Cyclist Carine Pierson talks goal-setting, nutrition and the L'étape du Tour

Hi, my name is Carine Pierson. I am 41 years old, and I live in Annecy, Haute-Savoie.

I own five bicycles: a semi-aero Mérida, a road bike from the French brand GIRS, a TREK bike for bikepacking, an electric SCOTT mountain bike, and a customised bike for decoration as well as city riding. I have been cycling since 2019.

I fell in love with cycling the minute I went on my first ride. I was fortunate to have suitable and quality equipment right from the beginning. The desire to go further, faster, and explore the world of cycling came naturally to me.

Using my marketing and graphic design skills, I developed an Instagram account to showcase the breathtaking landscapes of my region to the cycling community. I wanted to demonstrate that regardless of age or athletic abilities, anyone can start a sport at any moment in their life!

When it comes to cycling - set achievable goals

First and foremost, it's important not to be afraid and set achievable goals. There's no need to aim too high. Progress comes with practice. It's essential to gather information about suitable equipment and, above all, to enjoy oneself.

My biggest goal was to participate in a race for the first time at the age of 40: L'étape du Tour 2022, a very challenging stage. It was my first race, my first time in a peloton, with the greatest elevation gain and distance. I didn't specifically train, but I followed the nutritional advice from the coaches of the Hutchinson team, which allowed me to cross the finish line.

I go on long rides every weekend

This experience helped me overcome a fear I had of "exhaustion" and "fatigue", the fear of not being able to make it back home after a tremendous effort. Now, I know how to manage it, and I try to go on long rides every weekend, covering between 100 and 160 km with one or more mountain passes.

Nutrition is crucial - I limit sugar and alcohol

It's true that nutrition during and outside of cycling is crucial. I try to pay attention to consuming sufficient carbohydrates and protein because endurance sports require a lot of resources. I limit sugar and alcohol.

During my rides, I eat something every half hour, mainly energy bars or organic balls like the ones from The Bees Family. In more intense moments, I use organic gels like those from KUDO. During longer rides, I might stop by our fantastic French bakeries and indulge in a pastry. And let's not forget to stay hydrated: I take a sip every 10 minutes and more frequently during hot weather.

I try to cycle all year round, both in summer and winter, using a connected indoor trainer if necessary. I ride as much as I can and attempt to incorporate running at least once a week (10/12 km). I am starting to consider adding weightlifting sessions.

Read more on derailleur:
Leg day workout plan for cyclists
A conversation with cyclist Linda Jacobsson

Invest in quality cycling gear

Regarding cycling attire, entry-level options are suitable for short rides. If you want to ride for longer periods, you'll need to invest. I have had the opportunity to use many brands, and currently, I ride with Monton Sports, which offers a great balance of quality and price. It is especially important to have high-quality cycling shorts for spending hours on the saddle.

As for helmets, my favourite brand is LIMAR (helmets of Team Astana) with a wide selection, affordable prices, and Italian quality! For shoes, I leave it up to each person to test, as it depends on the width and shape of their feet, etc.

I have my own cycling brand!

I have also been fortunate enough to combine my love for cycling with another passion of mine, drawing - by creating custom-made designs on cycling shoes: Carine Custom shoes.

I work as a graphic designer and illustrator, so the idea came naturally to me. I love the concept of being unique, wearing something that represents us, just like a tattoo, for example. Cycling is a sport, but it's also a way of life.

My favourite cycling destination…

My favourite cycling journey was in the Dolomites, Italy. The landscape was breathtaking, and the infrastructure was well-suited for cyclists! I also had the opportunity to explore Croatia. However, Haute-Savoie is THE region for cycling, so it remains my number one destination!

Follow Carine on Instagram.