BOTANISING WITH CLARENCE BICKNELL | BOTANICOOL The nineteenth century was a time when scientists and scholars tamed nature and created order out of chaos; a time of missionaries and rest cures and shining light into the darkness of the past. One man who made his mark on our region in particular was Clarence Bicknell. He is best known for his detective work cataloguing the prehistoric rock engravings of the Vallée des Merveilles (Valley of Wonders), high in the mountains behind Nice. These mysterious symbols were engraved on beautifully coloured rocks around what is thought to have been a sacred mountain – though nobody knows for sure. However, Clarence learned his classification skills in a different arena: botany. Bicknell, the thirteenth child of a wealthy whale-oil magnate from London, came to the Riviera in 1878 to take up the post of chaplain to the expatriates at Bordighera, 50 kilometres from Nice. The sleepy Italian village was a popular colony for rich sufferers of ‘consumption’ and in the winter season had a population that was about 50 per cent British. Less than a year later he suffered a crisis of faith and never wore a dog collar again, but Bordighera suited Bicknell, and he stayed. He was becoming a reputed botanist and botanic artist, and was ranging ever higher into the verdant mountains behind the coast discovering rare and unknown plants. Thanks to its geography, the region behind Nice is now recognised as a haven for wild plants. Sitting at the confluence of different climatic and geological influences, and with altitudes ranging from sea level to over 3,000m, it has an astounding range of habitats. The Mercantour range of mountains is known to have the greatest biodiversity in France, with more than 2,000 species of plants; 10 per cent of them are considered rare and there are 30 endemic species found nowhere else. Included in those are many species of orchids, and saxifraga florulenta, a hardy Alpine plant that clings to cracks in rock faces and flowers only once in its lifetime. The Mercantour was one of the first areas in France to be classified as a national park. At its heart are the valleys of rock engravings so associated with Clarence Bicknell. Because this huge area is now protected, much of the scenery and plant life are just as it would have been 150 years ago. This was the area Bicknell grew to love. Over the course of many years, he travelled into the mountains to collect and draw plant specimens, and corresponded with other experts to develop a taxonomy of the abundant plant life he found. In 1885 he published Flowering Plants and Ferns of the Riviera and Neighbouring Mountains, filled with delicate, beautiful drawings of local plants. This botanical background meant that, when he did find the rock engravings, he was ideally trained to analyse them. The symbols joined botany as his life’s obsession. In 1906 he built a villa in an upland meadow nearer the engravings, and filled it with frescos and paintings of plants. He died there in 1918. Botanicool is our homage to the beautiful flora of the mountains we ride in near our home in Nice. Check out the Botanicool collection here. The Museo Clarence Bicknell at Bordighera holds a large collection of his botanical drawings and rubbings, as well thousands of books from his library. You can buy prints of Clarence's alpine flowers from the Casa Fontanalba Visitors' Book from his family's association here.

New rental bikes touch down in Nice port Just arrived at our café and boutique on Nice port is a new fleet of 2024-model rental bikes. Eight Bianchi Specialissima Comp Ultegra Di2 road bikes and four Lauf Seigla Race Wireless gravel bikes here to help you discover the winding roads, incredible cols and hidden gravel tracks that are accessible from central Nice. They’re available to hire by the day, and come with a saddlepack containing a light, hi-vis vest and a repair kit; a helmet is also included in the rental. We can provide pedals and – if you can’t bring your shoes – for an additional charge you can rent premium Café du Cycliste road or gravel shoes, supplied with your choice of cleat. Showers and lockers are provided in our changing rooms, so you can start and finish your ride in comfort. And to plan the bit in the middle, don’t forget to consult our online cycling guides – road here and gravel here – showcasing some of the best roads and rides we’ve found in the cycling paradise we call home. There’s an additional book of rides in the café, and our staff can help you decide on an excursion that’s right for you. If you prefer company, we organise group rides (and runs) every week – check our Strava Club for more info, or just ask in store. Every bike hire, whether for one day or one week, also gives you a discount on all the products in our café and boutique. Lauf Seigla Race Wireless - Equipped with the third-generation of the famous Grit carbon suspension fork, to absorb all the vibrations of off-road riding, these top-of-the-range Laufs are the most comfortable gravel bikes you’ll ride. With a lightweight but robust carbon frame and hydraulic disc brakes you’ll be flying safely over all kinds of terrain. Available in sizes XS to XL. Bianchi Specialissima Comp Ultegra Di2 - These high-spec Bianchis are light, stiff and balance efficiency on the uphills with aerodynamic performance – so are perfect for our mountainous, fast-rolling backcountry. A lightweight carbon frame is matched with a smooth-shifting 2 x 12 speed Shimano Ultegra electronic groupset, and hydraulic disc brakes, to keep you safe whatever the conditions. Available in sizes S to XXL Planning a trip to Nice? Head to our online booking to reserve a bike for your stay.

