A Life Fueled by Passion - Getting to Know Alexandre Chapellier
Alexandre
Sep. 30 2024
Sep. 30 2024
At Maicshine, we are always concerned about the riding experience and safety of all cyclists, and today, we are honored to interview a powerful MS brand ambassador, an outstanding mountain bike rider who not only conquers challenging trails, but also embodies the spirit of adventure and perseverance of mountain biking. As a brand dedicated to enhancing the riding experience of all cycling enthusiasts through high-quality bicycle lights, we believe that understanding the insights and experiences of riders like Alexandre is invaluable. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of mountain biking and hear from Alexandre about his mountain biking journey, challenges, and the importance of safety while riding.
1. Background and Experience
Magicshine: Can you tell us a little bit about your personal background , how long have you been riding (how many years) and how you got into mountain biking?
Alexandre: I'm 29 years old and originally from the South West of France. I now live in North Vancouver, BC. I've been riding for 19 years now, already! No one in my family rides mountain bikes. I just had this passion in me. I remember seeing a guy doing wheelies in a campground when I was 9. I was mesmerized. At that moment, I knew it. I wanted a bike with disc brakes, just like him. That's when it all started.
I rode XC from 10 to 13 years old. I always liked jumping and going fast. I naturally got into Dirt Jumping when I was 13 years old and started riding DH, on my DJ bike… The closest mountain to me was the Pic du Jer, in Lourdes. Which later hosted one of the wilder DH World Cup tracks. That's where I learned it all (and crashed, a lot…!). Being on a hardtail, I had to ride smooth and pick up good lines. That's a vital part of what made me the rider I am today.
At 15, I got my first full-suspension bike, thanks to Banshee Bikes for supporting me back then. I quickly started racing DH and Enduro.
Magicshine: What inspired you to pursue mountain biking on a competitive level?
Alexandre: Having fun on my bike was always my main drive. As years went by I started racing DH and Enduro. My favourite races were Mass Start Enduro races, such as the Mountain of Hell in Les 2 Alpes or the Maxiavalanche in Andorra.
Magicshine: I know you also ride gravel. Can you share your time ratio on Road/Gravel/MTB ? For example, MTB accounts for 60%? Or even more?
Alexandre: MTB represents about 80% of my riding time. Being in the forest, with friends, and having a blast down mountain bike trails is one of the best feelings ever. I however love to switch it up and hop on my gravel bike. Either for a city loop, a proper gravel ride, or even sometimes ending up on mountain biking trails. I really enjoy the challenge of riding a gravel bike fast on a technical trail. You have to be so smooth and find the best lines. There is no room for mistakes. And everything feels so much faster, which is super fun.
Alexandre: I'm 29 years old and originally from the South West of France. I now live in North Vancouver, BC. I've been riding for 19 years now, already! No one in my family rides mountain bikes. I just had this passion in me. I remember seeing a guy doing wheelies in a campground when I was 9. I was mesmerized. At that moment, I knew it. I wanted a bike with disc brakes, just like him. That's when it all started.
I rode XC from 10 to 13 years old. I always liked jumping and going fast. I naturally got into Dirt Jumping when I was 13 years old and started riding DH, on my DJ bike… The closest mountain to me was the Pic du Jer, in Lourdes. Which later hosted one of the wilder DH World Cup tracks. That's where I learned it all (and crashed, a lot…!). Being on a hardtail, I had to ride smooth and pick up good lines. That's a vital part of what made me the rider I am today.
At 15, I got my first full-suspension bike, thanks to Banshee Bikes for supporting me back then. I quickly started racing DH and Enduro.
Alexandre: Having fun on my bike was always my main drive. As years went by I started racing DH and Enduro. My favourite races were Mass Start Enduro races, such as the Mountain of Hell in Les 2 Alpes or the Maxiavalanche in Andorra.
Magicshine: I know you also ride gravel. Can you share your time ratio on Road/Gravel/MTB ? For example, MTB accounts for 60%? Or even more?
Alexandre: MTB represents about 80% of my riding time. Being in the forest, with friends, and having a blast down mountain bike trails is one of the best feelings ever. I however love to switch it up and hop on my gravel bike. Either for a city loop, a proper gravel ride, or even sometimes ending up on mountain biking trails. I really enjoy the challenge of riding a gravel bike fast on a technical trail. You have to be so smooth and find the best lines. There is no room for mistakes. And everything feels so much faster, which is super fun.
