Before flying off alone to the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships In Japan, the cyclist from Saint-Martin organizes Sunday, August 9th, a race on the Dutch side. The "Eric Hélan Grand Prix" will bring together cycling enthusiasts while allowing him to raise some funds for his adventure.

Éric Hélan will be taking part in one last race, before his Japanese adventure, Sunday at 14 p.m. Organized with the Hot Wheels Cycling Club, the “Grand Prix” will take place between the Carrefour Market roundabout and the Pointe Blanche roundabout. Riders will complete several laps, with the number of laps adapted to the different categories.

Open to allThe event is intended first and foremost to be a cycling festivalIt will also allow Éric Hélan to raise some additional funds for his trip, which he is financing himself “to the tune of 60%”. “You always need last-minute funds; it can always help pay for a hotel night or something else,” explains the cyclist, who emphasizes the festive and sharing spirit of this race organized with his family and partners.

An adventure to Niseko

On August 17, Éric Hélan will depart alone from Saint-Martin. His journey will take him to Guadeloupe, then to Paris and Tokyo. He will then travel to the island of Hokkaido before arriving in Niseko. It is there that he will compete On August 30th, an 80km mountain race, with more than 1.500m of elevation gain, in the 65-69 age category. Qualified after finishing second of his category during the selection in Guadeloupe in December 2025, he hopes to finish among the top.

To prepare for this event, he can count on his coach, Patricio Carty, with whom he has been following a program combining endurance, hill work, and recovery for several months. “I feel like I’m getting better and better, I’m continuing the work, and I feel like I’m ready to fight for the top spots and possibly a podium finish,” says the rider who cycles every day.

Dino Hodge, from “Ça Roule Bike Shop”, is providing him with equipment, particularly for bike maintenance and adjustments, as well as sports nutrition. His club, ASCESM, and the elected official for sports, Marc Ménard, also support Éric Hélan's project.

Just days before his departure, Sunday's Grand Prix will offer him his final encounter with the local peloton before flying to Japan, wearing the French national team jersey and carrying the colors of Saint-Martin in his heart. _DR

To receive the registration form and participate in Sunday's race, please contact us by SMS: +590 690 68 21 41