The Comité Départemental renews itself and faces the challenges of modernization

Welcomed by the local club and the Municipalité de La Londe-les-Maures, the leaders of the Comité Départemental (Codep) first breathed a sigh of relief. After a year 2025 described as "very complicated", in which the structure had to operate with vacant positions, the team is finally expanding. TEAM COMPLETE The Codep validated the election of two key positions, putting an end to a period of administrative tension where Pierre, a figure of the committee, had to "hold the Codep at arm's length", as the chairman of the meeting pointed out.

Le Comité Départemental se renouvelle et affronte les défis de la modernisation

Kevin Verviest was unanimously elected treasurer (134 votes). An arrival welcomed with humor by the president, reminding that Kevin is well known to the clubs: "We like you because when we need... it brings us €150!

". In the secretariat, it is Christophe Cavailles, nicknamed "Tito", president of the CCRG (Club de La Garde), who is taking over the torch: "I will try to bring energy for the young people".

One of the highlights of the morning concerned the modernization of the Fédération française de cyclotourisme (FFvélo). While the federal strategy 2025-2028 aims to develop digital tools, the reality on the ground is clear: the website struggles to convince. In the room, competition from private applications is on everyone's mind.

"Everyone uses Komoot, everyone uses Strava, but we never use the federation's website," lamented a participant, regretting the lack of visibility of federal events compared to the giants of the sector. The committee's response is pragmatic: federal tools like "Vélo en France" guarantee compliance with the law and access authorizations, unlike wild tracks that cross private properties, threatening mountain biking and Gravel riding.

CONCERN OVER SAFETY Safety and administrative authorizations are focal points for concern. Organizing a ride is becoming an obstacle course when dealing with increasingly reluctant prefectures and town halls, especially on the coast. "No matter how much we call them, it doesn't change anything," an organizer said in frustration, citing recurring difficulties in Le Lavandou or Bormes-les-Mimosas.

For the committee, the solution lies in lobbying. "It is up to us to band together and do this work. If we do not do it, we do not have their ear," the president insisted, calling for the reactivation of the safety commission to meet with decision-makers and explain that cycle touring is not a speed race.

Finally, the question of gender diversity was addressed with conviction. While cycling remains a predominantly male sport, voices are being raised to change the situation. Hubert Larose shared an inspiring testimony on how to involve women in governance.

"When I became president, there was a steering committee of 15 people with two women who were not heard. They told me: 'It's no use, when we set something up, we are told no'. Today, on the steering committee of La Londe, there are seven men and seven women.

They are the ones who make almost all the decisions about the trips, organize them, and participate in defining the routes. If we let women do what they want to do, we make a huge leap forward."