigorating shower in Lausanne, I felt ready, but a wave of uncertainty hung in the air. The road stretched out before me, full of mysteries and unknown challenges.

· Towards Yverdon and the Col de l'Aiguillon: As we set off towards Yverdon, the landscape gradually changed, becoming wilder and more demanding. The Col de l'Aiguillon stood before me like a silent judge, testing me at every turn. As we reached the summit at night, exhaustion began to set in, but the descent to Auberson was a relief. There, the Rösti refuelling by a competitor who was on the 1000km was a warm moment, a delicious reward that brought me comfort.

· Crossing the Brévine and Hunger in Le Locle: The night road was a mental challenge. Crossing the Brévine with its freezing cold was a test of strength. My hands were shaking, and every breath became a chore. In Le Locle, hunger gnawed at me, and I threw myself on the snacks from a Selecta vending machine like a starving man.

· The break in the shelter: The path to Les Brenets was extremely tiring. My muscles were screaming, and my eyes were starting to close. The blackout was looming, and I knew I had to rest. Huddled in my survival bivy was both a defeat and a relief. Sleep was restless, but necessary. I slept for 1h30.

· Descent Towards the Doubs and Climb of the Chasseral: The road to the Doubs was like a descent into my deepest fears. The cold was so intense, surely amplified by the fatigue biting me with each turn of the pedal. I cursed everything, but I continued. After the Breuleux and a 1 hour stop in a bakery in Saint Imier where I ate pizza, a sandwich and drank 2 cans of Coke, the Chasseral was waiting. An endless climb that seemed to mock me. Every meter gained was a victory.

· Meeting with the Guardian Angels: The road was weighing on me, and doubts were piling up. But that's when I found my guardian angels ( @tiff_per and @estiedlz ), a duo on the 300km race who saw me in my distress. We shared the road, our fears, and our hopes. We were united in pain and determination, and each fountain was a place of respite and reflection. We stopped every 10km to rest but we moved forward.

· Approaching the Finish: The last few kilometres were a mixture of pain, ecstasy and goodwill between us. We were broken but determined, each carrying the other through the hills and valleys. The bond that united us was stronger than the fatigue, and we found the strength to continue, motivated by the joy of the shared effort. When Alexandra (My wife) took me in her arms in Bulle, I knew I could continue. Her eyes were full of love and pride, and I found in them the strength to continue.

The second loop was an odyssey, a journey through my fears and hopes. Each kilometer was a step closer to understanding myself and the reason for my challenge. It was a battle, a dance, and a meditation, all wrapped up in the twists and turns of the climbs of a magnificent and unforgiving Switzerland.

The Race Across Switzerland has come to an end , but the echoes of that adventure still resonate in my heart and mind. More than a race, it was a life lesson, an invaluable experience that revealed profound truths to me.

I learned the value of perseverance, of continuing to move forward even when all seems lost. Every kilometer was a battle, every climb a challenge, but I discovered a strength within myself that I didn't know I had or no longer had.

I learned the power of sharing and community. The friendly faces, the encouragement of other runners, and even the simple presence of nature around me were sources of inspiration and comfort. We were all connected by this event, united in our quest.

I learned the pain of effort and the extreme joy of arrival. Every pain, every cramp, every moment of exhaustion was a step towards my goal, a proof of my commitment. And when I crossed that finish line, the tears in my eyes were a mixture of joy, relief, and pure pride that was probably very selfish.

I learned the importance of self-denial, putting aside the ego and focusing on the goal. It was an inner journey as much as a physical race.

But perhaps most of all, I learned that life itself is a race. There are ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. There are times when you want to give up and times when you feel invincible. And just like in the Race Across Switzerland, what really matters is to keep moving forward, to believe in yourself, and to savor every moment.

This race was more than an athletic event. It was an experience that changed me and made me grow. I am grateful for every moment, every kilometer, every person I met along the way.

The Race Across Switzerland will forever be etched in my heart, not just as a race, but as a pivotal chapter in my life’s journey. It’s an experience I’ll never forget, and a reminder that no matter what road we choose, it’s the journey that truly matters.