SS24 Lookbook : New Shoots, Endless Summer. As the season unfolds we celebrate new styles and colours under blue skies. Up with the sun and riding till it sets, soaking up the warmth in clothes to keep you cool. Nature, friendship and the thrill of discovering new landscapes and new roads. Chasing good vibrations: this is our hymn to the feeling of an endless summer. 1. Celia, Women's Lightweight Jersey, White 2. Betty, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Navy White; Celia, Women's Lightweight Jersey, Dutch Coral 3. Claudine, Unisex Superlight Shirt, Fine Blue Stripes 4. Claudine, Unisex Superlight Shirt, Oyster Grey 5. Victoire, Men's Compressive Bib Shorts, black; 6. Victoire, Women's Compressive Bib Shorts, black; 7. Protea neriifolia, also known as the narrow-leaf sugarbush, a flowering plant in the genus Protea. 8. Francine, Men's Midweight Jersey, Sand; 9. Giselle, Unisex Lightweight Jersey, White 10. Annette, Men's Merino Jersey, Navy Oyster 12. Mathilde, Men's Audax Bib Short, Anthracite 11. Annette, Women's Merino Jersey, Black Amethyst 13. Mona, Men's Audax Jersey, Anthracite Agave Green

Come out swinging - SS24 Teaser All the world’s a stage so come out swinging. Not to be limited to one discipline, sport or activity and not restricted to a particular type of landscape or terrain, the essence is to go anywhere and see everything. To find inspiration or adventure every time we head outside. Café du Cycliste is dedicated to those who want to explore more. We’re about all the roads less ridden, the places less seen and the scenes less written. Sharing memories that linger long after the day is done. #FOREVEROUTSIDERS Full rain protection for far ride adventures. Designed for routes less travelled and skies less blue, Alizee delivers technical innovation and excellence in a signature package. From the pioneers of the Tour de France to modern day athletes training on the Côte d’Azur, designs are inspired by the desire to go fast and look good whilst doing it. What began as an idea to do things differently has become a community of like minded people who share the same values, beliefs and love of the outdoors. Road cycling apparel inspired by a desire to go further. Distance detailing on jerseys, bib shorts, gilets and accessories. For those who like to ride long. From diversions on dirt to sun-soaked bike-packing trips, Outlands is for the purest, most free-spirited adventures on two wheels. Navigate the escape with Café du Cycliste. It’s off-road and on-road. It’s riding and not riding. It’s racing and not racing. It’s everywhere and nowhere. How can it be pinned down? Our classic road cycling apparel rolls across signature jerseys, premium bib shorts, protective layers and accessories. All obsessively designed between the ocean and the mountains on the Côte d'Azur. For downtime that requires insulation, functionality and protection, explore the everyday with casual styles informed by the outdoors and designed without compromise. Rooted in the trails and treasures of the back country behind Nice but at home wherever outdoors is. Breathable, insulating, protective and ergonomic designs to meet the demands of your daily adventures. We are all what we do. No more, no less, no muddy middle ground.

1% for the Planet Café du Cycliste is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, that means we give 1% of our annual revenue to charities and organisations who are working to protect the environment and improve and educate in matters of sustainability. Co-founded by Patagonia’s Yvon Chouniard in 2002, the mission to protect the planet’s resources and improve responsibility of corporations around the world has continued to be pursued with increasing membership and funding for those actively looking to protect the environment. “The intent of 1% for the Planet is to help fund these diverse environmental organizations so that collectively they can be a more powerful source in solving the world’s problems.” We all have responsibilities on varying scales, and the conversation concerning businesses using the earth’s resources continues to intensify. 1% for the Planet is a step on the path to making our business started on the Côte d’Azur give back to the natural world. The organisations we are contributing to have been chosen because they reflect our values and DNA. WINGS OF THE OCEAN: Depollution Crew Wings of the Ocean acts to protect the oceans through the collection of waste and raise awareness with the public, children, businesses and local elected officials. Intended to protect marine biodiversity and the natural ecosystem of the coasts, the group carries out depollution and education activity in France and in Europe. Since its creation in 2018, they have collected more than 99,000 kilos of waste. Wings of the Ocean also supports the initiatives of companies and individuals who are working to find alternatives to the consumption of plastic. BLEU GORGONE Bleu Gorgone works for the preservation of the Mediterranean marine environment. The organization conducts underwater dives to collect waste in natural environments as well as in port areas. On average each year, volunteers retrieve, sort, and account for 30 cubic meters of waste. Awareness is also a key focus: sea outings, information and prevention booths, and the exploration of underwater depths. Its main area of action spans from Nice to Cap d'Ail. Its motto: 'Cleaning up and discovering will be the best way to protect 4MYPLANET 4MYPLANET was founded by Alexia Barrier and works to advance science, in particular the study of the climate and the oceans. The organisation also works closely with schools in the south of France to educate children about the protection of the oceans. TRAIL RUNNER FOUNDATION Trail Runner Foundation is an association promoting the protection of nature and eco-responsible behaviurs, on a daily basis, particularly in the practice of running, walking or hiking in the natural environment. MOUNTAIN RIDERS Mountain Riders is an ecological transition education association. They encourage children and young people to become the drivers of change, by inviting them to engage in a responsible approach, by involving citizens and elected officials in the implementation of responsible measures to preserve the mountains. CYCLOTROPE: VELO-ECOLE Cyclotrope is a cycling and bike maintenance school which aims to encourage the practice of cycling for everyone on a daily basis in Nice and its surroundings. Cyclotrope sets up activities and workshops to learn to ride a bike, travel independently and safely by bicycle, and offers repair workshops to support participants to do small repairs themselves. 1% for the Planet - Alexia Barrier We spoke to our Caravan ambassador and professional sailor Alexia Barrier about her 4myplanet enterprise and how Café du Cycliste will be contributing to her future projects through 1% for the Planet. 1% FOR THE PLANET: CYCLOTROPE, CYCLING IN ALL ITS FORMS A steady contribution to a cause that has become an absolute necessity in the sportswear industry, Café du Cycliste made a commitment at the start of the year to work alongside homegrown organisations. 1% – A POINT OF DIFFERENCE All great achievements come from small beginnings: Rome wasn’t built in a day, they say, and the Planet certainly wasn’t either. 1% seems like a minor figure, a fleck of dust in the largeness of space and time, but we’d like to argue just 1% can make a major difference to the outcome, from here to eternity. SMART SHELTER FOUNDATION Smart Shelter Foundation operates in the poorest countries on the planet, covering more than a billion citizens who live in countries exposed to cataclysms and earthquakes, their credo is to ‘promote and improve natural building techniques, collaborate and share knowledge, everyone deserves a safe house.’

