Guénaël Gillet, a voice that resonates on the roads of France

There are voices that leave their mark, presences that transcend the moment and, without us really knowing it, become an integral part of our daily lives. For cycling enthusiasts in France, Guénaël Gillet is one of those voices. Every Sunday of competition, he transforms a race into a vibrant spectacle, creating an unbreakable bond between the riders and the public. His talent as a commentator is not limited to simple narration; he takes us on an adventure where every detail counts, where every moment is charged with emotion and intensity. So who is this man whose voice makes our Sundays so special? This time, we held the microphone for him…

Guénaël was born in Lanouée, near Josselin, in Morbihan. It was at the age of 10 that he discovered his passion for cycling by following the Tour de France on television. “I would imagine the stage by moving my enormous peloton of bottle caps in my parents’ yard, using the embankments for the mountain stages,” he recounts. His first experience as a commentator dates back to 1975, when he began describing the Tour stages for the village neighbors, who were captivated by his voice.

Guénaël Gillet, here at the start of the GP Prix de Paris XIV in June 2024, contributes to the animation of cycling in France.

In 1985, at a wedding, Guénaël entertained his first audience by transforming the groom into a virtual yellow jersey. This event marked the beginning of what he calls “The Tour de France of Weddings,” a performance that lasted for nearly 17 years. His true entry into the world of professional cycling took place in 2002, when he was invited to comment on the Tour de France’s passage through Saint-Méen-le-Grand. “It was the beginning of a beautiful adventure,” he remembers.

Guénaël leaves nothing to chance when it comes to preparing for a race. He dedicates considerable time to studying riders’ palmarès, researching the smallest anecdotes, and maintaining contacts with organizers. “Preparing a cycling event is, above all, a lot of work beforehand,” he explains. His commitment to precision and the passion he puts into every commentary are palpable. “The voice of a good speaker is immediately felt; you must perceive their passion through their narration.”

Animating a cycling race involves a lot of preparation.

There are many memorable moments in Guénaël’s career. He emotionally recalls an event where a spectator accidentally injured his face with a microphone, requiring the intervention of a Red Cross first aid worker. “Thanks to her, I was able to finish commenting on the event, once again thanking the public for their efficiency,” he recounts. Another unforgettable moment was his entry into the Tour de France in 2008, animating the Panach’ advertising caravan, then Carrefour’s in 2012. “This third global event, after the Olympic Games and the Football World Cup, was a dream,” he confides.

Guénaël also knows how to create a unique bond with the public. He likes to warm up the crowd before an event, actively involve them in the starting countdown, and remain accessible throughout the race. “My role, above all, is to warm up and value the public before an event,” he says. His interactions with spectators are often memorable, like the day he had to wear live on the podium the jersey offered by a winning rider.

Here with Laurent Desbiens at the Chti Bike Tour.

For Guénaël, the job of a cycling speaker has evolved over the years. “The job of a speaker has evolved in a rather positive direction over the years,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of experience and passion. His philosophy is simple: “Do your job seriously, without taking yourself too seriously.” He admires personalities like Bernard Hinault and Laurent Desbiens, whose strength, simplicity, and humility inspire him.

The impact of his career on his personal life is also significant. He makes sure to balance his time between his passion and his private life, so as not to neglect those he loves. “My career influences and impacts my personal life, although I am very careful to dedicate time to my wife and my private life,” he admits.

Technology plays a crucial role in his work. He uses social media to follow results, take selfies, and immortalize moments with riders and organizers. “Technology is essential in the speaker’s profession.” He aspires to make the spectator an active participant in the event, so that everyone, from the first to the last rider, feels supported.

Among his favorite events, Guénaël cites the Chti Bike Tour and the Grand Prix de Paris OMS 14. He enthusiastically describes the electric atmosphere of these races, where the public is always present. “The Chti Bike Tour, two days of organized riding in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais bringing together more than 6000 cycling enthusiasts,” he fondly remembers.

Guénaël Gillet knows how to use social media.

With over twenty years of career behind him, Guénaël maintains his passion for his profession. “I still love this job, full of encounters and sharing,” he affirms. His goal for the future is simple: to preserve his health to continue bringing joy and emotion to cycling enthusiasts. “Being a speaker also means being the conductor of a sporting spectacle, with a good fatigue in the evening that proves your great involvement in animating the event,” he concludes.

To conclude this portrait, Guénaël Gillet is much more than a commentator. He is a true soul of cycling, a voice that resonates on the roads of France and Navarre, and reminds us why we love this sport so much. Thanks to him, every race becomes a story, every Sunday an unforgettable moment. His dedication and passion are a source of inspiration for all of us, and his impact on cycling in France is undeniable. Thank you, Guénaël, for all these magical moments you make us experience.

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