The genesis.
My name is Olivier, and I am 36 years old. I am married and a father of a 4-year-old boy. As a sports enthusiast and someone who dabbles in various activities, I've been fortunate to lead a simple and happy life until August 26, 2019.
On that day, I find myself in the intensive care unit at Nanterre Hospital, where the diagnosis is made: type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease. Everything changes. But I refuse to be defeated, and I promise my loved ones that I will come back stronger.
The idea for Ride your Diabetes takes root in late 2022 when I contemplate what I can achieve as a sports enthusiast and an individual living with type 1 diabetes. I truly want to help those affected by this disease, but bringing this idea to fruition is not straightforward.
The project.
By combining this desire with my passion for enduro/downhill mountain biking, everything began to take shape.
Enduro/downhill mountain biking is a significantly more extreme and engaging variant compared to traditional mountain biking, where the sensations and the joy of handling are difficult to describe. I am, by far, a mere amateur in a sport where prominent names like Kilian Bron and Adrien Loron inspire me daily. In fact, I have never taken part in enduro/downhill mountain biking competitions. My experience in this area boils down to short stays in the mountains where I rent mountain bikes to explore the few trails available in the resorts where I reside.
That's why in 2025, I aim to take things to the next level, embarking on a sporting and human project that is very dear to me: participating in the 2025 Mountain of Hell.
Why am I doing this?
With this project, I aim to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes and support newly diagnosed individuals who, like me back then, often find themselves without answers to this crucial question: "Can one live fully and healthily with type 1 diabetes?"
Through my participation in the Mountain of Hell, I want to be a tangible example of the possibility of leading an active and fulfilling life despite this disease.
While high-level athletes like Alexander Zverev and Alizée Agier have already demonstrated this balance, my project stands out for its human impact and its amateur nature.
Your support.
To successfully carry out this project, I am determined to secure sponsors such as bike brands, specialized stores, recognized athletes, and passionate influencers who believe in my cause and wish to accompany me on this journey.
Through this project, I aim to demonstrate that mountain biking transcends limits and difficulties to become a vehicle for sharing and encouragement.
I am convinced that there are brands or individuals embodying these values. Can we not envision a harmonious blend of my athletic challenge, my awareness mission, and the principles advocated by potential sponsors? I am certain that it's possible.
Your support - in whatever form it may take - will enable me to ensure my participation in the event.