Héloïse and the Off-Bike Collections Roaming where the heart is, we are Forever Outsiders. Never married to one sport or style of adventure, we are as free as the river which runs through the landscape, as wide open as the ocean below, as hopeful for new journeys as the mountain is high. The essence is to go anywhere and see everything, at whatever pace you choose. And for those adventures that take a more laidback pace the Explore and Active collections exist. For adventure beyond the bike, whichever angle you choose. Our leisure principles are all-terrain. From ultra-trail runs to laidback fishing trips; these products are built to honour the natural world and the brand’s dedication to the Forever Outsiders spirit. Make the most of nature’s playground whether you’re climbing high or kicking back low, designed to take you anywhere, or even just stay put. Maybe today it’s hiking and later some climbing; tomorrow some fishing, or just a simple skate from the back door and down the street. Relax, you’re in the great outdoors. 1. Esther, Men's Primaloft Gilet, Petrol Grey; Domitile, Men's Fleece, Ecru;Heloise, Men's Multifunctional Trousers, Chalk 2. Heloise, Women's Multifunctional Trousers, Chalk; Irisia, Women's Lightweight Jacket, Peru 3. Marlene, Unisex French Terry Sweatshirt, Chalk; Cyrielle, Unisex Fleece Gilet, Emerald Green; Heloise, Women's Multifunctional Trousers, Chalk 4. Heloise, Men's Multifunctional Trousers, Chalk; Domitile, Men's Fleece, Ecru; Esther, Men's Primaloft Gilet, Petrol Grey 5. Irisia, Women's Lightweight Jacket, Peru 6. Anne, Unisex Signature T-Shirt, Khaki; Maria, Unisex Cotton T-Shirt, Chalk; Heloise, Men's Multifunctional Trousers, Chalk 7. Heloise, Men's Multifunctional Trousers, Chalk; Maria, Unisex Cotton T-Shirt, Chalk 8. Heloise, Men's Multifunctional Trousers, Chalk; Cyrielle, Unisex Fleece Gilet, Emerald Green; Alexandra, Unisex Lightweight Anorak, Cinnamon 9. Domitille, Men's Fleece Jacket, Ecru; Anne, Unisex Signature T-Shirt, Black; Irisia, Women's Lightweight Jacket, Peru; Heloise, Women's Multifunctional Trousers, Chalk 10. Marlene, Unisex French Terry Sweatshirt, Chalk; Esther, Men's Primaloft Gilet, Petrole Grey; Cyrielle, Unisex Fleece Gilet, Emerald Green; Regina, Unisex Cap, Clay 12. Heloise, Men's Multifunctional Trousers, Chalk 11. Heloise, Women's Multifunctional Trousers, Chalk; Cycling Socks, Skate Stripes, Syrup Brown 13. Irisia, Women's Lightweight Jacket, Peru

CAFÉ DU CYCLISTE GRAVEL TEAM | THE 2023 SEASON REVIEW. Q&A with the team. Hope and despair, agony and ecstasy – a one-way ticket to Adventure Town will always have its up and downs. And there’s still a long way to Gravel for our quartet of intrepid racers. Yet this season of incredible challenges came to a close in style, with Annabel Fisher winning the Gravel Earth Series. We took a moment to reflect with Maria, Isabelle, Lydia and Annabel on a 2023 campaign that had everyone on the edge of their saddles.

TRANSMISSION #2 | Serge and Carla Lamy. ‘The values that I associate with cycling are those of sharing passion, a taste for effort and surpassing oneself. It’s even more special because I discovered all this with my parents.’ – Serge Lamy Introducing the second in our series of profiles and explorations on the inter-generational connection of cycling and its positive impact on the world. This film showcases the relationship between Serge and Carla Lamy. Carla, Serge’s mother, was a keen cyclist when Serge was growing up and after learning to ride with his parents as a youngster, he began to compete on two wheels every weekend as a teenager. From first talking off his stabilisers to racing up the Col de la Madone – more than just a sport, cycling is a gift.

