From the pool to cycling’s iconic mountain: David Smetanine’s Alpe d’Huez challenge
Nine-time Paralympic medallist David Smetanine took on the iconic Alpe d'Huez in his wheelchair, cheered on by thousands of Tour de France fans 04 Aug 2026
French six-time Paralympian David Smetanine spent seven hours climbing the iconic Alpe d'Huez in his wheelchair, cheered on by thousands of spectators as he took on one of cycling's most famous climbs.
Before the riders tackled the mountain during Stage 19 of the Tour de France on 24 July, the former Para swimmer and nine-time Paralympic medallist set out to fulfil a dream he had held for years. Two years after bringing his career to a close at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the 50-year-old embraced the challenge.
“I had been dreaming about climbing Alpe d’Huez because it’s a famous site of the Tour de France. There are always great champions who climb very fast, like Tadej Pogacar who climbed in 35 minutes this time. It’s a new record,” Smetanine said.
“I’m originally from the Alps. I always wanted to climb it with a bike, but because of my disability, since more than 25 years, I thought I have one opportunity to create a surprise, something inspiring and a challenge for me.”
An Everest level challenge
The 16-kilometre ascent from Bourg-d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez features 21 hairpin bends and is regarded as one of cycling's greatest spectacles.
On the morning of the challenge, Smetanine looked up at the mountain and realised the scale of what lay ahead.
“I said, ‘Well, I need to be there this afternoon.’ It looked so high,” he said. “It was like climbing Mt. Everest.”
As spectators gathered along the roadside on a hot summer day, Smetanine had the famous route largely to himself.
“I never thought it would be possible,” he recalled. “I had the impression that I was winning the Tour de France. I was alone on the roads and was number one.
“I’m glad but it was very hard. But when you have so many people around and people that I know and recognise me, they were encouraging every minute, every metre, all the way until the end.
Behind the Alpe d'Huez challenge
While climbing Alpe d'Huez had long been a dream, Smetanine only learned a week before the event that he would have the opportunity to take part. He was on holiday in southern France but immediately changed his plans to prepare.
“I decided to come back because this opportunity is unique. (Climbing the course) without cars, without trucks, without anything except cyclists and people who are fans of the Tour de France should be good for my visibility, for my emotion, and it was something I could share with people."
One of his closest friends joined him on the mountain, ensuring he had water and energy bars throughout the climb.
Although Smetanine was unable to complete the entire course before the cyclists reached him, he was surprised by the reactions from people in France and beyond, including fellow Paralympians.
“That's the strength and the power of social media,” he said. “I’m known as a Para swimmer, but I also have the ability and the mentality to do other things, sometimes quite silly, quite dangerous, but it works and I’m very happy.”
Celebrating a legendary career
The support from the crowd Smetanine received on Alpe d'Huez reminded him of another unforgettable experience on home soil: the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Competing in front of French fans at a Paralympics had been something he had dreamed of for many years. To get the opportunity, he said, “I never trained that hard to qualify” for a Games.
Smetanine says Paris 2024 proved a fitting conclusion to his decades-long Paralympic career, which goes back to Athens 2004.
Starting with the stunning Opening Ceremony at the Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris and continuing through two weeks of competition at some of France's most beautiful venues, the Games were filled with historic and iconic moments.
One of Smetanine's most personal moments came before he entered the pool for the final race of his Paralympic career. On 6 September 2024, spectators at Paris La Defense Arena were told on the speakers that the event would be his last after six Paralympic Games.
“I got a beautiful standing ovation and the crowd at the end was just perfect. It’s what you keep in your heart and your mind all your life,” he said. “I have no regrets about leaving this and ending my career here.”
Legacy of Paris 2024
Two years after retirement, Smetanine has launched his own company, delivers speeches and helps organise sporting events.
While his life has changed significantly, he believes Paris 2024 also helped change perceptions of disability throughout the country.
“I think the Game is bringing a new vision of disability and possibilities for people with disabilities,” he said. “There are many places that are more accessible and more welcoming for people in wheelchairs or for people who are blind. But it’s mostly about the perception of people, the way you judge (others) and the interaction you will have now that we never had before.”
He notice the impact whenever he travels to Paris.
“You cannot imagine how many people still come to me and say, ‘were you in Paris in 2024 for the Games?’ This was not possible 10 years ago.”
Another home Games
In four years, France will once again host the Paralympic Games, this time even closer to Smetanine's home. The Alpes 2030 Paralympic Winter Games welcome the world's best winter Para athletes.
Smetanine describes Paralympians as a “big family” and hopes that family continues to grow in the years ahead.
“I’ve met beautiful athletes who I’m still in touch with. There’s a life after competing and after sports, but once you’re a Paralympian, you will always be a Paralympian,” he said.
“We have some special things, and maybe some specific things, in common. Is it because of our disability, because what we've been through? Is it because of the mentality we have? Our wish is to (make the Paralympic Movement) stronger, our wish is to promotes Para sports not only for competition, but for health, for new generation, for people who get disability.”
