The Spanish brand INVERSE is a loyal partner of the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon, having committed itself to the event for a further three years last January. The brand organises the INVERSE TEAM CONTEST 2025 to reward the largest delegation from a single club. After the 87 participants from Marseille’s Sardines Triathlon in 2024, it’s Rennes Triathlon’s turn to win the contest, with 58 participants. Board member Nicolas Ardant talks about his heart club.
Can you describe Rennes Triathlon, the overall winner of the INVERSE TEAM CONTEST 2025?
“The club was founded in the 1990s. It’s the same age as our president, so I’d say it’s a pretty young club. Rennes Triathlon is a very dynamic club, constantly on the move, with new ideas and new projects. In 2025, we organised the first edition of our duathlon and took on a part-time coach in addition to our head coach. We want everyone to find his or her place, whatever his or her level. That’s why we’ve set up cycling and swimming groups. On Thursdays, however, we have a track running session so that we can all run together. We also attach great importance to what has always been the DNA of Rennes Triathlon, with our top-level local teams in D1 duathlon and D2 triathlon, as well as the development of our sports section for secondary school pupils. We believe strongly in training and in our youngsters! Our triathlon school is inching closer to achieving 3rd star status. Alongside this objective, we want to make triathlon as accessible as possible, so we’re going to buy a few bikes to make it easier to get into the sport. All our projects are long-term and our management committee – made up of around ten members – is very representative of our club with a great diversity of profiles. It’s very enriching for the whole group. Rennes Triathlon is a club that combines conviviality, performance, learning and professionalism, all with a GREAT deal of volunteerism.”
One in six members of Rennes Triathlon is a young person. Does the club have a specific approach for this group?
“Yes, it does. Rennes Triathlon is committed to introducing young people to triathlon. In fact, we have been awarded 2 stars by the FFTri thanks to our work with this group. We open the triathlon school to children from the age of 6-8. We make sure that the activity is accessible to as many people as possible by applying for subsidies, or by hiring out or donating equipment to the youngsters. We can count on the support of coaches in training, volunteers and parents. Many swimming sessions and mountain bike trainings are planned. We also organise an annual Animathlon, which is run as a child-parent duo, and our duathlon has an event for youngsters in addition to the S format for adults.”
What's the prevailing mood at Rennes Triathlon?
“We’re the 6th largest club in France in terms of members, so there are a lot of us, but we keep a friendly spirit. We encourage members to get involved in the life of the club and we punctuate the year with events that bring us together: the general meeting, the galette in January, the Animathlon in June… We’re also very attached to Brittany and we know that with the number of members we have, our strike force is enormous at events in the region. So we do as much as we can to support local events. Of course, we also go to other areas to take on challenges that are a bit crazy… like the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon!”
Why did you choose the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon, which for you is very far axway, and moreover in the mountains?
“It was the idea of our coach, who took part in the race a few years ago. He found it very tough, but great fun. A good fifty of us got behind the idea, so much so that most of us will be taking part in the L format! The organisation is a bit complex, but we’ve split into groups of around ten people to book accommodation in Alpe d’Huez and share transport to get there. We’re highly motivated to take on a challenge with a steep gradient.”
How do people from Brittany prepare for a mountain triathlon? Have you planned any specific training courses or sessions to deal with the difference in altitude and the altitude itself?
“The coach has included the Alpe d’Huez triathlon in the schedule, so we’re following a programme adapted to the event. We’ve planned some triathlons with D+ during the season. And then there are a few events that climb a bit in our area, particularly in the north of Brittany or in the Armorican Massif. In the South of Rennes, we can train on hilly loops, whether by bike or on foot. We can also go to Auvergne to do some mountain passes… but that’s still a 6-hour drive! Our aim is to finish the bike part of the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon. After that, we’re all saying to ourselves that we’ll take as much time as we need for the run, knowing that it will be difficult to run at altitude. But the scenery promises to be magical, so we’re looking forward to the experience!”
What was it like to be announced as the winner of the Club INVERSE Contest?
“We couldn’t believe it when we got the email! We’re very proud and very happy. It’s incredible that a club with family values should win this competition. It’ll be great to see the trifonction on display in Alpe d’Huez.”
INVERSE REWARDS:
- A giant jersey in the colours of Rennes Triathlon will be displayed in the 21 bends throughout the event.
- An INVERSE gift for every member registered for the 19th edition (presented during a ceremony in the heart of the Expo Village)
- NEW: a surprise awaits all club members (even those who stayed in Brittany ;) for the next season.