2. Cycling Experience
Magicshine: What is your most memorable cycling event or race? Why did it stand out to you?
Alexandre:It's a good question. There have been lots of memorable moments over the years. One that stands out the most was probably one of my earlier ones, when racing the Acccous Downhill in the southwest of France when I was 14. At the time, I only had a Dirt Jumper bike that I had modified. I added a front disk brake, downhill tires, and a Marzocchi DJ 2 air-sprung fork so I can lower down pressures when riding DH.
It was raining all weekend. The dirt in this area of France is so slippery when wet and the whole track was just a mess. It was an incredibly fun challenge, especially on a DJ bike. One issue: I didn't have enough frame clearance when my rear tire was full of mud. I had to stop to clear it up every few minutes during training. The only solution I found: stealing the rear tire off my mom's commuter bike. A Schwalbe Marathon in 1.75 width. Pros: it allowed enough room to clear the dirt and not get stuck. Cons: no grip at all on many of the greasy off-camber the Accoud DH track has. My race run ended up wild. Zero grip. Lots of crashes, including an epic OTB in the final rock garden in front of a cheering crowd. This is such a chore memory. I'm thankful to be riding full-suspension MTBs now!
Magicshine: How do you prepare for a big race or a challenging ride?
Alexandre: I'm usually pretty laid back when it comes to preparing for these types of rides. Trusting the process and going with the flow is my usual go-to. Making sure my bike is running well is of course important. But that's often the case even in casual rides. Mentally, having this approach allows me to ride clear-headed, focused, and have fun on the bike. It's in these conditions that I usually ride best.
Magicshine: If you were asked to recommend 3 cycling locations or routes, which ones would you recommend? Why?
Alexandre:
Alexandre:It's a good question. There have been lots of memorable moments over the years. One that stands out the most was probably one of my earlier ones, when racing the Acccous Downhill in the southwest of France when I was 14. At the time, I only had a Dirt Jumper bike that I had modified. I added a front disk brake, downhill tires, and a Marzocchi DJ 2 air-sprung fork so I can lower down pressures when riding DH.
It was raining all weekend. The dirt in this area of France is so slippery when wet and the whole track was just a mess. It was an incredibly fun challenge, especially on a DJ bike. One issue: I didn't have enough frame clearance when my rear tire was full of mud. I had to stop to clear it up every few minutes during training. The only solution I found: stealing the rear tire off my mom's commuter bike. A Schwalbe Marathon in 1.75 width. Pros: it allowed enough room to clear the dirt and not get stuck. Cons: no grip at all on many of the greasy off-camber the Accoud DH track has. My race run ended up wild. Zero grip. Lots of crashes, including an epic OTB in the final rock garden in front of a cheering crowd. This is such a chore memory. I'm thankful to be riding full-suspension MTBs now!
Magicshine: How do you prepare for a big race or a challenging ride?
Alexandre: I'm usually pretty laid back when it comes to preparing for these types of rides. Trusting the process and going with the flow is my usual go-to. Making sure my bike is running well is of course important. But that's often the case even in casual rides. Mentally, having this approach allows me to ride clear-headed, focused, and have fun on the bike. It's in these conditions that I usually ride best.
Magicshine: If you were asked to recommend 3 cycling locations or routes, which ones would you recommend? Why?
Alexandre:
- North Vancouver, BC, Canada: the variety of trails, the deep forests, the fact this whole town lives and breath mountain biking. I love it.
- Kamloops, Canada: steep freeride chutes, fast and dry trails, big jumps. This town has some of the most fun riding.
- Morzine, France: home of the steepest trails and part of a huge network of trails called the Portes du Soleil. This place is unreal.
3. Past Challenges
Magicshine: What life or physical challenges have you encountered during your past cycling journeys, and how did you overcome them?
Alexandre:Injuries are relatively frequent. I will usually have about 2 big crashes a year. Crashes are inevitably part of the sport when riding MTBs. It's important to first, have the right approach.
