With the Alpe d’Huez Triathlons L and M now sold out, a new Game Changers campaign is getting underway. Solidarity race numbers are now available, with funds still going towards Aviation sans Frontières’ mission to accompany sick children. Who better to talk about this than Matteo Kozlowski, Game Changer in 2025 with the most donations received? Let’s meet him.
Who are you, Matteo Kozlowski ?
My name is Matteo Kozlowski, I am 23 years old and I come from Draguignan, in the Var region of southern France. I have always been passionate about sport and have been competing in triathlons for several years.
Today, I live in Oslo, where I work at the French Embassy in Norway as part of an international volunteer programme. But I definitely plan to return to France to run, and I am already starting to plan my races for next year.
How did you discover the charity race numbers for the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon?
While searching for preparatory races, I came across the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon. The course really appealed to me, but when I inquired, the race had already been sold out for several months.
That’s when I discovered the Game Changers program. Honestly, I hadn’t necessarily thought about this type of initiative at first, but it was a great opportunity: both to take part in a legendary race and to support an important cause.
I said to myself, ‘If I really want to compete, I need to set up a project around it.’
Have you ever taken part in a sporting event to raise funds for a good cause?
Not as part of a sporting event, no.
I had already been involved in student charity initiatives, such as fundraising and solidarity campaigns, but this was different.
Here, I had to explain the process and make it clear that the money raised was to support the charity and not to fund my participation. It was new to me, and I wanted to make sure people understood that.
Why did you choose the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon?
I was looking for a race that would serve as challenging groundwork for Nice.
The Alpe d’Huez bike course, with its legendary climbs, ticked all the boxes. And then, beyond the sporting aspect, it’s a race with a real reputation and a special atmosphere.
It was a challenge, but also an experience I wanted to have.
What was your initial motivation when you set up your fundraising campaign? How much money did you manage to raise for Aviation Sans Frontières?
Initially, my motivation was to find a way to participate in the race despite it being sold out.
But very quickly, the project took on another dimension: I had to rally people around a cause. I really wanted to see this fundraising effort through to the end.
In the end, I managed to raise €1,000 thanks to around thirty donations (30 or 32, if I remember correctly).
Did being part of the Game Changers programme play a part in your preparation?
Yes, absolutely. There was a dual objective: the sporting challenge and the charity fundraising.
I was preparing as usual, but at the same time, I also had to think about how to mobilise people, who to contact, and how to present the initiative.
Being a Game Changer gave me extra motivation. I knew I had made a commitment and that people were supporting me, which pushed me to see it through to the end.
How did you raise funds? Did you have a strategy in place?
I started by sending the link to my loved ones, my family and friends, to give the campaign a little boost. I wanted there to be some visible momentum right from the start.
Then, I was in the United States for my studies, in a triathlon club, and I thought it might be interesting to talk about it there too.
A friend and I organised a small ‘Backyard Ultra’ event, where I was able to present my project with QR codes for the fundraiser.
It worked really well: people were curious, and there’s a real culture of fundraising over there. Everyone knew Alpe d’Huez thanks to the Tour de France, so it immediately sparked interest.
Were you surprised by the experience during your campaign?
Yes, by people’s reactions.
Some people, some of whom I barely knew, were very enthusiastic and willing to help me.
I didn’t necessarily expect the initiative to touch so many people.
And I realised that by explaining the meaning of the project clearly and creating a connection, people wanted to get involved. It was a lovely surprise.
How was the race?
The race went very well. Swimming is always the part I like the least, but it went well despite the water being a bit cold.
The bike course was magnificent, one of the most beautiful I’ve ever done. I had studied the route carefully to manage my effort until the climb up Alpe d’Huez.
I was in good shape for the run. My brother followed me, giving me updates on the gaps, and I finished 20 seconds off the podium in my category (20–24 years old).
It was a memorable moment, a race I will never forget.
During the effort, did you think about the association or the meaning of your participation?
Not necessarily during the race itself, because I remain focused on managing my run.
But everything surrounding the event, the conversations, the encounters, the fact that the race had meaning, really added something extra.
I like it when a race is about more than just a race number: here, there was a human and collective dimension that I really appreciated.
What about the Limited Edition official trisuit you won?
It’s great! I used it right after Alpe d’Huez, in Embrunman, then in my main event: the Ironman World Championship in Nice.
Unfortunately, I fell during the cycling stage. The tri suit was damaged, but it brought me luck. I even wore it again in the Natureman, with little holes in the back.
It was funny, the speaker recognised me and asked me what had happened! It’s become a souvenir outfit, a bit symbolic now.
Would you recommend the experience to other triathletes?
Yes, really. Don’t think that collecting donations is too difficult. With a little motivation and a few good ideas, it’s possible.
Above all, it’s an experience that adds another dimension to the race. You’re no longer just running for yourself, but also for something meaningful.
The GAME CHANGERS program
GAME CHANGERS are participants in the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon who have raised funds for the Aviation sans Frontières Association and obtained their race numbers by reaching the set target (€900 for the L Triathlon, €500 for the M Triathlon and €200 for the Duathlon).
All fundraising is done on the secure donation platform set up by Aviation sans Frontières. It’s easy, efficient and clear!
If you’re looking for a race number for the 20th edition, get started!