EDF and the Grand’Maison hydroelectric power station have been welcoming Alpe d’Huez triathletes to the Lac du Verney site for the past 16 years, for an unforgettable swimming experience. But EDF’s commitment goes beyond the company’s vocation to support sport and stimulate the socio-economic activity of the Oisans Valley. The sporting spirit also motivates EDF employees! We met Ludovic Amelot, a loyal supporter of the event and an expert accountant at EDF in Paris.
Ludovic, who are you?
I am a Parisian, father of two, and a member of the Issy-les-Moulineaux triathlon club. Time flies, I just turned 50. But frankly I’m not complaining, I’m in good shape thanks to sport.
What are your responsabilities in EDF?
I am in charge of the accounting management of all the EDF Group’s insurance contracts. The Group Insurance Department is responsible for negotiating contracts with insurers and once the contracts have been signed, we re-invoice them to all the EDF departments and subsidiaries. There is a very wide range of contracts, from nuclear damage to cyber risk.
What kind of athlete are you?
I have been an active athlete for about 20 years. I discovered triathlon in 2008, starting slowly with a short distance event. Then I started to enjoy this discipline. To date I have done 5 Ironmans including the Embrunman, about 30 half Ironmans and shorter formats. Last year I discovered marathon mountain biking in the mountains. I’m going to undertake the crossing of the Pyrenees from 11 to 17 June: the “Transpyr”. Sport really represents a balance in my personal and professional life. It makes me feel really good. Sometimes I am preoccupied with files, like everyone else, and I take advantage of the lunch break to go running or swimming. As if by magic, my vision of these worries is totally different and they are often resolved in the afternoon. I am convinced that doing sport makes you more efficient at work.
When and how did you discover the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon?
I discovered the Alpe d’huez Triathlon in 2010 thanks to a colleague from EDF. I became passionate about this event: I have participated eight times in the L and once in the M. This race is really fantastic, both for its atmosphere and its beauty as well as for its organisation. Every year since 2010, it has been a must in my calendar.
Why do you think this event i so different?
It differs from other events in the beauty of the landscape during the swim, bike or run. When I swim in the Lac du Verney I feel like I’m swimming at home. I am proud that my company, EDF, supports this event. Another important point is the atmosphere during the five days of the event, which makes it a real festival! There is a very human side to the organisation of thanks to the volunteers and all those who participate in some way in the success of this competition. I think we have lost this way of doing things in other big races.
You lived the race as a marshal as well? Can you tell us about this experience?
It’s true. For three years now I have been part of the “Watchers” team, the referees of the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon. I find the experience super interesting and I can bring something extra as I know the race by heart from the participant’s point of view. As mentioned above, the human side of this event made me want to get involved in the organisation. We are all highly motivated and everyone brings their own suggestions to the Watchers team, which is our strength. Our philosophy and our priorities are based on the safety of the triathletes, the protection of the environment, kindness and support. We listen to triathletes at the entrance to the bike park, for example, to answer their questions and provide reassurance. The aim is to put them in the best conditions to perform.
EDF always supported the sport in general. What influence may have this culture on the EDF teams?
EDF has always been a major player in sport in France. If I take the example of handisport, EDF has been a partner of the FFHandisport for over 30 years. We also have partnerships with the FFNatation, the FFFootball and the FFCK. The EDF TEAM with its 34 athletes shows how important it is for the company to support our athletes in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. EDF, with its predominantly carbon-free electricity production, had to be the energy supplier for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
EDF Hydro Alpes also supports local events, particularly those in the open air, which take place near hydroelectric facilities, producers of the first of the renewable energies. It is essential to help these events, which unite amateur sport with top-level athletes. And sport can be a strong vector for inclusion and health in our society. In then case of the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon each year, there are many EDF employees at the start of the event.
What values EDF and the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon have in common, in your opinion?
Obviously human values. EDF attaches great importance to well-being at work. The partnership with the Paris 2024 Olympics is a way to further develop sport in the company and to support the notion of “sport well-being”. We find this approach at the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon, where everything is done to ensure that all triathletes, whatever their profile, enjoy their experience serenely.
The Lac du Verney and the Grand'maison EDF hydroelectric power station offer a sublime setting for the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon swim. You know the event well, what advice would you give to participants for the swim?
The Lac du Verney, for me, is the most beautiful place to swim during a triathlon in France. You have to take advantage of it because it is only possible once a year, when the Grand’Maison factory shuts down to make way for the competition. Ten years ago I would have told you that the water is very cold and that you have to wear two swim caps. Unfortunately, with global warming this is not really the case anymore. I advise participants to get into the water early. This will allow them to warm up well and to be in the best position. No stress: the swim start is wide so you swim relatively calmly without the “washing machine” effect as in other events. On the L Triathlon, which starts early in the morning, the sun can make it difficult to find your way around on the way back to the swim loop, so don’t forget to take a marker in the direction of the exit, such as a tree, a mountain or anything else that can help you stay on the right path.