As a long-standing partner of the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon, EDF is a major economic operator in the Oisans region. In this mountainous land, the company operates important hydroelectric facilities, notably the Grand’Maison dam and the Lac du Verney, where the swim takes place. Mathieu Brousse, 36 years old and planning coordinator in the Bourg d’Oisans mechanical intervention team, will be taking part in the triathlon M. Interview.
Why did you decide to enter this year's Alpe d'Huez Triathlon?
“I work today in Bourg d’Oisans after a decade in the nuclear industry with EDF. I wanted to get closer to the mountains to practice my favorite sports: trail running, cycling, mountaineering and ski touring. So I moved to Bourg d’Oisans four years ago. Every year, I see the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon run past my office windows, and I tell myself every time that I must take part in this event one day. In the spring, as I was talking to Laurence Neveu about the electrical connection we provide at the foot of the Alpe d’Huez climb for timing purposes, I mentioned my interest in the race. Laurence suggested I take part… and of course I said yes! “
You work in Oisans, more precisely at the Grand'Maison dam and at the foot of the famous 21 lacets, and you also live here. Does taking part in the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon have a special flavour for you?
“Yes, it’s an extra incentive to run at home! Swimming in the lake I see every day, which is a mountain lake where swimming is forbidden all the rest of the year, has quite a magical dimension. The bike course passes in front of my workplace and takes place in the legendary Alpe d’Huez climb. I also enjoy running up into the resort. Knowing that my EDF colleagues will be cheering me on as I will pass the office is really nice!”
How do you prepare, being at the event every day?
“”After hesitating between the M and L formats, I opted for the shorter distance. I’d like to move up to the long format next year. Although I run and ride regularly, I’m not a seasoned triathlete! During last winter and spring, I swam in the pool at Vaujany. I’ve done a lot of cycling in the Oisans region and climbed regularly the Alpe d’Huez. I know all the twists and turns! As for running, I do it all year round, trail running being my sport of choice. But I don’t prepare like a top-level triathlete, far from it. I do sport, but in reasonable doses.”
What does the Alpe d'Huez climb mean to you?
“When I was a kid, I used to watch cycling with my dad. There were two legendary climbs: Ventoux and Alpe d’Huez. So yes, the 21 bends make my eyes shine! As I work at the foot of the climb, I can do it every evening: it’s magical. That said, it’s a formidable climb every time: it’s long and the gradients are terrible all the way to La Garde. It’s always a pleasure to get to the top! But Oisans offers many other mythical passes, and I make the most of the territory. Thanks to EDF, I’m lucky enough to be able to work in this exceptional setting.”