Six days. Seven legendary mountain passes. Nearly 370 km and 11,000 m of elevation gain. This is the challenge that Anaïs Vincent and Florian Jouanny took on from September 22nd to 27th… on handbikes. In the heart of the Alps, between vertiginous slopes and breathtaking landscapes, these two athletes pushed the limits of performance, but also those of resilience and audacity.

At Matchy, we were proud to support Anaïs in this adventure, providing her with technical equipment perfectly suited to each stage. More than just a sporting achievement, this challenge embodies the spirit of perseverance and inclusion that we champion every day.

The athletes: portraits & motivations

Anaïs Vincent
In 2021, Anaïs's life changed dramatically after a fall while rock climbing. Following a long period of rehabilitation, she discovered para-cycling, a sport in which she quickly blossomed. Her meteoric rise led her to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she achieved a remarkable fifth place, a promising result for the future. Driven by a thirst for freedom and a constant desire to push her limits, Anaïs accepted the challenge of the 7 Majors alongside Florian, with energy and determination.

Florian Jouanny
A former athlete, Florian became paraplegic in 2011 following a skiing accident. Far from giving up on sport, he quickly established himself as one of the greatest para-athletes of his generation. A triple Paralympic medalist in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 in the H2 category, he has also distinguished himself through extraordinary challenges, such as participating in three IRONMAN triathlons. Determined to continue on this path, he is already looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Games. For Florian, the 7 Majors project went far beyond performance: it represented a way to reconnect with his former self. “The very essence of sport: riding, discovering, pushing your limits.”

These two athletes embody a beautiful harmony: the alliance of experience (Florian) and the new generation (Anaïs), of endurance, audacity and a transcendent vision of self-improvement.

The 7 Majors Challenge: Route & intensity

For 6 days, Florian and Anaïs went from one thing to another Mythical Alpine passes: Vars, Izoard, Agnel, Fauniera, Lombarde and Bonette. Each day represented a stage in its own right, with its steep slopes, long climbs, moments of doubt… but also its magnificent landscapes and the satisfaction of crossing each finish line together.

The route, which boasts over 11,000 meters of elevation gain, is notoriously challenging even for experienced cyclists. By tackling it on handbikes, Florian and Anaïs are once again pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Here is a breakdown of their steps:

• Day 1 (22/09): Jausiers – Briançon (via the Col de Vars) – 76 km | 1,560 m elevation gain
• Day 2 (September 23): Briançon – Sampeyre (via the Izoard and Agnel passes) – 90 km | 2,640 m elevation gain
• Day 3 (09/24): Sampeyre – Marmora (via Sampeyre) – 45 km | 1,900 m D+
• Day 4 (25/09): Marmora – Demonte (via La Fauniera) – 42 km | 1,100 m elevation gain
• Day 5 (26/09): Demonte – Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (via La Lombarde) – 53 km | 1,980 m elevation gain
• Day 6 (27/09): Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée – Jausiers (via the Bonette) – 64 km | 1,600 m elevation gain

Matchy's role

We had the privilege of supporting Anaïs Vincent by equipping her with our technical products, designed to meet the demands of long-distance cycling and alpine climbs.Comfort, breathability and performance were all there, so that Anaïs could fully concentrate on her challenge.

Here is the list of products used by Anaïs during her adventure:

• Pure Winter Jacket: Heat retention, windproof and waterproof membrane on the torso, water-repellent sleeves.
• Winter Cargo Tights: warmth provided and practicality of the pockets for storage.
• Altitude Winter Tights: providing warmth and the benefits of merino wool, coupled with a treatment on the outer membrane to protect against the elements.
• Altitude long-sleeved jersey: a lightweight, very comfortable jersey, ideal for temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees.
• Merino Mid-Season Jersey: a slightly warmer long-sleeved jersey, intended for temperatures ranging between 8 and 15 degrees.
  

Anaïs was therefore able to adapt her outfits throughout this adventure, depending on the weather and the time of day.

This partnership also reflects a strong belief at Matchy: sport should be accessible to all, and technical equipment should support every athlete in their achievements, whatever their background or challenges.

Conclusion

The 7 Majors are behind them, but the story continues. Anaïs and Florian have shown that beyond the numbers and the mountain passes, sport is above all a human adventure: solidarity, perseverance and newfound freedom.

At Matchy, we are honored to have been by Anaïs's side and to share this inspiring achievement with you.

Follow their journeys, support these athletes who are redefining high performance and inclusion, and be inspired to push your own limits, one pedal stroke at a time.

Below you will find links to their websites and Instagram accounts:

Anaïs: website - Instagram
Florian: website - Instagram