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Episode summary

From Montreal to Paris: the birth of a passion

Nothing initially predestined Vicky Carbonneau to become a major player in the French cycling community. Although she used her bike in Montreal for her student travels, it was her arrival in Paris, during a sabbatical year, that really marked a turning point. . On the advice of a friend, she discovered fixed gear, a mode of transport that enabled her to explore the capital in a way other than by crossing subway tunnels.

For her, cycling offers an ideal observation speed, comparable to bikepacking: not too fast, not too slow. Gradually, her urban loops have expanded, taking her from Versailles to the roads of Normandy. This fixed-gear practice, which she describes as a form of “slow food” cycling, requires you to be at one with the machine, since the movement of your legs must follow the imposed rhythm, without freewheeling.

Federating and publicizing: a commitment to women’s cycling

Noting that she often rode alone, Vicky co-founded the Girls on Wheels collective following a memorable encounter with three other women during an organized outing.. This project, born of a need for sisterhood in what was then a very male-dominated environment, has become a “safe” platform with over 5,000 members.. The group has enabled many women to gain confidence, learn mechanics and take on long-distance challenges..

In 2022, she extended this commitment by publishing the book En danseuse. This book was born of a striking observation in bookshops: the total absence of female representation on shelves dedicated to cycling. Through portraits of pros and amateurs alike, she set out to :

• Publicize the diversity of disciplines, from cyclocross to downhill.
• Offer role models to women who don’t necessarily see themselves as high-level athletes.
• Encourage the presence of women in decision-making spheres and in cycling professions.
• Helping to change the way women’s sport is viewed, to limit sexist comments.

The Pista Cycling Café: an international crossroads at the foot of the Ventoux

ThePista Cycling Café adventure was born of a trigger during a bikepacking trip with her partner, Jean-Sébastien. As they were about to climb the Ventoux, all they could find was a vending machine coffee and a pain au chocolat as preparation. The idea was born to create a place dedicated to cyclists, offering hearty food adapted to the needs of effort, all day long.

Located in Bédoin, the café welcomes an international clientele, sometimes coming from New Zealand or Australia to “tick off” this mythical pass. Vicky observes that while 25-30% of her clientele are women, the challenge of the Ventoux remains daunting for many.

The café is more than just a restaurant; it has become a nerve center for events such as the “Mont Ventous.te” (mixed), the “Pignon Fixe” challenge and the “Brompton Ventoux Challenge”.

Entrepreneurship as a new endurance challenge

With twenty years’ experience in product development for brands such as Aigle and Lacoste, Vicky has launched her own technical clothing collection with Pista. She designs the models herself during the winter, seeking to free herself from the constraints of “custom” to offer products designed for the real needs of female and male riders. She recognizes that addressing the women’s market is a challenge, as it’s a highly competitive niche that requires careful, organic growth.

Today, Vicky compares her entrepreneurial journey to an ultra-distance race. Although she drives less than she used to – going from 12,000 to around 6,000 kilometers a year – she lives her passion through exchanges with customers and the creation of events.

Conclusion

Vicky Carbonneau’s message is clear: don’t put up any barriers. Whether it’s starting a sport or becoming an entrepreneur, she encourages every woman to dare and to rely on the community to help her progress.

Links

• Pista café website
• Pista café Instagram
• Vicky‘s Instagram
• Linkedin