1% for the Planet Action | WINGS OF THE OCEAN Each year, as members of 1% for the Planet, Café du Cycliste donates a percent of its revenue to charities and organisations working to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. In 2023, Café du Cycliste has carefully chosen six associations with which we have common DNA and values. One of these six associations is Wings of the Ocean. Established in 2018, Wings of the Ocean aims to clean up coastlines and raise public awareness of environmental issues and pollution, particularly due to plastic. Over the last five months, they have engaged amongst no less than 12,493 people, organized 230 awareness-raising activities and 173 clean-ups, with a total of 34 tonnes of waste collected. Wings of the Ocean field investigations allow them to highlight issues and provide eco-responsible and sustainable solutions. Wings of the Ocean association raises awareness among people through depollution, which allows it to make pollution visible, but also by proposing clear actions. La Mission Sud / The South Mission This depollution and awareness project used a volunteer team roaming from Sète to Nice on France’s southern seaboard for four months. The Mission Sud team addresses different themes such as plastic pollution but also the solutions that exist. During their actions they highlight: micro-plastic and human plastic consumption; mermaid tears (shards of plastic and glass) and the plastic industry; cigarette butts and micro-particles; bio-media (fibres from textiles) and problematic bacteria; the importance of sea lines and tides; and the solutions and actions that they can implement as individuals. The association raises awareness with an educational aim and the objective is to make the public think so that they put their own consumption practices into perspective. For almost three years, the South Mission has aimed to raise awareness amongst vacationers, boaters, tourism professionals and local populations to be the first actors of change. This 2023 season, the South Mission lasted four months and welcomed 15 volunteers, to take the time to meet people and propose targeted actions depending on the territory and to highlight plastic pollution. Their roaming by bike allowed them to reach more people and territories with unique specificities. They have covered nearly 648.6 km this season. Thus, the South Mission is the most neutral mission in terms of carbon dioxide emissions and allows volunteers to discover ‘slow travel’. Like previous seasons, the Mission Sud team left Sète to go to Nice. They had the opportunity to go to towns such as Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Bandol or even the island of Saint-Honorat to meet their partners and continue their inter-association dynamic. They mainly make stopovers of one week per location and take up residence in partner campsites. The Mission Sud team carried out nearly 38 clean-ups along the French Mediterranean coast and collected a total of approximately 2,200 kg of litter. The clean-ups last around two hours and the waste collected is evaluated via the Mer Terre association platform to help highlight specific local issues. Throughout the season, they mainly found plastic waste such as: plastic bottles; bio-media; ammunition wads and pellets; capsules; corks; cotton buds; mermaid tears; plastic straws; lollipop sticks; and of course cigarette butts, the scourge of coastal beaches with nearly 38,167 units collected. Awareness Data Throughout the season, the Mission Sud team raised awareness among local populations but also among tourist populations. ● Organized 54 awareness actions ● Raised awareness among around 1,408 people ● Participated in the Les Jardins Sonores Festival, World Clean Up Day as well as heritage days ● Offered awareness stands and workshops at local markets ● Created zero waste and vegan aperitifs ● Organized film debates during the summer season ● Imagined more militant actions such as sit-ins or putting up awareness posters Plogging action with Café du Cycliste, the Nice Plogging collective, and Bleu Gorgone association. At the end of September, the South Mission finished its journey in Nice after four months of roaming by bike. Café du Cycliste, the Bleu Gorgone association, and the Nice Plogging collective joined forces and organized a clean-up operation on the Nice sea wall. In one hour and with the help of 44 people, we collected 220 kg of waste: - 120kgs of glass - 20kg of plastic - 1,500 cigarette butts - 255 caps - 370 bottle caps Conference at the Café du Cycliste The day ended with a conference in our store on the port of Nice with the Wings of The Ocean association and accompanied by the Bluenery Academy. The Bluenery Academy is a freediving and breathing school in Villefranche-sur-mer founded by Guillaume Nery, multiple freediving world champion and Caravan Café du Cycliste athlete. Café du Cycliste and Guillaume Nery introduced this conference before giving the floor to Wings of the Ocean who discussed the threat of plastic pollution to our marine habitats. This is a problem that Café du Cycliste truly want to address and help support awareness of. As a company based in Nice, between the sea and the mountains, protecting the ocean is critical for us, and the rest of the World. READ MORE RIDE & CREATE: Jade Robertson. It's clear that Jade’s cycling life feeds directly into her art. Movement and textures fly out of the canvas like the road or trails in front of you. 1% For The Planet. 1% for the Planet is a step on the path to making our business started on the Côte d’Azur give back to the natural world. RIDE AND CREATE | Isabel Del Real. A friend of Café du Cycliste, she visited Nice recently to talk about her passion for long distance cycling and how it powers her artistry. SOPHIE GATEAU | Adventure in the Ardennes. Forests alternate with steep valleys, peat bogs with verdant pastures, moors with rocky escarpments, and multiple rivers with ancient stone villages.

LOOKBOOK ATELIER Atelier is where imagination meets technology, where the sea meets the sky, out there. A place for Café du Cycliste to dial up expression and push the limits of apparel design. Atelier is a collection of unique and audacious garments and accessories produced in small batches to the highest standards. Atelier for the AW23 season sees special edition performance pieces with race grade materials and components, wrapped up in singular style for adventures on the road and beyond. Atelier for AW23 features a pattern taken from a microscopic cross section of onyx, a gemstone used throughout history for its beauty and resilience. This design has been lovingly applied to three styles: Alexine – a long sleeve jersey engineered for speed and protection; Gaella – super lightweight and packable wind-cheating jacket; and Ines – a new windproof gilet with built-in Polartec® Alpha® insulation. Atelier is for the Forever Outsiders who want to take to the stage and ride high with flair and race-grade functionality. Atelier is audacious aesthetics for attacking every ride. 1. Gaella, Men's Superlight Jacket, Onyx; Gabin, Single-Lens Performance Sunglasses, Crystal Grey 2. Ines, Men's Insulated Gilet, Onyx 3. Ines, Women's Insulated Gilet, Onyx 4. Alexine, Women's Lightweight Jersey, Onyx; Ines, Men's Insulated Gilet, Onyx; Cecile, Women's Thermal Bib Shorts, Black 5. Alexine, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Onyx 6. Ines, Women's Insulated Gilet, Onyx; Alexine, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Onyx 7. Gaella, Men's Superlight Jacket, Onyx 8. Ines, Women's Insulated Gilet, Onyx; Alexine, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Onyx; Gaella, Men's Superlight Jacket, Onyx; Marie, Women's Winter Tights, Black 9. Alexine, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Onyx 10. Alexine, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Onyx; Ines, Women's Insulated Gilet, Onyx; Gaella, Men's Superlight Jacket, Onyx; Road Shoes, Performance Cycling Shoes, White

