José Perez is not a racing bike enthusiast. A skydiving enthusiast, he was among the first to do paragliding in the department, then hang gliding or even initiator of bungee jumps from the Monastier viaduct… Originally from Charente-Maritime, this retired roofer-zincworker for four years, has also practiced sailing, mountain biking, climbing and high mountains for a long time. And, always, swimming.
“I reached 114 km/h going downhill! »
“I’ve never really ridden a road bike. I found it very hard physically and you lose quickly if you don’t practice! I had to wait until today for me to appreciate being on a bike,” says this resident of Aiguilhe. Certainly, but not just any! First the “trike”, a recumbent tricycle, which he discovered a few years ago, following back problems.
He participated in the French recumbent Cycling championships in 2019 where he won the bronze medal. This is where he meets velomobile enthusiasts: the machine is made up of a recumbent bicycle with three wheels (two in front and one in the rear) surrounded by a single-span carbon shell with an aerodynamic silhouette. The machine weighs 24 kg compared to 13 kg for the trike. “It’s a speed bike,” explains José Perez. I reached 114 km/h going downhill! Speed records in the United States go up to 144 km/h.
Seduced, he tried one for the first time last spring and promised himself he would find his own. This has been done since April. Its cost? Count 11,400 euros new.
His velomobile was manufactured in Poland under American license. There are between 200 and 300 in France. The machine is approved for use on the roads: it is equipped with a horn, indicators, position lights and brake lights. Inside, there is just enough space for the rider to fit in. There are no handlebars, but a handle, as well as a small battery. “It’s very sensitive, it takes a little learning,” he notes.
“No one recognizes me when I drive around, but everyone recognizes the machine,” laughs José Perez. To what could be just a simple ride, this competitor at heart has nevertheless added sporting objectives: to participate in the French velomobile championships organized by Ufolep next September near Montpellier and in the world championships. velomobile the following July 14, in Italy. The events consist of races against the clock.
These will not be his first competitions: José Perez came 4th at the French championships last year but, he notes, “there were not enough participants, only six! It’s not representative.” In trike, he won silver and bronze medals this year at the French championship and came 8th at the world championship.
Since the spring, we have seen him traveling the department’s roads aboard his velomobile: on outings of around 65 to 70 km, he travels on average at 42 km/h. His favorite roads are those of Emblavez which wind along the Loire, but he does not shy away from those of Brivadois. “It appeals to a lot of people when I go around,” he laughs.
José Perez is part of the French Recumbent Cycling Association which has 180 members in France. He hopes to arouse enough curiosity to make him want to join him in the velomobile and go part of the way with him…
