Students from the Collège de Mirepoix: Adventure on 200 km of cycle path!

Students from the Collège de Mirepoix: Adventure on 200 km of cycle path!

The students of 4e2 at the Collège de Mirepoix recently went on a remarkable bike ride. The starting point was her school, which took her on a journey of over 200 kilometers along the Mediterranean coast at the end of an intensive preparation period. This trip to Gruissan was not only sporty, but also strongly focused on ecocitoyenneté, i.e. environmental awareness. In order to optimally prepare for the challenge, the students took part in endurance and technical training in mountain biking within a short period of time. Particularly noteworthy is the “Plastique à la loupe” project, which sensitized children to important environmental issues.

The route started in Mirepoix and went via Bram along the Canal du Midi and the Canal de la Robine. At stations such as the water treatment plant in La Tour-du-Crieu and the Lac de Montbel dam, students received additional information about environmental issues. The experiences were enhanced by the team spirit of the group; The participants supported each other with preparations and meals, which greatly promoted the community. Even the heat couldn't dampen their determination and good spirits, so overall the trip will be remembered as an enriching experience.

Education and cyclism

In addition to the school adventures in the field of cycling, there were also exciting developments on an international level. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Peace and Sport recently launched the “Ride & Learn” program. This happened during the UCI Bike City and Mobility 2025 Forum in Copenhagen. The program aims to promote social cohesion, inclusion and peace through cycling and is under the patronage of renowned personalities.

“Ride & Learn” is aimed at trainers and teachers who work with children and provides a comprehensive educational manual with 75 sessions. These sessions are designed to be customized to suit different needs. Thematic topics include self-acceptance, respectful communication and the value of teamwork. A pilot project of this initiative has already started in Rwanda, where local trainers are being trained in the cycling association.

Cycling – an educational topic

Overall, it is clear that both the students' local cycling trip and the international cycling efforts to promote education and social values ​​can have a lasting impact on our young people. Cycling not only makes you fit, but also smart, and thus contributes to the education of young people - a radically good approach!

Thanks to the students of the Collège de Mirepoix for their commitment and the support of their families who made this wonderful experience possible.

For further information visit the websites: ladepeche.fr, uci.org and sazbike.de.