Isabel Del Real : A bike, a drawing kit and a graphic novel later Isabel Del Real – long-distance cyclist and ‘documentary cartoonist’ – came to Nice to share her story and brush strokes with us. The globe-pedalling bike-packer and water-colourist hosted a discussion at the Café about her far-out adventures. After graduating from Law school in Paris Isabel decided to leave it all behind and bike-pack her way from Brittany to Teheran (‘a random destination I chose to shock my grandma.’) ‘I wanted to ride the Silk Road and see these places I’d read about.’ Her imagination nourished, Isabel built her bike and adventure companion with the help of friends: a Surly Ogre equipped with second-hand panniers – designed for exploring and riding further afield. And so, she set off east to see the mountains. ‘Shkhara is the highest point in the country of Georgia [5,193m], located near the Russian border, in Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria region on the northern side, and the Svaneti region of Georgia in the south.’ She documented the journey with her water colours in a travel diary and from this has created a graphic novel titled Plouheran (Plouër-sur-Rance, her little village in Brittany, and Tehran the ultimate goal). Here is a recap of her experience and advice for those looking to to strike out on their own bikepacking adventures; as told to an audience in June 2023. The Journey It was my first experience of bikepacking, completely alone. Everything is new. You have to gain confidence. My first time in a bivouac, looking for a place to set up: either close to the towns or very far away. The unfamiliar noises and creaks, the smells, the sensations. Where would I take shelter, where would I hide my tent, to be discreet, and leave no trace? My first scares in Lozère after a night lulled by the legend of the Gévaudan beast. Then all was forgotten. Perhaps the wolf wasn't that hungry. Then onto Italy, where I met Sebastiano in the Veneto, and followed him all the way to Slovenia. Then on through the Balkans to Greece and Turkey. Along the way I would meet other travellers, following and sharing stretches of road, meals together on stoves, improvised cooking over gas bottles, always with the stars on the ceiling for entertainment. In Turkey, I took a break, drawing and trying to perfect my skills. A visit from my parents and a small parcel from Café du Cycliste warmed my heart. By the time I left Istanbul, I knew a few words to talk to people. I took the ferry across the Bosphorus. I crossed desert landscapes, sometimes alone but often with travelling companions. Then the along the Black Sea, with lush vegetation and humidity. And finally I arrived in Georgia, with its famous mountain to climb before winter: the Shkhara. But I had to be quick, as the bears were getting ready to hibernate, so best not to hang around too long... A short tour of Armenia before heading into Iran (its borders open after two years) where I gabbled the Farsi language, met some expats and stumbled upon a music festival. At the end of the journey, reaching Tehran I’d cycled 15,000 km in 10 months, and done lots of drawing. If you're as curious as I was about such a journey, go out and buy some books, read Ella Maillart, Parmi la Jeunesse Russe or La Voie Cruelle (a solo cycling trip in Afghanistan). Enough to transport you, and give you a few cravings. The Graphic Novel Thanks to this trip, I've found something else; drawing and writing stories, telling what I see through smoke bubbles... There were no plans to draw at the beginning, it was just a matter of finding the right medium. For me this this has become just as important as the journey, if not more so. I read and listened to everything, and I took notes to practise telling a story, creating a narrative, chapters, characters... I listened to Riad Sattouf podcasts and read Marjane Satrapi, taking notes and sketching in my black Moleskine book. From there it grew to a larger sketchbook and a watercolour kit. As I travelled further, as the journey progressed, so did my drawings and ‘story’. I like to convey emotions through colour, but it's all improvised and drawn as the adventure unfolds. It all grew naturally as I went along, because I was on my own for a very long time, I had the head space to develop a narrative. I then created a character to develop a greater sense of distance, a heroine with blonde hair, a detail that allowed me to tell an intimate, autobiographical story. To tell a sincere story. I take inspiration from a lot of American graphic novels. But I don’t follow any particular codes or standards. It’s an autobiographical story but punctuated with free-form parts that are sometimes more contemplative. A year of drawing, reworking illustrations and dialogue let my style mature and confidence in my work grow. It was with my mind hooked on the pedals that I envisaged drawing comics. I didn't force myself, I just enjoyed the ride. I was happy. READ MORE Ride & Create | Laurianne Melierre On her bright orange Brompton, Laurianne Melierre skilfully navigates the beautiful neighbourhoods of Paris with equal parts curiosity and power. Ride & Create : Andrea Sarri Italian Michelin Starred Chef Sarri annually records more than 25,000 km on the clock.Andrea should have become a professional cyclist, but life decided otherwise. Bike-Packing Conférence - Riding Above and Beyond. French bike-explorer Axel Carion wheeled into town last Thursday night to discuss his feats of ultra-distance cycling across the globe. Axel’s stories of adventure also included advice on kit and equipment choices, plus the all-important bike preparation. NEW BIKE-PACKING COLLECTION 2023 Somewhere between a smouldering campfire and rolling along the banks of a tree-lined river, bike-packing is an experience of pure freedom.

