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HomeHealth & FitnessFrench cyclist climbs Eiffel Tower on a bike in 12 minutes: The training behind the record

French cyclist climbs Eiffel Tower on a bike in 12 minutes: The training behind the record

TikTok star Aurelien Fontenoy set a world record by cycling up the Eiffel Tower. His workout routine reveals how strength, stamina, and focus build endurance.

October 07, 2025 / 15:41 IST
French cyclist Aurelien Fontenoy climbed 686 Eiffel Tower steps on a bike in 12 minutes. His intense training shows how fitness meets mental strength. (Image: aurelien_fontenoy/ instagram)

French cyclist and TikTok star Aurelien Fontenoy has set a new record. He climbed the Eiffel Tower's 686 steps on a bike without touching the ground. He finished in 12 minutes and 30 seconds breaking a 20-year-old record. This feat has drawn worldwide attention, both for its boldness and the fitness it shows.

“When I arrived at the finish line, I was destroyed because it’s 12 minutes, but 100% effort during 12 minutes. I was super happy,” Fontenoy shared.

The Training Behind the Record

Fontenoy’s record wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment stunt. To achieve this, Fontenoy trained hard for months to build the power, endurance, and steadiness needed for this tough challenge. His workout plan included:

  • Gym sessions to strengthen legs, core, and upper body to keep control on steep stairs
  • Skipping rope to boost heart health and nimbleness
  • Short intense workouts to maintain peak effort for 12 minutes straight

This mix of workouts gets his muscles and heart ready for intense bursts of energy — the type needed for a stunt like biking up the Eiffel Tower.

Also Read: Milind Soman covers 600 km from Mumbai to Goa by cycling and running

What This Shows About Getting Fit

Most of us won't try to cycle up the Eiffel Tower, but Fontenoy's prep teaches us key things about everyday health and fitness:

  • Lifting weights builds stamina and balance – strong muscles help you do better and avoid getting hurt
  • Cardio and agility work make your heart healthier and improve coordination – simple things like jumping rope work well
  • Mental focus and pacing have a big impact - the ability to concentrate and manage effort holds as much importance as physical strength.

Even small tweaks inspired by his routine, like adding a few minutes of jump rope short HIIT workouts, or exercises to strengthen the core, can improve overall fitness and endurance.

What’s Next for Fontenoy

Since retiring from competitive mountain biking five years ago, Fontenoy has shifted to content creation, using social media to promote cycling and extreme fitness challenges. He now plans to attempt climbing the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, in a similar cycling stunt — proving that his combination of skill, training, and determination shows no limits.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt's fitness instructor shares 4 habits for a stress-free life

FAQs on Aurelien Fontenoy's Workout Regime

1. What type of gym exercises does Aurelien Fontenoy perform?
Fontenoy focuses on exercises that strengthen the legs, core, and upper body to maintain control on steep stairs.

2. How does skipping rope benefit his training?
Skipping rope boosts heart health and nimbleness, which are essential for endurance and coordination during intense activities.

3. What is the purpose of short intense workouts in his regime?
Short intense workouts help Fontenoy maintain peak effort for the duration of his stunts, such as the 12-minute climb up the Eiffel Tower.

4. How can Fontenoy's training methods be applied to everyday fitness?
Incorporating elements like weight lifting, cardio, and agility exercises, along with mental focus and pacing, can improve overall fitness and endurance.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.

Manjiri Patil
first published: Oct 7, 2025 03:41 pm

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