Extreme cyclist Cedric Tassan: “The adventure begins where the signs end”

The socks must be

BIKE: What’s the one thing you can’t do without on any trip?

Cédric Tassan: A pair of merino socks that I bought in 2015 for my first major expedition: the crossing of Iceland with Hans Rey and Steve Peat. Almost twelve years later, they’re still with me. The socks are warm, full of mended holes and probably not much to look at anymore. As soon as something tears, I ask my wife to mend it. They’ve now become part of my travel story. Others collect souvenirs; I wear mine on my feet.

What did you learn from Hans Rey?

Surprisingly, it was less about riding technique than about everything that turns an adventure into a story: travelling by bike, filming on the fly, composing shots, recognising the right light. Hans taught me never to let a chance for a good shot slip by. A large part of the work I do today is down to him.

Which other cycling adventurer impresses you the most?

Hans again. Decades ago, he was already combining mountain biking, travel, photography and storytelling – long before these things were turned into ‘content’. His expeditions still feel modern today. Hans didn’t just experience adventures; he helped shape the way we tell their stories.

Light bikes, tough trails

Which bike do you like riding best?

On expeditions, I ride my Sunn Shamann DC. Despite its enduro tyres, it weighs barely twelve kilos, climbs superbly and handles downhill sections with ease. It’s ideal for remote areas. At home, I enjoy riding my custom-built Sunn Kern. The base model costs around 3,500 euros. I like the message: you don’t need a 10,000-euro bike for great days on the trail. The experience has no price tag.

When do you have the most fun on your bike?

In high mountains, open countryside and on long descents – preferably late in the day, when the light is fading. Woodlands are lovely, but often too narrow for my liking when riding. I like natural, technical trails that I’m not familiar with. Perfectly sculpted bike park trails tend to bore me. I want to be surprised. The fun begins when I don’t know what lies around the next bend.

If you could only ride one trail?

In that case, I’d head to Valais: towering mountains, vast landscapes, long technical descents and spectacular views. I’d rather not name a specific trail. To choose one would mean giving up on all the others.

Canada will have to wait

Which country do you find surprisingly unappealing?

Canada. For many mountain bikers, it’s the promised land, but it hasn’t really appealed to me so far. Where everything is signposted and built for cycling, there’s less room for imagination, discovery and uncertainty. What’s more, many of the trails run through woodland – and I need open spaces. I’ll probably go there one day, and Canada will prove to me that I’ve been talking nonsense.

Which countries, on the other hand, are right at the top of your list?

Russia and Iran. With its vastness and diversity, Russia almost feels like a continent – stretching from the Caucasus to Kamchatka. What fascinates me about Iran is its ancient culture, its landscapes and its much-praised hospitality. A good adventure isn’t just about spectacular trails. It thrives on encounters and the attempt to understand a country from the inside.

The political situation means that both trips have been put on hold for the time being. The world seems to be closing in on itself at the moment. Places where you can simply set off and explore freely are becoming increasingly rare.

What was the strangest thing you were ever served whilst travelling?

In Afghanistan, I was offered a piece of meat that a group of Taliban had been eating. Once they’d left, I was supposed to finish off the rest. I’ve tried quite a few strange things whilst travelling. So I politely declined.

Do you still think the Dolomites are the most beautiful mountains in the world?

Yes. They combine beauty, diversity and history: hidden valleys, towering rock faces, dramatic ridges. Added to this are the traces of the First World War everywhere. When you travel there, you’re not just driving through a landscape, but through history. Other mountains are higher, wilder or more isolated. For me, only one region offers this combination: the Dolomites.

Adventures come at a price

Who would you like to swap lives with for a day?

With someone from my family. I’d like to experience what it’s like to set off on an expedition – especially on my own to difficult, remote regions. I know the joy of setting off, but not the worry of being left behind. Perhaps I’d understand better whether my adventures are really all right for my family. And what price they pay for me to be free.

What makes you happy?

Life. Being here, being fully aware of it and feeling alive. We forget all too easily just how extraordinary that is.

What dream have you given up on?

Learning to walk on my hands. Fortunately, I haven’t had to give up on any big dreams. I’m living the life I wanted to live – and I know what a privilege that is.

Films, nonsense and a little secret

Which film makes you laugh?

Very French comedies featuring absurd situations, eccentric characters and witty dialogue. The Truth, If I'm Lying! It always works for me. The humour is probably difficult to translate. That’s exactly what makes it so French.

Which cycling film has impressed you most recently?

Not a new one: Danny MacAskill’s Imaginate. Even after more than ten years, the film still feels visionary. Of course, the riding is incredible. The concept, direction and imagination are just as impressive. For years, Danny and his team have managed to surprise people without repeating themselves. That is perhaps more difficult than any trick.

And which celebrity do you secretly have a crush on?

If it’s just about appearances, I’d rather keep that to myself. After all, an adventurer needs a few undiscovered places left.