AND GOD CREATED ST. TROPEZ Summer on the sultry streets of St. Tropez, a glimmering jewel on the coast of Provence. The name St. Tropez was taken from a Roman soldier called Torpetius or Saint Torpes of Pisa, beheaded for his religious persuasion. Little did he know that this location on the Côte d’Azur where he found his final resting place would become a destination for the rich and famous in the 20th century. A place synonymous with sophistication, success and sexiness, it’s still arguably the pinnacle of chic vacation spots. The jet set still get wet here. Now in the next century, rock n rollers, revellers, roustabouts, and road riders all mingle and twinkle between the expensive yachts, overpriced aperitifs, and miniature dogs. St. Tropez reflects in its crystal blue waters France at its most glamourous and idiosyncratic, where anyone can be anything, especially if the price is right. Sometimes a place has something you can’t buy though – a feeling, a certain light, a vibration…a je ne sais quoi. Here in St. Tropez you can shape your own story, ride your own race, and say salut! to the cyclists… 1. Nina - Men's Jersey - Bastille Day 2. Nina - Women's Jersey - Bastille Day Café du Cycliste x agnès b | The Lookbook. Complementing Café du Cycliste performance pieces, there are workwear-inspired classics, alongside sportswear and utility pieces for the 21st century. Tyre Tracks | A Shibori Story The ancient dyeing technique of shibori, from Japan – the inspiration for this collection – finds its beauty in the work: the physical exertion used to create the patterns. SS23 Lookbook: The Wild Bunch This season, we take a hand-painted pattern with a modernist style in the mode of Matisse or maybe Monet. Applied to our summer jerseys Floriane and Laureline, our homage to the flowers of Provence help us perpetuate the spirit of hope, adventure and discovery which blooms every Spring. REBEL WITHOUT A PAUSE From Ancient Persia to the Californian Wild West, via the Lowlands of Scotland, the Paisley pattern is indelible in textile and clothing design.

REBEL WITHOUT A PAUSE From Ancient Persia to the Californian Wild West, via the Lowlands of Scotland, the Paisley pattern is indelible in textile and clothing design. Like many classic sports, leisure and workwear styles – the Paisley patterned silk scarf or bandana became as iconic as the herringbone jacket or high-top sneaker. Synonymous with a variety of aesthetics, the so-called Wild West of Hollywood and Californian street culture made it recognisable worldwide. Inspired by its repeated teardrop landscape, each of the three Atelier performance pieces in this collection reflect the art, history and rebellious spirit of this timeless textile print. So saddle up. 1. Tiphany - Women's Superlight Jersey - Black 2. Tiphany - Men's Superlight Jersey - Red 3. Tiphany - Women's Superlight Jersey - Red 4. Savana - Women's Windproof Gilet - Black 5. Bidon 500ml - Red 6. Madyson - Unisex Superlight Jersey - Cream 7. Tiphany - Men's Superlight Jersey - Red 8. Tiphany - Women's Superlight Jersey - Black 9. Savana - Women's Windproof Gilet - Red 10. Tiphany - Women's Superlight Jersey - Red 11. Tiphany - Men's Superlight Jersey - Red 12. Madyson - Unisex Superlight Jersey - Cream 15. Tiphany - Men's Superlight Jersey - Red 13. Tiphany - Women's Superlight Jersey - Black 14. Savana - Women's Windproof Gilet - Red 16. Savana - Women's Windproof Gilet - Red

Café du Cycliste x agnès b. | b. cycle “I always like to offset the rough with the gentle.” With influences and inspiration coming from art, music and the everyday, the agnès b. approach to clothing design comes down to freedom of expression, and with this collaboration, freedom of movement. Complementing Café du Cycliste performance pieces, there are workwear-inspired classics with military heritage, alongside sportswear and utility pieces for the 21st century. With an emphasis on responsible manufacturing, and with an artist’s touch, this collection is a celebration of everything we love about designing for the outside. Clothing for adventure, for feeling good and made to last. We keep moving, progressing. This is a manifestation of how creativity, exploration and the bicycle will allow us to go further. 1. Nathan - Men's Collaboration Jersey - Black 2. Tiago - Women's Collaboration Cardigan - Black 3. Nael - Collaboration Silk Neck Scarf - Black 4. Tiago - Women's Collaboration Cardigan - Navy 5. Ethan - Men's Collaboration Shorts - Navy 6. Nathan - Men's Collaboration Jersey - Black 7. Arthur - Unisex Collaboration Polo Shirt - Black 8. Eden - Women's Collaboration Shorts - Navy 9. Marceau - Men's Collaboration Cardigan - Black 10. Lyam - Unisex Collaboration Musette - Black 11. Noe - Men's Collaboration Bib Shorts - Black 12. Louis - Women's Collaboration Jersey - Black 13. Eliott - Women's Collaboration Tank - Lazuli 16. Enzo - Unisex Collaboration T-Shirt - Orange 14. Marceau - Men's Collaboration Cardigan - Black 15. Ethan - Men's Collaboration Shorts - Navy 17. Nael - Collaboration Silk Neck Scarf - Black

