This week, we followed the wheel of Niels Brouzes, a former professional cyclist turned committed entrepreneur. From his first steps on the tennis courts to the creation of Lunifeel, Niels embodies a singular trajectory, marked by resilience, passion, and a constant quest for meaning. His journey is an ode to personal transformation and collective commitment. In this portrait, discover how Niels Brouzes was able to transform each challenge into an opportunity, each defeat into a lesson, and how he continues today to pedal toward new horizons, always guided by the same passion and the same desire to partage.
By Jeff Tatard – Photos: DR
First steps: from tennis to cycling
Niels's first strong memory of sports dates back to a tennis match at the age of 9.. Opposed to a girl, he suffers a stinging defeat: " 9-0 for her. A resounding defeat... I was completely stunned, I didn't know where I lived anymore, traumatized by the defeat. "This experience, although painful, forged his character and his appetite for competition.
Guided by his parents and driven by a desire to win, he quickly reached a high level in tennis, notably participating in the French championship at Roland Garros and the Mondial des Petits As at 14 years old. However, an elbow injury at 16-17 years old, combined with academic and family difficulties, pushed him to change direction. It was while witnessing the victory of his friend Julien Guiborel that he found a new passion: cycling..
The rise in cycling
The move to cycling was motivated by the desire to feel the emotions of the riders at the finish: “ I wanted to feel the emotions I saw on the faces of the runners at the finish, to look like the champions, and then there were the misses, the podium, the kisses, the flower to offer in return... This slightly magical protocol was fantastic." Building on his endurance acquired in tennis, he trained hard and progressed quickly, never doubting his abilities..
Among his highlights, he mentions the European Under-23 Time Trial Championship, where the intense heat forced him to finish in freewheel mode: " Engine overheated, I finished coasting… and probably dead last. A real slap in the face. Conversely, his victories in the Chrono des Nations, the French Espoirs Championship and the Tour du Finistère remain unforgettable memories.
His title of French Espoir champion, although significant, is put into perspective : " I was really emotional at the time, I remember raising my arms and saying to myself: 'Shit, I did it, it's awesome, I'll have a jersey at home...'But I would be lying if I said it had any special significance.' Coming from a family of champions, this title represents moretagIt’s not just a step but an end in itself.
A career built
Niels' professional career has been marked by ups and downs, but he describes it as "constructed" or "accomplished."A striking anecdote illustrates his determination: during a stage of the Tour de Normandie in the snow, exhausted, he gave up before his sports director, Stéphane Javalet, encouraged him to get back on the bike: " Put this on, get back on the bike. I'll take you back, that's all." This gesture pushed him to finish the stage and reach the podium a few days later.
The transition to entrepreneurship
At the end of his cycling career, Niels feels neither brutality nor liberation, but a serene acceptance : " I was sad, of course, but it was a decision I had made, so I accepted it." He then embarked on various projects, including Sorius, a training platform based on artificial intelligence. However, the frenetic pace of the world of startups pushes him to refocus his priorities.
This is how he created Lunifeel, a company that reflects his vision of sport: “ human, committed, collective". Lunifeel aims to unite cyclists around strong values, by offering them services and advantagestagdesigned for them. This project is for him an extension of his personality and his philosophy of sport.
Authentic communication
On social media, Niels adopts a direct and unfiltered tone. : " Because it's me, quite simply. And above all because I don't try to please everyone." His publications are instinctive, carried by the momentum of the moment. He considers that each opinion is valid and that exchanges enrich collective reflection.
He does not seek to impose his vision, but totagand his experience: " I'm not asking for trust, if my logic resonates, so much the better." For him, life experience is the greatest of qualifications.
Performance reinvented
Today, Niels approaches performance from a different angle. It emphasizes the energies and biorhythms specific to each individual, advocating an athlete-centered approach. Although he reconWhen technological advances are born, he insists on the need to explain them and adapt them to each person.
He recently resumed a training routine, motivated by his physical and mental health: “ Cycling is my freedom, it frees my mind. I feel so good after a ride, the endorphins give me an incredible sense of well-being. So, I ride!
An inspiring relationship
With his partner Lucie, Niels bytagand a relationship deeply rooted in sportThey train together, influence each other and throughtagcreate an enriching couple dynamic. He admires her awareness, her relevance and her ability to understand deeply.
Although they are both competitive, their relationship is based on mutual support: “ Between us, it is always mutual aid that takes precedence." Sport taught them to move forward together, to exchange visions and to draw a form of wisdom from their daily lives.
A vision focused on the future
As for the future, Niels prefers to focus on the present: “ I get up every morning with the desire to live, to learn, to move forward." He quotes Seneca: “ Make haste to live well and remember that each day is a life in itself. He plans to remain connected to the world of cycling, a sport he considers a school of life.
What makes him most proud today is seeing the athletes he supports achieve their goals. : " Their smiles, their emotions, this joy bytagee… it’s a real moment.” For him, persevering, working with rigor and sincerity always leads to a form of personal satisfaction.
To conclude this portrait of Niels Brouzes, a leading figure in professional cycling who became a committed entrepreneur, it is essential to highlight how he embodies a philosophy of life in which sport is a vehicle for personal and collective growth. His career, rich in experiences and lessons, is a source of inspiration for all those seeking to give deeper meaning to their passion.
By fully embracing one's passions and actively engaging in meaningful projects, Niels Brouzes shows that true success lies in the alignment between our actions and our values.His journey inspires us to pursue our dreams with determination, to learn from our failures and to contribute positively to society.
Thus, Niels Brouzes' story teaches us that the path to personal fulfillment is fraught with challenges, but that each step, whether a victory or a lesson, brings us closer to our true essence. It is by persevering, remaining true to ourselves, and committing to causes that are close to our hearts that we find profound meaning in our existence.
