Will we soon see Bibendum get back on a bike to reach Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme) from Paris? In any case, that is the wish of Émilien Mottet, a computer engineer at Michelin. This great cycling enthusiast proposed, via an internal platform at the company, the organization of the return of the Paris-Clermont race which disappeared several decades ago. A race that became legendary when it was launched in 1892 because the organizers, the brothers André and Édouard Michelin, had placed studs on the course to praise the robustness of the young company’s removable tire. “Of course, I know this story well,” smiles the young 28-year-old employee. But this time, there will be no studs. We will especially remain faithful to the length of the route which was around 400 km.”
A test over a weekend
While he has the support of his colleagues who have endorsed his idea, Émilien Mottet can also count on very good feedback at the local level. “It’s progressing slowly but surely. I’m being contacted from all over the place, particularly from cycling associations that have organised the last editions. And I think the city of Clermont-Ferrand could also be interested.” And to convince people, this long-distance outing enthusiast didn’t hesitate to test the route with two friends in mid-September: “We did the course in 17 hours with grocery store breaks and a pizza at the end. We really want it to be easy-going. It’s quite flat apart from a small bump. We’re primarily targeting amateur cyclists who want to have a good time.”
A route that respects the race launched by Michelin but adds new features, always in connection with the Auvergne company. “I’m considering a refueling stop in Bourges halfway. We have a Michelin factory so the idea would also be to take advantage of the locals. And, for the finish, the goal would be to finish with a lap of the track in Ladoux, at the Michelin Research Center.”
But before that, Émilien Mottet must first secure funding for the event, with a clearly stated objective in mind: “The event could be relaunched as early as the end of summer 2025.”
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