After its success last year, WTS Events, a company specializing in coaching and sports support, is organizing a “cycling challenge” for executives and company leaders for the second consecutive year. In partnership with UPE06, the creator of the “Healthy Company” program, the peloton will ride across the Côte d’Azur, Haut Var, and Luberon before tackling the legendary Mont Ventoux pass.
After a hearty breakfast on the Hi-Beach, about twenty participants set off on a 380-kilometer course.
The program features no race, nor stopwatch, as the participants are there solely for the sporting “challenge.” The concept was developed by Jean-Baptiste Wiroth, the organizer of the Nice – Mont Ventoux “challenge.”
“I am convinced that events are an important cog in sports. I want to develop and promote sports practice within companies. The setting is idyllic with a start on the Promenade des Anglais and a finish at Mont Ventoux. We’re not talking about a race, but a challenge.”
To achieve this sporting challenge, the participants followed a tailored training program over the last six months. This is the case for Cyril, a manager of an investment fund in Paris, who is participating in this event for the first time.
“You need to set goals and stick to them. While the course may seem complicated, the challenge remains accessible to cycling enthusiasts. Over the past months, I followed a program with cycling every other day and weight training sessions to stay in shape. There’s a mix of apprehension and excitement. Today, I feel ready to take on the challenge.”
Sports, a remedy against corporate sedentariness
The organization of the Nice – Mont Ventoux is also an opportunity to convey a message, which is to integrate sports as a daily tool within a company. An idea shared by François, a lawyer in Paris.
“Corporate sports is a real challenge today when life is becoming more and more sedentary. It’s the best way to fight against burnout. We should not only think about the sporting aspect but also the positive impact it can have on the company’s performance.”
A third edition is already planned for the second weekend of June 2016, to the delight of these cycling enthusiasts.
