the extraordinary bike ride of Laurent Jalabert, who suffers from bigorexia

At 54, Laurent Jalabert pushes the boundaries of endurance and passion for sport. The former Tour de France figure and consultant for FranceTélévisions, took on an extraordinary challenge: to cover 837 kilometers from Irun (Spanish Basque Country) to Cerbère (Pyrénées-Orientales) in just 38 hours and 36 minutes.

The Pyrenees. Majestic and impressive. The massif is one of the favorite playgrounds for cycling enthusiasts. Among them, Laurent Jalabert, former figure in French cycling and consultant for France Télévisions, took on an extraordinary challenge: to cover 837 kilometers from Irun (Spanish Basque Country) to Cerbère (Pyrénées-Orientales) in just 38 hours and 36 minutes. To get there, the former champion had to cross no less than 27 passes, all spectacular.

Physically, the challenge is very demanding. 24 hours from the end of the journey, “Jaja” noticed that he “6 passes remained to complete this crossing of the Pyrenees 🚴‍♂️. 217 km today and 4000m D+↗️. I’m not hungry anymore…I’m thirsty and I’m done 🤪. Can’t wait to go to bed 😅“

This crossing was also useful for the athlete who is preparing for BikingMan X in Morocco, an ultra cycling event in total autonomy. This is why Jalabert chose a bike equipped with very wide tires, which weighs more than 15 kilograms when loaded with all the necessary equipment for the race. A choice allows him to get used to steering the machine and prepare him for the 1,000 kilometers to come and an impressive 20,000 meter elevation gain.

Isn’t Mazamétain, world champion in Iron Man, doing too much at 54? In an interview with Ouest-France, the former professional cyclist admits an addictive link to sport: “It is a common recommendation to exercise regularly. But not necessarily like me, who practices excessively”explained Laurent Jalabert, before discussing the root of the problem: “I don’t mind being called bigorexic. I love sports, I need it, and when I don’t do it, I miss it. I’m addicted to sports, but I don’t consider myself sick. The practice of sports must remain healthy . When you fall overboard, it becomes dangerous.”