Jean-Luc Dezaniaux is a fan of bike rides, a sport he has been practicing since he was 16. ÂNow 64 years old, he is a member of the Dinan cycling club and trains twice a week on rides of more than 100 km. Rides which, in this month of June, have transformed into a real solidarity journey to support a cause that is close to his heart, and there, it is a real challenge that this cyclist has launched to give meaning to a fight against disease.
The idea: cross France from Corseul in Côtes-d’Armor to Toulon in order to connect La Manche to the Mediterranean, a journey of more than 1,500 km in 14 stages. We met him at the start of his last stage: Draguignan-Toulon but with a stop in Flayosc where his cousin Alain lives.
Why this journey?
My brother-in-law Daniel, my wife’s brother, has been battling cancer for many years. Accomplishing this action is for me a symbolic way of supporting him in his fight and helping research since an online fundraiser is available, the amount of which is directly paid to the Léon-Bérard Center in Lyon, where Daniel is being treated. For three years, I have been thinking about this challenge and I had, for a long time, wanted to confront some mythical passes of the Alps which make us dream and which are the spice of big races like the Tour de France.
Moments of doubt?
Yes, a little at first but, driven by the motivation to provide support to Daniel, once started, the mind took precedence over the questions. A blog was opened and there was plenty of encouragement. Supported myself by my wife Yolande who took care of the logistics and by Bernadette, a friend, who was interested in the tourist side of the route, I was able to complete this event with complete peace of mind. In fact, both are true logistics geniuses.
The physique hasn’t suffered too much?
No, oddly enough, I feel very fit. I felt a little difficulty during the 3rd stage, Tours-Bourges, 150 km, with a three-quarter wind and then, the body has to get used to the effort.
A few words about the passes crossed?
The most difficult: the Vars and Cormet de Roselend passes. The most beautiful: the Col de l’Izoard. But, disappointment on the Allos passes, closed due to landslides and the Iseran, closed due to snow. And I couldn’t reach the top of the Col du Galibier, which was still snowy.
Meetings?
Yes, beautiful people in the villages, and also a deer who accompanied me for a part of the road.
What do you feel at the threshold of this last stage?
A certain excitement at having reached the end of my dream.
If we had to redo it?
Without hesitation. Such a charitable project is a great source of motivation. It’s a great adventure.
