Pierre Lugat Rides to the Podium at Race Across Switzerland

500km. 9,000m of elevation. One unforgettable ride – powered by Holyfat.

On July 13th, Pierre Lugat, member of Team Holyfat 2023, took on the Race Across Switzerland — a legendary course stretching over 500 kilometers of stunning, punishing terrain. After 9,000 meters of climbing, he crossed the finish line in just 26 hours, securing a spot on the podium.

Here’s how it went down — in Pierre’s own words:

"Start in the city was smooth..."

“Once we left Lausanne, I settled into my cruising pace and began passing quite a few riders. About an hour and a half in, someone overtook me — headphones in, no words — but I kept to my rhythm as we approached the first serious climb.

At the top, we hit a tiny mountain road with cows grazing nearby. The place was absolutely stunning. A short descent followed, and then the route traced the Vallée de Joux along the lake. That’s when the Col du Mollendruz came in — and from up there, you could see Lausanne far off in the distance. You think, ‘Nice, loop one is nearly done... this should be easy.’ Spoiler: it wasn’t.

It kept climbing and dropping, and the heat was brutal. Thankfully, the views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc helped clear the mind. I finished the first 200km loop feeling surprisingly fresh.”

Night Prep, Metal Festivals, and Mandatory Power Naps

“At the main aid station, I reloaded — food, gear for the night: sleeves, cap, gloves, baselayer, and a windbreaker.

Then came the second loop: 300km (actually 335km). The opening stretch was relatively smooth until Baulmes, and then the real work began. The climb up to the Aiguilles de Baulmes was sheer punishment — scorching heat and nothing under a 9% grade.

From there, into the Valley of La Brévine, nicknamed Switzerland’s Siberia. I passed through as the sun set, took a quick break to layer up and switch to clear lenses on my glasses.

Then came a series of brutal, beautiful climbs, each one steeper than the last. Somewhere in the Jura Mountains, I found myself riding through a random metal festival in the middle of nowhere. Next climb, I found a pile of construction gravel — perfect spot for a quick nap.”

Fighting Sleep, Flying to the Finish

“I kept pushing, finishing the cols in the 300km loop. But during the long descent from Col du Chasseral, I started falling asleep on the bike. I had to stop — another emergency micro-nap or risk flying off a cliff.

Back on the bike, I found myself riding with the only 4-person team in the 500km race. They helped me find rhythm again. One last stop for a chocolate-filled croissant, then full throttle to the finish — holding nearly 30km/h average over the final stretch.

I even managed to re-pass three competitors who’d overtaken me during my sleep breaks. What a ride.”

Endurance Without Compromise

Pierre’s ride through Switzerland wasn’t just fast — it was smart, strategic, and fueled by resilience. Riding through heatwaves, freezing valleys, and fatigue so deep it required gravel-bed naps, his Holyfat nutrition strategy held strong.

In races like these, digestion, energy stability, and mental clarity aren't luxuries — they’re essentials. Holyfat helps deliver all three.

Big respect to Pierre. One podium. 500km. 26 hours. No shortcuts.