Aachen, Germany: UCI Gravel World Series In the 8th century AD King Charlemagne decided to place the small spa town of Aachen in the heart of the Holy Roman Empire; and build his palace there. The story goes that he fell in love with the hot thermal springs present in the region and the small chapel built in the heart of the town. He wanted to make Aachen a leading political and cultural centre. Located along the borderland of Holland and Belgium, this German enclave can still be considered today at the centre of Europe, and it will in any case be at the centre of Planet Gravel for a weekend. ‘Three Rides’ in Aachen is the UCI accredited event for the Café du Cycliste GT to attempt qualification for the World Championships. The big race will once again take place near Veneto (Italy) at the beginning of October, a grand finale to a season of undoubtedly true and testing grit. The rules are simple, to qualify athletes must be ranked in the top 25% of their age category. The increase in the number of participants in the discipline is proportional to the rise in the level of performance. So going for a qualification this year is more difficult than ever. The topography of the Aachen course contrasts radically with the other events of the Gravel Earth Series that the Gravel Team will be embarking upon in the 2023 season. Aachen takes our four warriors around seven laps of 19 kilometres each, on an undulating course. It totals 130 kilometres with 2000 metres of elevation that “the girls” will play their qualification. The heavy rain that has fallen in the region over the past few days will spice up the proceedings. With the terrain particularly greasy, conditions only get worse with the passage of the 800 racers competing. So after their reconnaissance lap, the Hutchinson tyres mounted on the Lauf Seigla are switched from Touareg to Tundra, as gripping the ground is a priority. Racing here at Aachen is also rubbing shoulders with the best in world cyclocross. Belgians, Dutch, and German off-road specialists appear en masse, and from the first lap of the course it will not take long to understand that the race is going to move at a hellish pace. Today it will be necessary to grit the teeth just to finish, pure concentration not to slip, and guts to hang on at all costs and keep the rhythm of the linked laps. Once out of the ‘washing machine’, the girls tell us that they had no respite, that this race, shorter than usual yet at a different intensity, turned out to be exhausting. Usually when a group is formed, riders quickly become companions in the chain, taking turns one after the other to progress collectively. A state of mind that we will not find here, each for himself, in search of the opportune moment to place an attack. A dogfight. The pro cyclists in attendance will share the podiums today, the qualifications will be fiercely contested. On the side of the Café du Cycliste Gravel Team Annabel Fisher won her qualification and a very good fourth place in the GC. A real accomplishment at the end of a demanding race and an unfavourable starting grid. If there are to be qualifications for the UCI race in October, our other three riders will have to pick them up individually at the remaining events this season. For now, all eyes are on the next encounter in a few weeks, the Migration Race in Kenya. Until then, long training sessions will follow to shine under the African sun. FURTHER READING The Lauf Life Conceived on the windswept and desolate trails of Iceland, Lauf are the bike sponsor of the Café du Cycliste Gravel Team. Having begun their journey as a suspension fork manufacturer, this fledgling brand now also produce beautiful carbon fibre bikes for gravel racing across varied terrain. VIEW MORE The Café du Cycliste Gravel Team A new year and new season on the horizon for the Gravel Team. The all-female squad will once again test their endurance, spirit and commitment on an international circuit. VIEW MORE Gravel Advice: Women of the CDC GT We sat down with the CDC GT, our female trio of Gravel racers, to talk about women’s racing and community, and how it feels to be a female athlete in a traditionally male-focussed sport. VIEW MORE The Traka: The reference for European gravel For the Café du Cycliste Gravel Team, arriving at The Traka is a little like visiting an old friend. There’s a familiarity born of previous experience and two of the team were winners last year (Annabel Fisher in the 100km and Lydia Iglesias in the 200km). VIEW MORE

TYRE TRACKS | A SHIBORI STORY There are many words for the verb to push : from propel, to pedal, to plunge, prod and press. The ancient dyeing technique of shibori, from Japan – the inspiration for this collection – finds its beauty in the work: the physical exertion used to create the patterns. Shibori comes from the verb ‘shiboru’ – to work, squeeze and press. This capsule of products applies a pattern that echoes the natural world we explore on our bikes, the way the pushing on the pedals allows for beauty and truth in the tyre tracks we leave behind us, for others to follow. To shop the Shibori collection click here. 1. Christine, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Shibori; Ophelie, Men's Capsule Bib Shorts, Shibori. 2. Magalie, Women's Superlight Jersey, Shibori. 3. Magalie, Women's Superlight Jersey, Shibori. 4. Magalie, Women's Superlight Jersey, Shibori. 5. Christine, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Shibori; Petra, Men's Superlight Gilet, Shibori. 6. Christine, Women's Superlight Jersey, Shibori; Ophelie, Women's Capsule Bib Shorts, Shibori. 7. Christine, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Shibori; Petra, Men's Superlight Gilet, Shibori. 8. 500ml Bidon, Shibori. 9. Christine, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Shibori; Petra, Men's Superlight Gilet, Shibori. 11. Christine, Women's Superlight Jersey, Shibori; Ophelie, Women's Capsule Bib Shorts, Shibori. 10. Christine, Women's Superlight Jersey, Shibori; Ophelie, Women's Capsule Bib Shorts, Shibori. 12. Christine, Women's Superlight Jersey, Shibori; Ophelie, Women's Capsule Bib Shorts, Shibori; Christine, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Shibori.

SS23 Lookbook: The Wild Bunch Have you ever smelt the sweet perfume of wild flowers after six hours suffering in the saddle? It’s often the smells that keep you spinning, powering you towards the next tantalising turn. The flora of Provence to those who reside and play here is the icing on an already perfect gateau, gilding the golden lilies and lemon-scented lilacs. They may inspire or sing of hunger, desire, death or hedonism, but flowers are often nature’s neon lights, the girls and boys frolicking on street corners, enjoying life for life’s sake. You may know of Grasse – the town that inspired Chanel No.5; perhaps the world’s most pungent perfume. Whatever your relationship with luxuriously-bottled potions, the abundance of flowers in the region where we ride and live deserves perennial celebration. This season, we take a hand-painted pattern with a modernist style in the mode of Matisse or maybe Monet. Applied to our summer jerseys Floriane and Laureline, our homage to the flowers of Provence help us perpetuate the spirit of hope, adventure and discovery which blooms every Spring. 1. Laureline, Unisex Midweight Jersey, Floral Black 2. Floriane, Women's Lightweight Jersey, Sequoia 2. Floriane, Women's Lightweight Jersey, Floral Black 3. Floriane, Women's Lightweight Jersey, Floral Black 4. Floriane, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Sequoia 5. Laureline, Unisex Midweight Jersey, Floral Black 7. Laureline, Unisex Midweight Jersey, Floral Black; Floriane, Men's Lightweight Jersey, Floral Black 8. Floriane, Women's Lightweight Jersey, Sequoia

