Featured Rider - Estelle
Estelle first rode with us back in 2018 as one of our younger riders at just 25 years old. She returned in 2024 to tackle the Grand Depart from Florence. She stands out as a friendly, bubbly, very smiley, very enthusiastic Looper who throws herself into chatting with all her fellow cyclists.
For us, it’s been a real pleasure watching her gain confidence and returning to Le Loop as an even stronger cyclist.
Vive Le Tour!
Meet Estelle Oltramare
AGE: 31
LOCATION: Zurich, Switzerland
EXPERIENCE: Before Le Loop, I’d done some recreational cycling, but nothing too intense. My love for cycling came from weekend rides through the countryside with friends and the occasional charity sportive.
Being Swiss I wasn’t a stranger to hills, but I had never taken on something as challenging as Le Loop. I had a decent level of fitness, but riding a part of the Tour de France route is both intimidating and exhilarating—a true test of my limits.
SHE SAYS: I first rode Le Loop in 2018, taking on the formidable Pyrenees – a baptism by fire! It was a physically and mentally demanding experience that pushed me to new limits: an unforgettable introduction to multi-day stage riding, filled with brutal climbs and breathtaking scenery.
In 2024, I came back to ride the Grand Depart – 3 stages from Florence, soaking in the excitement and fresh energy of the riders, and the build-up of what would become an epic journey for so many.
Though the terrain and challenges were different, the same incredible atmosphere remained, which is what makes Le Loop so special.
YOUR HIGHLIGHT?: Every Le Loop experience has its defining moments – the ones that stick with you long after you’ve unclipped your pedals. In 2024, the highlight was the sense of shared excitement at the start line, knowing we were riding in the tracks of cycling legends. It was the rolling countryside, the early-morning mist, the cheering volunteers at the feed stops, and the conversations with fellow riders who each had their own motivations for being there.
One moment that stands out is crossing the stage finish after three days of cycling and feeling that familiar mix of exhaustion and elation. It reminded me why I signed up for Le Loop – yes, it’s a huge physical challenge but it’s also for the people, the adventure, and the memories you create along the way.
WORDS OF WISDOM: To anyone considering Le Loop – do it! You don’t need to be a professional cyclist, just willing to train and embrace the adventure. So, whether you’re an experienced cyclist or someone looking to push your boundaries, this event will change you in ways you can’t predict. It’s not just about the distance or the climbs. So much of Le Loop is about the friendships, the support, and the confidence you gain along the way.
One thing I’ve learned is that you’re always stronger than you think. There will be moments when your legs are screaming, when the road ahead looks impossibly long, when you wonder why you signed up for this in the first place. But then you reach the top of a climb, or you share a laugh with another rider, or you cross the finish line, and it all makes sense: being part of a community and the incredible sense of achievement.
Don’t overthink it – trust your training, trust yourself, and embrace the journey. Also—eat at every feed stop (even when you don’t feel like it!). You’ll thank yourself later.
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?: Le Loop once again left me with an underlying motivation – a fire that cannot be extinguished. Since then, I’ve started planning longer rides and joining some friends on their adventures. Beyond cycling, this experience has given me a new sense of confidence to tackle challenges in life. Next on the horizon? Perhaps riding a full week of Le Loop—or who knows, maybe the whole route one day!
Huge thanks to Estelle for contributing to our featured rider post. We can’t wait for the year she returns to ride the full Grand Loop!
Vive Le Tour!
