Eiffel Tower world record cycling Aurelien Fontenoy mountain biking feat.
Watch as social media star Aurelien Fontenoy shatters the record by cycling up the iconic Eiffel Tower in just 12 minutes and 30 seconds. Discover his incredible journey, including climbs up Trinity Tower and Tallinn’s TV Tower as part of his ‘The Climb’ project. This French professional mountain biker conquered 686 steps without touching the ground, beating the previous record by almost seven minutes. Get inspired by this thrilling athletic achievement and the symbol of the Eiffel Tower.
Picture this. A daring cyclist conquering the iconic Eiffel Tower, not on foot, but by pedaling furiously up its towering steps on an allterrain bike, smashing a world record in the process. It’s the kind of feat that leaves you breathless and wondering how is that even possible? French mountain biking pro Aurelian Fontinoi has just pulled off exactly that, turning heads and sparking debates about adventure, respect for history, and the thrill of pushing human limits. But here’s where it gets controversial. Is transforming a beloved monument into an extreme sports playground a brilliant tribute or a risky disrespect? Let’s dive into the details and explore what makes this achievement so remarkable. On a crisp Thursday in Paris, Fontenoi tackled the monumental challenge of ascending the Eiffel Tower’s 686 steps to its second floor platform, the highest level reachable by stairs, all while keeping his feet off the ground. He completed the climb in a blistering 12 minutes and 30 seconds. According to the tower’s operator, the Soiote Dex Exploitation Deator Ael. This shaved nearly 7 minutes off the previous record, proving that with the right bike and unyielding determination, even the most daunting structures can be conquered in record time. For beginners in extreme sports, think of it like this. The Eiffel Tower, standing at 324 meters tall and built in 1889 as a temporary exhibit for the World’s Fair, isn’t just a pretty landmark. Its steep, narrow staircases are designed for leisurely walks, not high-speed biking. Fontinoi’s all-terrain bike with its rugged tires and sturdy frame allowed him to navigate those 686 steps without a single foot touching down, turning what could be a tourist stroll into an adrenalinefueled race against the clock. After crossing the finish line, Fontinoi shared his surprise at the swift timing, saying, “I didn’t anticipate it would take so little time.” He went on to express his deep admiration for the tower, calling it truly a symbol in the monument I was eager to conquer. This isn’t just a one-off stunt. It’s part of his ambitious The Climb Initiative, where he pushes boundaries by biking to the summits of towering structures. In 2021, he scaled the 140 m Trinity Tower in Paris’s La Defense District. And earlier this year, he conquered Estonia’s Talon TV tower. These feats highlight how Fontinoi blends athletic prowess with a passion for vertical challenges, inspiring others to view urban landscapes as playgrounds for innovation. And this is the part most people miss. While the record is impressive, it raises eyebrows about the ethics of such exploits. Is it okay to treat historic sites like the Eiffel Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage symbol of French engineering and culture, as personal adventure courses? Some might argue it’s a fun way to draw attention to these landmarks, boosting tourism and awareness. Others could see it as potentially damaging with bikes wearing down steps or distracting from the monument’s dignity. What if this sets a precedent for more extreme activities on protected sites? It’s a balancing act between celebration and conservation that deserves a closer look. So, what are your thoughts? Do you cheer on Fontinoi’s bold spirit or do you worry about the impact on our shared heritage? Is this the future of adventure sports or should we draw the line at iconic structures? Drop your opinions in the comments below. I’d love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a fresh take on this thrilling controversy.