Thanks to a recent results renaissance from French downhill racers, the eyes of the mountain bike world are once again fixed upon this cycling-obsessed nation. But away from the champagne-soaked podiums of the World Cup circuit resides a community whose influence and impact extend far beyond the confines of the trophy cabinet. Someone who epitomizes this is former downhill-racer-turned-coach, guide, trail builder and full-time fun-haver, Romain Paulhan.
Growing up in the small village of St. Jean du Bleymard, in the foothills of Mont Lozère’s intimidating 1,699-meter shadow, Romain spent much of his childhood immersed in the outdoors. “It’s so peaceful here with few inhabitants, lots of large open spaces, little pollution and a great environment for riding bikes.” But before mountain bikes entered the fold, Romain’s life revolved around BMX and a bit of baking.
While it might sound like a cliché, Romain is a dab hand when it comes to baking bread, something he inherited from his father. Known locally as ‘Guytou The Flying Baker’ (thanks to his penchant for enduro motocross), Romain’s father was more than just a local hero, but his son’s too. After 20 years of baking traditional Sacristains (sweet pastry) and Miches (rustic sourdough), a flour allergy would divert Guytou into the world of earth-moving and construction.
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