Thirty patients undergoing cancer treatment or living in remission are taking part in the “Faut pas crever” cycling initiative, riding 715 kilometers across six departments from Menton to Perpignan to demonstrate the role of physical activity in recovery, according to local reports.
The 715-Kilometer Route Along the Mediterranean Coast
The solidarity cycling raid spans 12 stages along the Mediterranean coast, running from September 19 to October 3, 2026. Organized by the support care center La Tête et les Jambes—founded by the Institute of Communication and Information on Cancer (ICIC)—the peloton includes patients, their caregivers, volunteers, and medical staff.
Participants began training in March, utilizing bicycles loaned by Blue Bear Argelès, with several riders having last ridden a bicycle during childhood. The complete verified itinerary includes the following stages:
- Stage 1 (Sept. 19): Menton to Golfe-Juan — 62.7 km
- Stage 2 (Sept. 20): Golfe-Juan to Fréjus — 67.3 km
- Stage 3 (Sept. 21): Fréjus to Le Lavandou — 64.3 km
- Stage 4 (Sept. 23): Le Lavandou to Sanary-sur-Mer — 60.3 km
- Stage 5 (Sept. 24): Sanary-sur-Mer to Marseille — 63.2 km
- Stage 6 (Sept. 25): Port-de-Bouc to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer — 65.6 km
- Stage 7 (Sept. 27): Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to Palavas-les-Flots — 58.4 km
- Stage 8 (Sept. 28): Palavas-les-Flots to Agde — 63.3 km
- Stage 9 (Sept. 29): Agde to Gruissan — 55 km
- Stage 10 (Oct. 1): Gruissan to Le Barcarès — 50.9 km
- Stage 11 (Oct. 2): Le Barcarès to Port Argelès — 49.2 km
- Stage 12 (Oct. 3): Port Argelès to Perpignan Station — 53.4 km
Refusing to Let Illness Define the Journey
“De Menton à Perpignan, nous ne faisons pas que parcourir des kilomètres,” Dr. Stephen Ellis, an oncologist and president of the ICIC, stated. “Nous racontons une traversée : celle de femmes et d’hommes confrontés à la maladie, mais qui refusent de se laisser définir par elle.”
Dr. Ellis noted that the project name, “Faut pas crever,” is intentionally provocative. “Derrière ces mots, il y a surtout une formidable envie de vivre : retrouver confiance, reprendre possession de son corps, conserver des projets et continuer à avancer,” he stated, adding that medical evidence supports physical activity as a factor in improving patient survival rates and a necessary component of care protocols.
Patient Perspectives on Reconstruction and Community
For participants like 56-year-old Katia, who is in remission from lung cancer diagnosed in 2022, the group provides an essential space for connection away from the immediate disruptions of medical treatment. “Le cancer bouleverse. Certaines choses sont difficiles à partager avec les proches,” Katia noted, explaining that she discovered the association in a waiting room and found reassurance in seeing others successfully navigate recovery.
“Le sport fait partie du traitement, il m’a vraiment aidé pendant la maladie !” Katia said, explaining that the collective objective helps participants regain physical confidence and a sense of shared momentum despite being at different stages of illness.
Next Steps on the Road to Perpignan
The peloton continues its journey down the French Mediterranean coast, with daily stages culminating on October 3 at the Perpignan railway station. Organizers have opened registration for patients and supporters wishing to join individual stages or assist behind the scenes via public sign-up sheets managed through the official event coordination portal.
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