Jocelyn Verdenal: between passion and sporting challenges
In this interview, Jocelyn Verdenal talks about his background, his inspirations, and his ambitious plans for this season.
Born in Epfig, a charming Alsatian village, Jocelyn Verdenal is an outstanding athlete whose career illustrates an unshakeable passion for endurance sports. A versatile sportsman, he is now a familiar face in ski-mountaineering, cycling and triathlon competitions.
A sporting childhood in Alsace
Jocelyn discovered his love of sport at an early age, when he joined an athletics club. A native of Alsace, he has always felt deeply attached to the region, a bond reinforced by his involvement with the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines ski club, where he remains a member despite his adventures abroad. After completing his studies, he left Alsace in 2009 to work in Austria. A few years later, in 2020, Jocelyn settled in Switzerland, first in Martigny, then in Zermatt, a true paradise for a skier-mountaineer.
A taste for challenge and summits
Jocelyn has always been attracted to snow sports and endurance racing. His recent results testify to his dedication: in 2022/2023, he won the prestigious "Torgnon Ski Alp" in Italy, ahead of formidable competitors such as Henri Aymonod (one of only 5 athletes in the world to take less than 30 min over a vertical kilometer on foot).
In cycling, he also scored landmark victories, notably in Alsace, with two triumphs on the "L'Alsacienne Cyclo" and successes on the "Tour des Stations" in Switzerland. He also won the "Ballons Vosgiens" from Gérardmer.
The following season, he once again distinguished himself by finishing fifth in the Sellaronda Skimarathon, an emblematic race in the Dolomites. In Switzerland, he took part in a number of popular races in the Valais, regularly finishing on the podium with second and third places. He also took on a major challenge in the "Everesting Courchevel", a demanding individual race with a total vertical drop of 9,000 metres.
Goals for the 2024/2025 season
The winter season promises to be a busy one for Jocelyn. On December 8, he will take part in the French Vertical Championship in Méribel, a selective race for the first Vertical World Cup in Courchevel a week later. In January, he will alternate between popular races in Switzerland, Italy and France, such as the "Trophée du Rainkopf" in La Bresse or the Coupe de France de verticale organized at Les Bagenelles by his club in Sainte-Marie-Aux-Mines, an event particularly close to his heart.
The months from February to April will be devoted to longer team races, such as the "Monterosa Skialp" and the "Sellaronda Skimarathon" in Italy. The last race of the season will be the long-distance world championship, the "Mezzalama".
A daring project: beating the Genoa-Mont Rose record
This year, Jocelyn has set himself an exceptional challenge: to beat the time record on the route from Genoa, at sea level, to the summit of Monte Rosa at 4,554 meters above sea level. This demanding course includes 220 km by bike and 22 km on skis. Currently set at 12:21 minutes, this record will be attempted in the spring, in May, snow conditions permitting.
A passion supported by local partners
A loyal customer of the Speck store in Bitschwiller-lès-Thann, Jocelyn recently renewed his relationship with Alain Speckbacher, its manager. Impressed by the Alsatian sportsman's achievements, Alain decided to support him by giving him a pair of Skitrab skis with Plum bindings.
Between ambition and sporting pleasure
With his mix of sporting ambitions and personal projects, Jocelyn Verdenal embodies a genuine passion for summits, surpassing oneself and adventure. His journey is a source of inspiration for all those who dream of climbing summits, whether on snow or asphalt. We wish him all the best for the 2024/25 season, and look forward to his new challenges!
*We're delighted to announce that Jocelyn has been selected for the Vertical World Cup in Courchevel! This great opportunity follows his outstanding performance at the French Vertical Championship in Méribel. The whole team is proud of him and wishes him every success for this next step at the highest level. Bravo Jocelyn!
Discover the lightness, comfort and efficiency of Millet's Amuri approach boots!
Off-piste safety equipment plays a major role in the survival of avalanche victims. It is important to be properly equipped
Take part in the 17th Trail du Petit Ballon d'Alsace in Rouffach on 1 March 2020! Races and hikes for all levels on historic trails.
We recently helped you choose your hiking boots. But even if you’re just going on a day hike, the rest of your gear can make all the difference between a successful outing and an adventure that falls short.