Ride fast and go big only when you feel good. Considering and analyzing all parameters is part of the process. If something is not lining up mentally, mechanically or on the trail, it's important to remind yourself there is always another day. We're here to have fun and keep on riding, for as long as we can. Having a calculated approach to how much risk you will take is important to me. After a crash, taking the time to build your confidence back is also key.
Alexandre:Injuries are relatively frequent. I will usually have about 2 big crashes a year. Crashes are inevitably part of the sport when riding MTBs. It's important to first, have the right approach.
Ride fast and go big only when you feel good. Considering and analyzing all parameters is part of the process. If something is not lining up mentally, mechanically or on the trail, it's important to remind yourself there is always another day. We're here to have fun and keep on riding, for as long as we can. Having a calculated approach to how much risk you will take is important to me. After a crash, taking the time to build your confidence back is also key.
4. Cycling Equipment and Cycling Safety
Magicshine: What type/brand of bicycle do you prefer? What made you choose it?
Alexandre:I've been on Devinci bikes for the past year and I couldn't be happier. These bikes are made and designed with passion, and it shows. They are Canadian based and lots of their frames are directly made in Chicoutimi, Quebec. The whole team is driven by the same passion for bikes, which is awesome.
Magicshine: Do you have any advice for cyclists on how to choose the right bike light for them? Which features do you think are essential?
Alexandre:Bike lights are essential. On my gravel bike, whenever I'm around cars, I have a blinking rear light on my seatpost, for safety. The SEEMEE 300 is my go-to.
When it comes to front lights, it depends on how much power you are looking for and how long of a ride you are doing. On my MTB, I want the brightest light I can. When riding in North Vancouver, things get technical pretty quick and the Magicshine MONTEER 12000 has been a game changer. Coupled with a Ray 2600B on the helmet, it's by far the best combo I have ever tried. The batteries last such a long time, that you never have to think about saving battery life.
Magicshine: When riding, what equipment do you use to take good pictures and videos?
Alexandre:My iPhone is one of the most used pieces of equipment I have. I currently have an iPhone 13 Pro.
Action cameras are my other go-to. I'll often use the GoPro Max, it's a 360 camera. It's great for vertical use. The rest of the time, when shooting horizontally, I'll use a DJI Osmo Action 4 or a GoPro 12.
Magicshine: For you currently, to ensure cycling safety, what preparations will you make in terms of cycling equipment?
Alexandre:Regularly do a bolts check. This 3 minute process can be a game changer. Focus on the vital parts: stem, handlebars, wheels, axles, brakes. Then check also frame bolts, cranks, grips.
Tire pressure is vital too. Making sure you run the correct pressure for a given type of terrain and conditions is important. It'll give you so much more control and also limit the risks of puncture.
Keep your chain lubed: it'll keep your shifting smooth, make your drivetrain last and keep your bike quiet. Don't run it with an excess of lube though or it will get gummed up and lose performance as well as longevity.
Magicshine: In what situations do you use bicycle lights? Tell us about your understanding of the function of bicycle lights during cycling?
Alexandre:The number one use is for my safety when riding across town. A compact light on both my handlebars and my seatpost is such a key element. It's important to be able to see well, but being seen in an urban environment is vital.
On my MTB, it's all about seeing well. Night rides are so special. Riding at night is super fun. It's such a good way of getting more riding in during these shorter winter days, it's such a game-changer.
Alexandre:I've been on Devinci bikes for the past year and I couldn't be happier. These bikes are made and designed with passion, and it shows. They are Canadian based and lots of their frames are directly made in Chicoutimi, Quebec. The whole team is driven by the same passion for bikes, which is awesome.
Magicshine: Do you have any advice for cyclists on how to choose the right bike light for them? Which features do you think are essential?
Alexandre:Bike lights are essential. On my gravel bike, whenever I'm around cars, I have a blinking rear light on my seatpost, for safety. The SEEMEE 300 is my go-to.
When it comes to front lights, it depends on how much power you are looking for and how long of a ride you are doing. On my MTB, I want the brightest light I can. When riding in North Vancouver, things get technical pretty quick and the Magicshine MONTEER 12000 has been a game changer. Coupled with a Ray 2600B on the helmet, it's by far the best combo I have ever tried. The batteries last such a long time, that you never have to think about saving battery life.
