Niels Brouzes, a man straight in his turns

This week, we followed Niels Brouzes’ wheel, a former professional cyclist turned committed entrepreneur. From his first steps on the tennis courts to the creation of Lunifeel, Niels embodies a unique trajectory, marked by resilience, passion, and a constant quest for meaning. His journey is an ode to personal transformation and collective commitment. In this portrait, discover how Niels Brouzes managed to transform every challenge into an opportunity, every defeat into a lesson, and how he continues today to pedal towards new horizons, always guided by the same passion and the same desire to share.

By Jeff Tatard – Photos: All rights reserved

First Steps: From Tennis to Cycling

Niels’ first striking memory in sports dates back to a tennis match at the age of 9. Playing against a girl, he suffered a crushing defeat: “9-0 for her. A dry defeat… I was completely stunned, I didn’t know where I was, the trauma of defeat.” This experience, though painful, forged his character and his appetite for competition.

Guided by his parents and driven by a will to win, he quickly reached a high level in tennis, notably participating in the French Championship at Roland Garros and the Mondial des Petits As at 14 years old. However, an elbow injury at 16-17 years old, combined with academic and family difficulties, pushed him to change paths. It was by witnessing his friend Julien Guiborel’s victory that he found a new passion: cycling.

The Rise in Cycling

The transition to cycling was motivated by the desire to feel the emotions of the riders at the finish line: “I wanted to feel the emotions I saw on the riders’ faces at the finish, to be like the champions, and then there were the podium girls, the podium, the kisses, the flower to offer in return… That somewhat magical protocol, it was great.” Strong from his endurance acquired in tennis, he trained hard and progressed quickly, never doubting his abilities.

Among his memorable moments, he recalls the European U23 time trial championship, where intense heat forced him to finish coasting: “Engine overheating, I finished coasting… and probably dead last. A real slap in the face.” Conversely, his victories at the Chrono des Nations, the French U23 Championship, and the Tour du Finistère remain unforgettable memories.

His French U23 Champion title, though significant, is relativized: “I had a real emotional moment, I remember raising my arms and saying to myself: ‘Damn, I did it, it’s great, I’ll have a jersey at home…‘ But I would be lying if I said it had a particular meaning.” Coming from a family of champions, this title represents more of a step than a finality.

A Built Career

Niels’ professional career is marked by ups and downs, but he describes it as « built » or « accomplished ». A striking anecdote illustrates his determination: during a snowy stage of the Tour de Normandie, exhausted, he abandoned before his sports director, Stéphane Javalet, encouraged him to get back on the bike: “Put this on, get back on the bike. I’ll bring you back, that’s all.” This gesture pushed him to finish the stage and to get on the podium a few days later.

The Transition to Entrepreneurship

At the end of his cycling career, Niels felt neither brutality nor liberation, but a serene acceptance: “I was sad, of course, but it was a decision I had made, so I accepted it.” He then embarked on various projects, including Sorius, a training platform based on artificial intelligence. However, the frantic pace of the startup world pushed him to refocus his priorities.

This is how he created Lunifeel, a company that reflects his vision of sport: “human, committed, collective“. Lunifeel aims to unite cyclists around strong values, offering them services and benefits designed for them. For him, this project is an extension of his personality and his philosophy of sport.

Authentic Communication

On social media, Niels adopts a direct and unfiltered tone: “Because it’s me, simply. And especially because I’m not trying to please everyone.” His posts are instinctive, driven by the impulse of the moment. He believes that every opinion is valid and that exchanges enrich collective reflection.

He doesn’t seek to impose his vision, but to share his experience: “I don’t ask for trust; if my logic resonates, all the better.” For him, life experience is the greatest diploma.

Performance Reimagined

Today, Niels approaches performance from a different angle. He emphasizes the energies and biorhythms specific to each individual, advocating an athlete-centered approach. While he acknowledges technological advancements, he insists on the need to explain and adapt them to each person.

He recently resumed a training routine, motivated by his physical and mental health: “Cycling is my freedom; it frees my mind. I feel so good after a ride, the endorphins give me incredible well-being. So, I ride!”

An Inspiring Relationship

With his partner Lucie, Niels shares a relationship deeply rooted in sport. They train together, influence each other, and share an enriching couple dynamic. He admires her awareness, relevance, and ability to understand deeply.

Although both are competitive, their relationship is based on mutual aid: “Between us, mutual aid always comes first.” Sport has taught them to move forward together, to exchange visions, and to draw a form of wisdom from their daily lives.

A Vision Focused on the Future

As for the future, Niels prefers to focus on the present: “I wake up every morning with the desire to live, to learn, to move forward.” He quotes Seneca: “Hurry to live well and remember that each day is a life in itself.” He plans to remain connected to the world of cycling, a sport he considers a school of life.

What makes him most proud today is seeing the athletes he coaches achieve their goals: “Their smiles, their emotions, that shared joy… it’s a real moment.” For him, persevering, working with rigor and sincerity always leads to a form of personal satisfaction.

To conclude this portrait of Niels Brouzes, a prominent figure in professional cycling who became a committed entrepreneur, it is essential to highlight how he embodies a philosophy of life where sport is a vector for personal and collective evolution. His journey, rich in experiences and lessons, is a source of inspiration for all those who seek to give deep meaning to their passion.