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Alexandra Laffitte: Riding Forward

For Le Col rider Alexandra Laffitte, the bike has always been present, something woven into everyday life. Cycling has simply been how she moved through the world.

Now living in St Maurice, just outside Paris, Alexandra’s riding looks different to how it once did. Her relationship with the bike has shifted, shaped by injury, illness, and the slow process of recovery. But it hasn’t disappeared. If anything, it has become more deliberate, less about pushing and more about listening.

This story isn’t about riding harder or further. It’s about learning how to keep riding at all, and what that asks of you when your body no longer behaves the way it used to.

Alexandra cycling on a forested track in Le Col kit.
Blurred shot of Alexandra cycling away on a forested track.

Her Cycling Journey

“I have been cycling since I was a child, but in recent years I have been riding a fixed gear bike. It's a totally different sensation from a standard bike.”

Fixed gear riding became part of her daily life, fluid and expressive. She rode everywhere. Every day. Until her body began to push back since she was diagnosed with chronic Endometriosis and an autoimmune disease. 

Before her diagnosis, riding was instinctive, something she stepped into without hesitation or calculation.

“I would go out cycling without ever thinking for a moment that I might hurt myself. I took part in rides, cycled to work, and participated in trick events. I practised trackstands, different tricks... I loved it.”

I think there's so many aspects to why I love riding. 

First I got hooked on the speed and the flow state you can get from riding fast on the road. It's just the best feeling. Like skiing super fast downhill. Same thrill. 

But then there's the exploring part of it. I did my first bikepacking trip in the summer of 2019, spent a week in Denmark, and it has ever since been my favourite way of travelling. 

And I also just love commuting in my day to day. Going from the office to meetings or doing errands on a bike seems like the biggest life hack on how to sneak more joy into your everyday. 

Building a new relationship with cycling

Her relationship with cycling has shifted. Since her diagnosis, Alexandra has had to relearn what a “good ride” looks like and accept that it may change from day to day.

“Since my diagnosis last May, it is still difficult for me to set goals and distances for myself.
I am gradually getting back on my bike, riding slowly and listening to my body.
I live day by day, I can't plan anything in advance, but I try to move forward at my own pace and at the pace my body dictates.”

Cycling has become something to negotiate with, attentively. Living with a chronic illness reshapes everything, including how and why you ride. For Alexandra, this has meant a complete recalibration of daily life.

“With endometriosis, I have a different way of life. This disease has been part of my daily routine for many years, with regular exercise, a less inflammatory diet, lifelong antibiotic treatment and specialised medical care. Now, on top of that, I have an autoimmune disease that is turning everything upside down. I have to readjust my daily routine and accept a new treatment that I am trying out today.” 

Alexandra paused on her bike, smiling, with trees and bushes behind.

Finding solitude on local roads and trails

Alexandra moved to the Bois de Vincennes, outside Paris a few months ago. The city photos accompanying this feature were taken in Paris, a day when Alexandra wasn’t in too much pain. She was enjoying time on the bike with a friend. She’s still learning her new surroundings too, discovering new routes slowly rather than riding them hard. 

“I have only been living in this neighbourhood for four months. I am discovering it little by little. I am preparing for the end of the year with new gravel riding routes.”

That sense of exploration, even at a gentler pace, remains central to her connection with cycling.

“I wanted to take up gravel biking because I was looking for adventure, travel and new experiences, and I am lucky enough to be part of the team as an ambassador with Rose Bikes.”

Blurred shot of Alexandra cycling away with countryside behind.

Looking to the mountains

Looking ahead, Alexandra has set herself one clear goal. Climbing Mont Ventoux.

“Mont Ventoux is an event organised by friends who are passionate about cycling.
It takes place in just over five months' time, and it's a huge challenge that I've committed myself to. In fact, it's the only one.”

“I'm very anxious about going, but I want to experience and share this moment with them.
I want and need to regain control of my body and my life. So, ‘f*** it!’ Excuse my language.”

Alexandra’s story is about listening to your body and adapting. Her relationship with cycling has changed but it hasn’t disappeared. The bike is still there, so is the road and for now, that's enough.

Photography credit:
@mr.w.o.n.g @jeromebezeau

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