Touching Spring with the Mimosas Every Spring brings an enchantment here in Provence, when the famous yellow Mimosa trees bloom on the Tanneron and in the Esterel. Located just a few kilometres from Cannes, the massif overlooking the Mediterranean is ablaze with gold, exhaling a sweet scent of honey and vanilla. The paths on which our machines carry us are transformed into tunnels of flowers, a natural guard-of-honour standing proudly against the blue of the sky; this wonderful display is a remedy for the senses waking up from hibernation. Native to Australia and Tasmania, the mimosa scabrella blooms in early spring in temperate climates, such as the Côte d’Azur. Brought here in 1789 by the French botanists Charles Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle and Aimé Bonpland during a trip to South America, the mimosa [for the brunch-time cocktail, see also ‘Buck’s Fizz’] has almost 600 species. The genus has established itself here in southern France as a favourite decoration in gardens and parks, cultivated by local horticulturists making use of the pleasant temperatures and chalky soil. Its flowers are delicate and sensitive to light and touch. The Route des Mimosas, a 120km journey dedicated to the plant, welcomes thousands of sightseers every year. We load our bikes on the regional express train from Nice, heading to Mandelieu for a loop of about 40km. The forecast says sunshine and a gentle 15°C, a promising morning ahead. Leaving Mandelieu station, the bikes rise up the steep slope of a dirt track, set back from the dwellings that ‘flowered’ here in the mid to late 20th century. Everyone has a clear view of the sea as we ride southwards and, judging by the vehicles parked outside these modern houses, this is a resort reserved for a privileged clientele. The Grand Duc elevates us to more than 500 metres in altitude, gradually revealing the scintillating blue from Nice to Fréjus. Our chunky tyres have left the populated areas and posh cars to find small farms belonging to local people, families who have lived up here for generations. In this natural setting, life has not yet yielded to the siren song of holiday properties, their fields of mimosas, olive trees and chestnut trees remain a much more precious commodity than euros or air-conditioning. Fabulous trails and small winding roads that make us extremely happy take us to the small road of Bagueiret, in the direction of Les Adrets de l'Esterel. At the bottom of the valley, the path would be more suitable for mountain bikes rather than our gravel bikes, which now resemble frail dinghies upon a rough sea. They resist the terrain entirely, so we dismount instead of flying over the handlebars. But then we find wide tracks once more, dirt boulevards that are entirely dedicated to us, at high speed, faces in the wind, we wish this would never end… By crossing Route Nationale 7, we leave the Tanneron massif to enter the Estérel. Its characteristic red rock has propelled us into an Arizona canyon; this place would be a perfect setting for John Wayne, regardless of his choice of horse. Here we find ourselves in the promised land of gravel and mountain biking on the Côte d'Azur, the feeling is magical. Here the mimosas have given way to lentisks and arbutus trees, whose glowing fruits are just waiting to be plucked. 40 clicks later and more than 1200m of ascent, we are approaching the coast. Our precious mimosas have reappeared. The name derives from the Latin mimus which means ‘mime’ – as the flowers fold up when touched, which mimics animals and their sensitivity. You cannot help but be drawn towards these enchanting plants, an invitation to enjoy the intoxication of the Côte d’Azur in all its early springtime glory. Further Riding Ride of the Month: March May is the season of the markets in Provence, where a cornucopia of open air stalls appear each week in most towns and villages. VIEW MORE Ride of the Month: May In the world of cycle racing, Milan–San Remo is one of the most prestigious events of the season. To win this trophy is to have your name chiseled into history. But only if you’re a man. VIEW MORE Ride of The Month: July The Col de Vence is an unforgiving climb, renowned for it's desert-like landscape, beautiful views of the Mediterrean Sea and the absence of an escape from the blazing sun. VIEW MORE Ride of the Month: September A 1300m climb to explore the wild animal reserve of the Monts d’Azur and ride the thrilling descent down the other side, through tunnels cut in the rock. VIEW MORE

ATELIER : THE OUTER LIMITS A limited edition capsule inspired by riding the outer limits. Step offline into the cool of the real, and you can escape with a different kind of machine. On our bicycles it’s pure human energy, organs and muscles flowing in natural waves, propelled by instinct and perception. On the bike you find new routes between the forever blazing lights and cacophony of traffic. Riding between the lines, body and mind in harmony, creating your own pathways, discovering true illuminations on the outer limits. Shop the collection here. Sofia : technical performance and out-there style. The fleece construction includes added stretch for a closer fit and adaptable insulation for cool conditions. Myriam : super light windproof outer shell with a peaked hood and vents at the rear and front for 360º ventilation. Two pockets with invisible YKK zips give you safe storage.

THROUGH THE LENS Whether for the rough and tumble of racing, the simple thrill of exploration or the calm after the storm. Each eyewear model is designed for an active life with photochromic lenses, hydrophobic treatment and a splash of modern French style. Shop the Collection here. 1. Gabin - Photochromic Sports Sunglasses - Black 2. Gabin - Photochromic Sports Sunglasses - Black 3. Gabin - Photochromic Sports Sunglasses - Grey 4. Gabin - Photochromic Sports Sunglasses - Grey 5. Gabin - Photochromic Sports Sunglasses - Grey 6. Gabin - Photochromic Sports Sunglasses - Grey 7. Gabin - Photochromic Sports Sunglasses - Black 8. Gabin - Photochromic Sports Sunglasses - Black 10. Gabin - Photochromic Sports Sunglasses - Grey 9. Gabin - Photochromic Sports Sunglasses - Grey 11. Gabin - Photochromic Sports Sunglasses - Black