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Blog / Technical advice / Fred Horny, mountain biker and Speck-Sports ambassador

Fred Horny, mountain biker and Speck-Sports ambassador

Fred Horny is exceptional in both his outdoor riding and his ability to rack up the kilometres on his bike! This Alsatian is an adventurous mountain biker and takes part in numerous trips where he puts his expertise to good use, but also tests his limits. At Speck-Sports we like to take risks, which is why we've decided to support Fred on his journeys by giving him efficient, high-performance equipment!

Focus on Fred Horny, the Alsatian adventurer!

He travels the world with his mountain bike and goes on adventures in many far-flung countries: Germany, Norway, the United States, Kyrgyzstan and Italy! For Fred Horny, borders, whether administrative or physical, are not a problem, which is why he is always between 2 adventures at the other end of the world. He goes on adventures alone or with friends on his mountain bike, and takes advantage of the winter to indulge his passion for skiing as an instructor.

What do you enjoy most about being in the mountains?

The first time a child is really free is when you let them ride their first bike on their own. I get this feeling on every one of my mountain excursions. Whether at home in Val d'Isère or on another continent. You don't make any noise, you can go wherever you want at your own pace. It's absolute freedom without any artifice.

When and how did you start this activity?

In 2015, with a trip to Morocco by road bike. Crossing the Annapurnas to Tibet on a mountain bike. The following year was the turning point, with a long-term contract with Cycles Lapierre.

What is your greatest adventure?

I still have precious moments in mind from each of my trips. Quebec, because we were among friends in an incredible province. Ethiopia, for a human adventure like no other. Kyrgyzstan for its sincerity, and the Elbrus tour in Russia for its extreme nature, to name but a few.

Do you have any plans for the coming months?

My partners and I have decided to postpone our adventures outside Europe for this year. The projects have been refocused on self-guided trips through the Alps, including the old Alps. A film is also in the pipeline about my attempt to reach Chamonix from Val d'Isère via some of the highest known peaks (the highest point I should be riding is around 3800m) in 3 days. Extreme, human, and we hope with all the team that will accompany me, beautiful moments of sharing.

Do you do any other sports?

I love downhill skiing and ski touring, and I'm a big fan of snowboarding. I go trail running with Arctic, my Australian shepherd (who gives me a hard time on the trails). In winter I'm a ski instructor in the Alps.

Do you have a role model in the world of sport? If so, who is it?

I have several!

Mike Horn, for his sense of adventure, of course. Alexis Pinturault because he never gives up, he's really impressive and Jérôme Clementz (first enduro mountain bike world champion), who I've known since I was young, because he's the most humble person I know.

Any advice for those who want to start out in your sport?

Start with small adventures close to home (I started in the Queyras). Gradually build up a series of nights in the mountains while gradually adapting your material needs to create new habits that will become automatic. Never exceed 100% of your capacity on a long trip, that's the key to managing your effort over the long term!

Fred Horny, an explorer equipped by Speck-Sports!

They are often found in the mountains, sleeping under the stars or in light bivouacs! At Speck-Sports we've decided to equip him with high-performance, efficient and lightweight equipment:

Sea To Summit Spark II Sleeping Bag:

A versatile, small and easily compressible sleeping bag! It's made from Loft RDS 850+ goose down and has a 7D nylon inner and 10D outer lining. It has an ultra-dry water-repellent treatment that effectively protects against moisture!

Its sarcophagus shape allows you to retain andoptimise internal warmth. Its thick, light padding makes it feel as comfortable as your usual bed! It weighs just 490g! Once in your rucksack, you'll soon forget all about it!

Sea To Summit Eather lite mattress:

This mattress offers the right compromise between weight, comfort and volume! Weighing in at just 340g, it's smaller than a bottle when folded, making it easy to carry around. When unfolded, it measures 186 x 55cm. What's more, it provides excellent insulation thanks to Air Sprung CellsTM technology, which uses thicker air cells thanks to mesh partitions to link the fabric on the sleeper's side to the fabric on the ground side.

Jetboil Flash stove:

The Flash is the fastest stove in the Jetboil range, boiling 1/2L of water in 100 seconds. What's more, it's also very practical, with a one-litre cup featuring a heat indicator, burner control, piezzo ignition and a pierced cap that can be used as a flask, incorporating a strainer.

Jetboil Mighty Mo stove:

One of the smallest stoves on the market! Weighing just 95g, it's also one of the lightest! It boils in 3 minutes for 1 litre of water. It is compatible with all Jetboil accessories and has a power rating of 10000BTU/h (3kW). When folded, it measures 75 x 60mm, so it fits easily into your rucksack without taking up too much space

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