With his 4 triumphs at the Alpe d’Huez Duathlon, Émile Bondel-Hermant (Team Noyon Triathlon) holds the record for victories at our event. Recently crowned World Long Distance Duathlon Champion at the legendary Powerman Zofingen, our ‘Mr Duathlon’ was kind enough to answer a few questions for us, in order to share some valuable advices for participants in the 2025 event… and to motivate others to sign up!
As an introduction... What does the Alpe d'Huez Duathlon represent for you? Will you be there in 2025?
I’ve won this race 4 times, in 2019 then 2022-2023-2024, and I’ve also finished on the podium several times in other editions. I love this race because of its atmosphere and its difficulty, particularly the mythical climb to Alpe d’Huez by bike, which only depends on your strength and without drafting! I’m a pretty good climber, even though I’m not necessarily the right weight, and over the years I’ve learnt to manage my effort better. And of course the setting is really magnificent, so every year I spend a few days there on holiday and enjoy some good cycling with friends after the race. Of course, the 2025 edition is already ticked off my race calendar.
Any basic, general advice for participants in the Alpe d'Huez Duathlon 2025?
I think it’s beneficial for those who live near hilly areas and who have the opportunity to do so to train there before the competition in order to accumulate climbs and develop their specific pedalling stroke.
What would be your advices, segment by segment?
First run - 6,5km (Bourg d'Oisans)
Make sure you’re well hydrated before the start, as it’s often very hot in the valley. The first run is hilly, so you need to set off carefully and manage your effort so as not to reach the bike park and the foot of Alpe d’Huez in excessive intensity. Excessive effort is paid straight on the bike as soon as you hit the first ramps.
Cycling - 15km (montée de l'Alpe d'Huez)
The first ramps are difficult, with the steepest gradients on the climb, so it’s important to smooth out your effort and not get into trouble until you reach La Garde. Remember to keep well hydrated at the various feed stations provided by the organisation. The slope is less steep thereafter, allowing you to pick up the pace by shifting up a gear. The last few bends are exposed to the wind, and you need to keep some energy if you don’t want to collapse on the final section. The last few hectometres to the bike park are easy, allowing you to refuel and recover a little before T2.
Secund run - 5,5km (Alpe d'Huez)
The first few strides are often complicated by the climb through the legs and the altitude. After crossing the resort, the first part gradually climbs onto a path where light, road-type shoes are not the most appropriate in terms of stability. The 2nd part is on the Col de Sarenne road, the gradient rises again and here again the wind can make this section harder. Most of the final section is downhill, including the vertiginous descent to the altiport where you need to stay focused on your stride.
