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Behind every sports enthusiast lies a story, a journey made of challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Nicolas Vauchelles perfectly embodies this dynamic. A PE teacher, coach, MTB event organizer, and now an author, he constantly shares his love of sport and his experience. On the occasion of the release of his book Prof d’EPS, c’est un métier (PE Teacher, It’s a Profession), we met him to learn more about his background, his vision of sport, and his commitment.
By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: All rights reserved
The beginnings of a passion: MTB as an obvious choice
Nicolas discovered mountain biking at the age of 11. “I got a mountain bike for my 11th birthday in 1993, and my father was cycling with the Marines club. Quickly, I felt the need to leave the road to explore trails in the undergrowth.” The freedom and pleasure of mountain biking became an obvious choice for him. After a few local competitions, he entered the Val d’Oise Trophy in 1996. A decisive turning point that sealed his attachment to this sport.
Between teaching and coaching: a natural balance
A PE teacher during the day, a coach and organizer in the evenings and on weekends, Nicolas skillfully juggles his different roles. “With experience, you learn to optimize your time. Coaching involves exchanging with athletes. And organizing races requires months of upfront management.” A busy schedule, certainly, but driven by an unwavering passion.
A coaching philosophy focused on trust
For Nicolas, coaching is based on a relationship of mutual trust. “I need to know everything about the athlete to offer them optimal training. They must trust me and follow my advice to the letter.” Communication plays an essential role. Frequent exchanges, feedback, and adapting to athletes’ sensations are his watchwords. His philosophy?
Transparency and total commitment, transmitting fundamental values
Whether in the classroom or on a bike, Nicolas makes it a point of honor to transmit essential values: self-transcendence, perseverance, and commitment. “In PE, I encourage my students to step out of their comfort zone. In mountain biking, this involves intense efforts. No pain, no gain!”
Event organizer: a commitment to the community
Faced with the decline of local competitions during the Covid period, Nicolas decided to act. He organized his own races to maintain strong local momentum. Since 2021, he has set up several events, always with the same motivation: to discover new playgrounds and unite enthusiasts.
Writing: a desire to share
His book Prof d’EPS, c’est un métier was born from an observation: PE is much more than just a school subject. “It’s the only subject where students move, feel emotions. I wanted to share daily anecdotes, reflections on education and sport.” His goal? To make people smile, but also to raise awareness.
A strong message about education and sport
Through his book, Nicolas wants to highlight the importance of sport as a vehicle for educational values. “Too many children don’t have access to sport, even though it brings them autonomy, respect, and self-knowledge. Sport is life!”
A life punctuated by mountain biking
A true common thread in his daily life, mountain biking is omnipresent. “Whether for my training, my work with students, or my club activities, cycling is everywhere!” He juggles competitions, coaching, organization, and training, always finding a new goal to achieve.
Defining moments and challenges met
Among his most memorable memories, he cites his integration into the Bianchi MTB Team in 1998 and his Ufolep national title in 2008. But his biggest challenges are recent: successfully passing the PE aggregation exam in 2019 and diversifying into coaching and training.
The evolution of mountain biking: between diversification and professionalization
According to Nicolas, mountain biking is constantly evolving, with a diversification of practices (gravel, enduro, XC, etc.) and increased demands at the professional level. “The courses are increasingly technical, the equipment ultra-high-performance, but we must be careful not to make the sport too exclusive.”
A personalized approach to coaching
No magic recipe, but an approach adapted to each athlete. “I take into account their environment, their constraints, their objectives. Training must be tailor-made, integrating all variables.” His goal? To enable everyone to reach their full potential.
Transmission and team spirit
Whether with his students or the young mountain bikers at the club, Nicolas relies on conviviality and collective emulation. “Team spirit also means knowing how to encourage others, share advice, and progress together.”
An inspiring teacher and coach
Through his experience, Nicolas illustrates how much sport is a school of life. “Mountain biking, like any sport, teaches respect, perseverance, and emotional management.” His advice? “Always strive to go further, give yourself the means to succeed, and never set limits.”
A subtle balance between passion and personal life
Despite a busy schedule, Nicolas manages to maintain balance. “I reduced my teaching hours to dedicate more time to coaching. And I organize my days according to my priorities.”
PE: an educational mission
According to him, PE does not only train athletes, but citizens. “We are not looking for future champions, but to awaken passions, develop social skills, and encourage autonomy.”
And tomorrow?
For the future, Nicolas wants to sustain his coaching activity, continue to organize his races, and perhaps… write a second book! “If the first one works, I already have ideas to go further.”
Nicolas Vauchelles is an enthusiast who constantly explores new horizons, always with the desire to transmit and inspire. His journey proves that passion and commitment can lead far, provided one gives oneself the means.
His book Prof de sport, c’est un métier is available on Amazon at the price of €10.50. An essential read for all lovers of sport and education!
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