Magicshine: When riding, what equipment do you use to take good pictures and videos?
Alexandre:My iPhone is one of the most used pieces of equipment I have. I currently have an iPhone 13 Pro.
Action cameras are my other go-to. I'll often use the GoPro Max, it's a 360 camera. It's great for vertical use. The rest of the time, when shooting horizontally, I'll use a DJI Osmo Action 4 or a GoPro 12.
Magicshine: For you currently, to ensure cycling safety, what preparations will you make in terms of cycling equipment?
Alexandre:Regularly do a bolts check. This 3 minute process can be a game changer. Focus on the vital parts: stem, handlebars, wheels, axles, brakes. Then check also frame bolts, cranks, grips.
Tire pressure is vital too. Making sure you run the correct pressure for a given type of terrain and conditions is important. It'll give you so much more control and also limit the risks of puncture.
Keep your chain lubed: it'll keep your shifting smooth, make your drivetrain last and keep your bike quiet. Don't run it with an excess of lube though or it will get gummed up and lose performance as well as longevity.
Magicshine: In what situations do you use bicycle lights? Tell us about your understanding of the function of bicycle lights during cycling?
Alexandre:The number one use is for my safety when riding across town. A compact light on both my handlebars and my seatpost is such a key element. It's important to be able to see well, but being seen in an urban environment is vital.
On my MTB, it's all about seeing well. Night rides are so special. Riding at night is super fun. It's such a good way of getting more riding in during these shorter winter days, it's such a game-changer.
5. Tips for Beginners
Magicshine: What advice would you give to someone just starting out on a mountain bike?
Alexandre:Spend time on your bike and keep on riding! Don't focus too much on your equipment. Just have fun. Spending hours on your bike is what will make you better and better.
Magicshine: What common mistakes do you think beginners make?
Alexandre:Probably being too tense. You want to engage your core but stay relaxed at the same time. Keep your heels down when going downhill, elbows out, and scan the terrain by looking far ahead.
Alexandre:Spend time on your bike and keep on riding! Don't focus too much on your equipment. Just have fun. Spending hours on your bike is what will make you better and better.
Magicshine: What common mistakes do you think beginners make?
Alexandre:Probably being too tense. You want to engage your core but stay relaxed at the same time. Keep your heels down when going downhill, elbows out, and scan the terrain by looking far ahead.
6. Future Goals
Magicshine: What are your goals for upcoming events or your mountain biking career?
Alexandre:My goals are to keep having fun creating bike content, ride some incredible places and share these experiences with people along the way. The mountain biking community is so unique. I want to keep things fun and accessible to anyone who wants to get into the sport.
Magicshine: How do you see the sport developing in the future?
Alexandre:I see bikes reaching more and more people. As a sport, yes. But also as a means of transport. In all categories, bikes are becoming more fast, comfortable and reliable. Being able to grab your bike instead of your car is huge. This is where E-bikes are pretty cool.
Alexandre:My goals are to keep having fun creating bike content, ride some incredible places and share these experiences with people along the way. The mountain biking community is so unique. I want to keep things fun and accessible to anyone who wants to get into the sport.
Alexandre:I see bikes reaching more and more people. As a sport, yes. But also as a means of transport. In all categories, bikes are becoming more fast, comfortable and reliable. Being able to grab your bike instead of your car is huge. This is where E-bikes are pretty cool.
7. Impact
Magicshine: What role do you think brands like Magicshine play in elevating the mountain biking experience , and as a brand ambassador for MS, what advice would you give to Magicshine?
Alexandre:Magicshine plays such an important role in riders' safety and riding journey. Having a good quality and long-lasting light setup is key. I believe in buying things only once and MS lights tick that box. The build quality and technology in these lights are impressive.
As a brand ambassador, I would tell MS to keep on delivering high-quality products that are rider-focused and affordable.
Alexandre:Magicshine plays such an important role in riders' safety and riding journey. Having a good quality and long-lasting light setup is key. I believe in buying things only once and MS lights tick that box. The build quality and technology in these lights are impressive.
As a brand ambassador, I would tell MS to keep on delivering high-quality products that are rider-focused and affordable.
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