ICW showcases stories about cycling culture, revealed through a couple of questions. These questions are structured by us at Tons, with answers provided by those who inspire us.
What made you start riding your bike?
Born in the heart of the Champagne region, surrounded by endless vineyards, it was my curiosity to explore beyond my own neighborhood that first led me to cycling—driven by the simple desire to see what lay around the next bend.
I was fortunate to join a local cycling school in my village at the age of 8yo, where I discovered not only the joy of pushing my limits but also a passion for adventure that allowed me to start exploring France.
What is your favorite bike race?
These are tough questions! I love the drama of the Giro and the incredible passion Italians have for cycling, but the Tour de France holds a special place in my heart.
It was the very first cycling race I watched at the age of 5, and since then, I’ve been fortunate to experience it up close every year, often on one or two stages that wind through the French Alps.
What’s your best memory on a bike?
That’s a tough one—every ride is unique and brings its own set of emotions. But one that really stands out was an off-season ride around Monaco with Tadej Pogačar and Urška Žigart.
It was something special, getting to discover his playground in such a relaxed way. We wrapped it up with coffee and a quiche Lorraine after the ride—super chill, and honestly, very, very cool.
What's your favourite gear?
The saddle and pedals are the two components I pay the most attention and my favorite too because they support over 70% of my body weight. Choosing the wrong ones can completely ruin your ride, especially during indoor training where your position tends to remain more static.
What's your essentials for a bike trip?
Never without my opinel knife for a sausage or cheese break. Period.
What type of bikes do you have and how many bikes do you have?
I take a fairly classic approach when it comes to bikes—one for each activity. For road cycling in the mountains, I ride a Trek Émonda SLR. My Trek Checkmate SLR gravel bike covers the majority of my rides, and for more challenging off-road adventures, I turn to my Trek Supercaliber mountain bike.
What’s your favorite cycling route?
This is a hidden gem of an 80–90k route that, to me, showcases the northern Alps at their absolute best. Starting in Bourg St. Maurice, you take on the stunning Cormet de Roselend, followed by the Col des Prés—a climb that’s set to feature in the 2025 Tour de France. From there, you hit a little-known gravel section leading to the Cormet d’Arêche. What’s on the menu? Epic views, serious elevation gain, and tons of fun—plus a cheeky gravel stretch tackled on 28mm road tyres. Pure adventure.
Best cycling advice to a stranger?
My best advice? Ride consistently and set goals that make sense for you. It’s better to get out regularly than to push for one epic ride and burn yourself out. Stay true to your own pace, enjoy the process, and don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Just savor every moment on the bike—that’s where the real magic happens
—
Sébastien Jarrot
