After nine days of effort, over 800 kilometers, and 25,000 meters of positive elevation gain, Tom and Valentin have completed their bicycle crossing of the Route des Grandes Alpes. A sporting and solidarity challenge, born from a life trial and a ten-year friendship, to support the League Against Cancer.
They arrived on Friday at 5 PM, at the sundial of Nice, their faces marked but radiant. After nine days on the road from Thonon-les-Bains, the two Rochelais, Tom (30 years old) and Valentin (28 years old), connected Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean with nothing more than sheer leg power. In total, they covered more than 800 km, 28,000 meters of elevation, and crossed 26 mountain passes.
“The arrival is quite surreal,” confides Tom. “We arrive in the city; we didn’t pass through many big cities during our journey. We’ve gone through a lot of emotions; we were cold, we were hot, we were hungry… And here we are, it’s a bit strange, but we’re very happy to get back to normal life.”
Upon arrival, fatigue mingled with euphoria. “Physically, I’m fine, except for a few slight joint issues but nothing too serious,” smiles Valentin, still under the adrenaline.
A Human Adventure and a Message of Hope
Having departed on October 2nd, the two friends alternated between bivouacs and warm welcomes. “We did 50% bivouac, and we had many acquaintances who opened their doors to us, allowing us to sleep warmly and take showers that were much appreciated!”
For Tom, in remission from a Burkitt lymphoma, this challenge is a redemption from the disease. “This crossing represents the fact that I’ve come back 10,000%. My body has regained all its abilities, and the disease is potentially behind me.”
On his side, Valentin mostly retains the lesson of perseverance: “what I’ll remember is that anything is possible. Nothing is insurmountable. It’s a matter of desire and motivation. The means can be found.”
The League, a Partner in a Personal Endeavor
For the League Against Cancer of Alpes-Maritimes, this initiative illustrates the strength of self-overcoming. “It is a completely personal initiative by Tom and Valentin,” says Thierry, event management officer. “We accompanied them by relaying their journey on social networks to boost the fundraising and show that very positive things can be done after cancer.”
The collected donations will finance support care for patients and their relatives: psychological support, wellness workshops, or resumption of physical activity.
Those who wish to support this adventure can still contribute to the online fundraising open for the benefit of the League Against Cancer.
