The Alpe d’Huez Triathlon is definitely women friendly. The best proof? Female participation is gradually increasing every year: in 2025, it should reach 23.5%. Even if this level is still far from satisfactory, there is a real female enthusiasm for triathlon. As proof of this, here are four portraits of women who live in the Alpe d’Huez area and are passionately preparing for the 2025 edition.
Isabelle Blanc: a 50th birthday challenge
Isabelle Blanc is one of the pioneers of Olympic snowboarding. She was there at the start when the sport was introduced at the Winter Olympics in Nagano in 1998. Four years later, with a world championship title and a crystal globe in her pocket, Isabelle won the Olympic title in Salt Lake City. ‘I grew up in Alpe d’Huez and I have always been very attached to my home resort,’ she says. ‘I will be 50 on 25 July and I have set myself a challenge: to run five ten-kilometre races in a few months and finish my challenge at the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon, at home.’ Isabelle will be running in the relay race with two friends in the M format. ‘This event has always seemed remarkable to me, particularly because it has managed to maintain a friendly, family atmosphere despite its reputation and the high level of athletes it attracts.’ For the local woman, running here will have a special flavour, especially since sharing has become a real driving force for her, who competed for many years in an individual sport. “Although I participate in the triathlon in a mixed team, Alpe d’Huez is a resort for champions! Historically, the great local athletes have been women: Laure Péquegnot, Ophélie David, and myself. That said, just because I was a top-level athlete doesn’t mean I’m a runner. Running really isn’t my thing,’ Isabelle jokes. For her, jogging at an altitude of 1800 metres will be a real challenge. And above all, the kick-off of a big birthday party!
Isadora Diet: a real crush on the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon
Isadora is a true local. She grew up in Bourg d’Oisans before moving a little further up to Huez with her family. Isadora, a mother of two children aged 4 and 6, is a self-employed real estate agent, a job she does in the resort. ‘I organise my time as I wish, which allows me to do sport’, she says. ‘I have always done sport regularly, but I wouldn’t call myself a great sportswoman!’ Isadora practises a wide range of activities: cross-country and ski touring in winter, running, cycling, fitness, swimming, etc. ‘I realise how lucky we are to have such a playground. Training here is a daily pleasure.’ Last year, Isadora and a few friends set themselves a major challenge: to run the M format of the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon. “I loved the experience and the general atmosphere, which was very warm. I really fell in love with the race… so I’ve signed up again this year! Galvanised by the encouragement of all the locals she meets during the race, but also by the atmosphere of the event, Isadora trains with her friends Chloé and Zoé. A real source of motivation for a great sporting and human experience at the end of July.
Chloé Girin : a challenge between friends
Chloé Girin, a native of Beaujolais, moved to Alpe d’Huez about ten years ago. Employed in a property rental agency, the 34-year-old woman lives in the resort all year round. ‘I took part in the triathlon in a team 10 years ago and since then I have taken part six times, always as a team member, doing the swimming part because I am a swimmer,’ explains Chloé, who last year, having recently become a mother, cheered on her friend Isadora in the event… and felt a furious desire to experience it again. ‘So I signed up for the solo M format, which is a huge challenge for me because I’ve never cycled in my life!’, laughs the energetic swimmer. Mutual support is the watchword for the three friends, Chloé, Isadora and Zoé. ‘We currently go to the pool together and, in May, the girls will take care of me for the cycling. I’m scared, but I’m going!’ Training at Alpe d’Huez is a real pleasure for Chloé, who savours her chance to benefit from an ideal environment for sport, even if making an effort at an altitude of 1800 metres requires physiological adaptation. ‘There are more and more initiatives in favour of women’s sport, especially with dedicated races. And I see more and more women taking up sport around here, sometimes investing themselves fully, like Isadora and Zoé. Lots of girls really enjoy the privileged setting we have at Alpe d’Huez,” concludes Chloé.
Ainsley Corrand: from field hockey to triathlon
A former elite and first division field hockey player at the Caluire club near Lyon, Ainsley Corrand moved to Alpe d’Huez about ten years ago. Manager and owner of a chalet Bed & Breakfast in the resort, Ainsley is still a passionate sportswoman. At the age of 55, she practises downhill skiing, ski touring, trail running, downhill mountain biking, road cycling… and even ice hockey! ‘I need to move and set myself little challenges,’ she says. ‘I have taken part in duathlons several times and, for the first time, in my 50th year, in the M triathlon… even though I couldn’t swim!’ Never mind: Ainsley is taking swimming lessons to be ready for the big day… which will never come because, in 2020, the triathlon has been cancelled due to Covid. Ainsley is not giving up, however, and will be taking part in the M format in 2023 and 2024. ‘I’m really into it!’, she enthuses. ‘We are lucky to have this great event in Alpe d’Huez, which is a huge playground for all sports.’