A Stunning Feat on Paris’s Most Iconic Landmark
Paris — French cyclist and TikTok sensation Aurélien Fontenoy has achieved what many would consider impossible. The 34-year-old athlete climbed all 686 steps of the Eiffel Tower on his bicycle in only 12 minutes and 30 seconds, setting a new Guinness World Record.
The previous record, established in 2002 by fellow Frenchman Hugues Richard, stood unchallenged for over 20 years. Similar feats of athletic creativity have recently made headlines — such as a Spanish athlete who set a Guinness World Record for running backwards in high heels. Fontenoy’s performance improved on it by nearly seven minutes, earning widespread admiration both in France and abroad.
Four Years of Preparation Behind the Success
Although the feat appeared spontaneous, it was the result of four years of intense preparation. Fontenoy revealed that the Eiffel Tower posed an extraordinary technical challenge due to its steep, narrow, and uneven staircases. “Cycling on such stairs demands perfect balance, braking control, and explosive jumps,” he explained in a press briefing following the event.
To master the climb, Fontenoy refined his braking techniques, adjusted tire compression, and practiced precision jumps to maneuver through the tight spiral paths. Each move had to be calculated to avoid slipping or damaging the historic structure.
Pandemic Delays and Perseverance
Fontenoy began training for the record attempt in 2019, but his plans faced repeated setbacks. The COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics, and subsequent renovation works on the Eiffel Tower all forced him to postpone his challenge several times.
Despite these delays, he continued his physical and mental conditioning. His regimen included rope skipping, strength training, and simulated indoor climbs to maintain endurance and focus. “It was not just about fitness; it was about patience and precision,” Fontenoy noted. “Every delay made me stronger and more determined.”
Promoting an Underrated Sport
This is not Fontenoy’s first headline-making stunt. He has previously scaled other famous structures, including the Tallinn TV Tower in Estonia and several landmarks across Paris, all on his bicycle.
For Fontenoy, these daring climbs are more than personal achievements. They are also part of his mission to raise global awareness for bike trials, a lesser-known cycling discipline focused on agility, control, and technical difficulty rather than speed. “Bike trials deserve more recognition,” he said. “They showcase creativity and precision — qualities every athlete values.”
From TikTok Fame to Sponsorships
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Fontenoy has built a significant following on social media. With over one million TikTok followers, he shares training videos, cycling tutorials, and product reviews that attract both fans and sponsors.
He acknowledges that in smaller sports like trials cycling, competition winnings alone are not enough to sustain a career. “Social media changed everything,” he said. “It allows me to connect with fans, inspire young riders, and secure sponsorships that keep me financially stable.”
This digital presence has turned Fontenoy into one of the sport’s most recognizable faces, inspiring a new generation of cyclists to explore unconventional challenges.
Looking Ahead: The Dream of Burj Khalifa
After his record-breaking ascent in Paris, Fontenoy is already thinking ahead. His next ambition is to tackle some of the world’s tallest towers by bike, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai — the tallest building on Earth.
“Climbing the Burj Khalifa would be the ultimate test of endurance and technique,” he said. “I want to show the world that with passion, preparation, and perseverance, nothing is impossible.”
A Symbol of Determination
Aurélien Fontenoy’s daring feat at the Eiffel Tower symbolizes not only personal triumph but also the evolving spirit of adventure sports. In an age where digital fame often overshadows physical achievement, his story combines both worlds — discipline on the ground and influence online.
Whether or not he manages to scale the Burj Khalifa next, one thing is certain: Fontenoy has already cemented his place in the history of extreme cycling, inspiring millions to pedal beyond their limits.
