Cyclist and social media influencer Aurelien Fontenoy has made headlines by becoming the fastest athlete to ascend to the second floor of France’s renowned Eiffel Tower on an all-terrain bike. The Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel confirmed that Fontenoy achieved this remarkable feat on Thursday, climbing 686 steps to reach the second-floor platform in an astonishing time of 12 minutes and 30 seconds—beating the previous record by nearly seven minutes.
In his record-setting attempt, Fontenoy faced the strict requirement of keeping his feet off the ground throughout the climb. After completing the exhilarating challenge, he expressed his surprise at the time taken, noting that the Eiffel Tower represented a monumental aspiration for him. “It is really a symbol; it is really the monument that I wanted to climb,” Fontenoy said.
This record-breaking ascent is part of his adventurous initiative known as “The Climb.” In previous years, Fontenoy showcased his adventurous spirit by successfully cycling to the top of the 140-meter Trinity Tower in Paris in 2021, followed by climbing the Tallinn TV Tower in Estonia earlier this year.
Fontenoy’s latest achievement resonates with the broader community of athletes who continually push their limits, mirroring recent milestones in mountaineering. For instance, British climber Kenton Cool recently celebrated his 19th ascent of Mount Everest, showcasing the relentless human pursuit of excellence. Similarly, the achievements of women in extreme sports, such as Yolanda Xue Chen’s successful summit of K2, highlight the spirit of determination and resilience in challenging adventures.
As athletes like Fontenoy break records and inspire others, they shine as poignant examples of drive and ambition, motivating future generations to pursue their dreams despite any challenges they may face. This spirit of exploration and achievement underscores the transformative power of sport in the quest for personal and communal milestones.