French Road 66 – Feedback from Estelle Hemery

Updated on 2025-08-21

She discovered cycling during confinement, and three years later is cycling solo across France. Estelle Hemery completed French Road 66 - a 1066 km ultra-cycling race - in less than three days. Here's the story of a sporting and mental challenge, and of self-discovery along the way.

Laurène Philippot

Laurène is the magazine's creator. An avid cyclist, hiker and trail runner, she's always keen to discover new places, especially in the mountains!

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Episode summary

She doesn’t come from the world of sport, didn’t grow up on a bike, and yet… Last June, Estelle Hemery completed the 1066 km French Road 66, an ultra-distance race across France, in less than three days. A challenge she took up without pressure, but with rigor, curiosity and a healthy dose of determination. Meet a passionate and exciting cyclist, who discovered cycling late in life – and quickly got hooked on ultra-racing.

From everyday cycling to ultra-distance

It was during her confinement that Estelle got on her first bike, initially for her daily commute around Paris. ” My boyfriend was a club cyclist, and I used to go and watch him race… At some point, I felt like giving it a try. At first, it was to go on vacation, in bikepacking mode. And then, very quickly, the kilometers began to add up.

” We got off to a great start with a tour of the Auvergne, covering over 100 km a day. That got me off to a good start. “Without a strict training plan, but with great regularity, she developed her endurance – and her taste for long distances. Ultra-racing became an obvious choice: ” Seeing more landscapes, going further, riding for longer… That’s what attracted me. ”

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A first 1000 km race: the French Road 66

After a few experiences in bikepacking and two long-distance events (the Poco Loco and the Race Across France 300), Estelle is taking on a 1000 km event with the French Road 66. A format that appeals to her: a self-built track with a few compulsory crossing points, a friendly atmosphere and an organization that puts women first.

” I’m a great stressor when it comes to logistics. What I liked about this race was that it was easy to get to by train. And it was “flat” – on my scale! – so it was more reassuring for a first-timer. “

Preparation in its own way

No coach or training plan for Estelle, but an intuitive approach: ride often, listen to yourself, and rely on regularity. ” In winter, I’d ride at least 50 km every other day. I rode a lot on the flat banks of Grenoble to work on my position and strength. “

And because ultra is also about the mind, she relies on a few resources gleaned here and there (podcasts, conferences, mental preparation articles from La Sportive Outdoor) and also… a frighteningly effective playlist: ” No sad music! Just sounds I know by heart and that get me going. “

A smooth crossing (or almost)

Against all expectations, the race went… perfectly well! Estelle completed the 1,066 km in two days and 21 hours, without any particular pain, and without incident. Or almost. ” I had a real moment of panic on a busy main road. I ended up in tears at an RV park, with a pepito to cheer me up. “

This hard blow became a trigger: “ From then on, I said to myself: I’ve suffered too much to let go. I wanted to keep my place. ” She finished 4th woman. A performance she had not expected, and one that brings her adventure to a close with immense satisfaction.

“I discovered that I could do it”.

Beyond the ranking, it was a seminal experience. ” What I’ve learned is that I’m capable. Able to cycle across France on my own. “And even if she hasn’t planned another race for the time being, she continues to ride, solo or with her friends, at her own pace, in vacation mode. ” What I prefer, though, is quiet bikepacking, with ice cream and girlfriends! ”

And for those who are reluctant to take the plunge? ” You have to dare. Find caring communities, start small, reassure yourself… And then realize that yes, you can ride alone, even if it’s scary at first. “