Eric (right in photo) has ridden the Grand Loop twice now – in 2018 and ’19. He has a wonderful laid-back attitude that means he is really able to live in the moment and enjoy every minute of his experience on Le Loop. If a big part of riding Le Loop is about attitude, we can all learn a lot from Eric. He’s a hell of a lovely guy. Oh! And he’s French … living in the Netherlands.
NAME: Eric Prevot
AGE: 55
LOCATION: The Hague (The Netherlands)
EXPERIENCE: I have always had a bike, but I bought my first road bike in 2010, after an ankle injury.
We love this tiny video of Eric on tour in 2019 – sums him up perfectly 🙂
Q: The last 2 years have been tough for everyone, and everyone has coped in different ways. In terms of your cycling, were you more ON the bike or OFF?
Clearly more ON than OFF.
Q: If ON, what was it that motivated you?
As I had signed up for Le loop 2020, I wanted to remain as fit as possible. The postponement/cancellation of 2020 and 2021 were a series of setback, but also reinforced my motivation to ride in 2022.
Q: How has cycling helped you over the past 2 years?
Working from home, in spite of Teams, Zoom or so, made my world much smaller. It did not keep me off the bike, but the fridge and the kitchen were too close ! Luckily, the lockdown in the Netherlands was not as strict as in other countries and riding was still possible. In spite of the travel restrictions, I also managed to travel to France to visit family and do some cycling.
Q: Have your cycling goals changed over the last 2 years?
Not really, though I must say I care less and less about average speed, segments on Strava and more and more about the social aspects of riding in a group ! I don’t mind riding on my own, I even enjoy it, but cycling is definitely a team sport. In other words, the camaraderie and the support of fellow riders during Le Loop make the whole experience a unique one. And this is why I decided to do it again, focusing less on my self and more on the others.
Q: What are you most looking forward to/hoping to gain from riding Le Loop this summer? 
Catching up with the “Le loop” crew and seeing known faces, and of course making new friends ! As I have never been to Denmark, I must say I am looking forward to do these stages. I enjoyed a lot the cobbles in 2018 (Emily gave good advice), but I am still very intimidated by the challenge, not only the cobbles, but all 21 stages!
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
Simply that I have so much of admiration of respect for the WWMT and the Wates Family. Sharing with others who are less fortunate is the least I can do to help.
Bravo et merci Eric! We’re looking forward to having you back with us on tour this summer.