Hello Yael! To start, can you introduce yourself?
Hi! I'm Yael Fourcy (or Yaeli on social media), I'm 27, I grew up in the Vercors near Grenoble, and I'm a sales representative and marketing coordinator for the Swiss ski brand Simply!
How did you discover sports, and how did you get into mountain biking and skiing?
Initially, I've been downhill mountain biking since I was fifteen. After six years on national and then European DH circuits, I transitioned to enduro, quite smoothly, competing in World Cups to challenge myself. Now I try to have a versatile approach, balancing competitions, adventures, and more creative projects. As long as I can be on a bike, I'm happy!
Besides that, I've also been skiing a lot since I was very young, with a strong inclination for freeride. For the upcoming winter season, I've decided to push myself a bit more, so some great things are coming soon!
©Hugo Wirth
What motivates you outside of sports?
I'm very attached to music; it sets the rhythm and motivates me in everything I undertake, allowing me to imagine my future content and projects, giving them an atmosphere, a style. I also write a lot; I love telling stories, and consequently, writing about my adventures or those of others, for media for example, is part of what drives me. Blending my passions, whether they are athletic or more literary, is truly something super rewarding and satisfying.
What is your greatest achievement or your best sports memory?
I think making a bike film – BELONG. – where I opened up almost completely about my practice, my emotions, my feelings, is to this day my greatest sporting achievement. From conception to hours of filming, to seeing myself on a cinema screen during the High Five festival, it was an incredibly enriching adventure both humanly and athletically. Not to mention the pride when some people confided in me that they recognized themselves or were inspired by my own words. It is undoubtedly an unforgettable project that has definitely marked the rest of my journey.
And in terms of encounters, is there one that sport particularly brought you?
There have been many, but I'd say it's my group of cycling friends, a "small" group of ten to fifteen enthusiasts.
We've been riding together for seven years now, truly sharing everything, working on many projects, even though it all started with sport and our shared practice.
It's unconditional support; I learn from them every day, and I think it's the most precious thing I have in my life as an athlete and now as an individual.
When was your best day on a bike?
On my twenty-fourth birthday, I was at the start line of the Crankworx Innsbruck DH event, alongside athletes I greatly admired (and still do). I had a lot of apprehension; there were demanding technical sections, and it was a time when I was beginning to question competition a lot, wondering if it was really for me after all.
However, from the very first pedal stroke, I felt so good on my bike. I hit all my lines exactly as I wanted. I think it was the best run of my life, even if I didn't win. I had never been so satisfied and happy with myself when reaching a finish area. I progressed and learned a tremendous amount that day regarding my confidence in my abilities.
Why did you agree to join the COOKNRUN team?
I had the opportunity to participate in a photoshoot with the COOKNRUN team, and I was amazed by the quality of the products, the atmosphere, the history, and the brand's ambitions, which really resonate with me... So, it was quite natural for me to choose to join the team, to contribute in my own way to the evolution of COOKNRUN and to have this superb support for each of my adventures.
What do you particularly like about COOKNRUN?
The fact that it's a French company, completely transparent about its manufacturing processes, but also the passion of the people behind the brand, who aim for incomparable quality. Not to mention the very strong community aspect and inclusivity.
Do you already have a favorite product in the range?
I'd say there are two: the choco-coco recovery bars, the taste, the texture, everything is really good, and most importantly, they've saved me more than once at the end of a big outing! And the tomato spread, for pleasure and because I could eat it every day without a problem!
How would you describe your partnership with COOKNRUN?
It's a healthy relationship that allows for authentic and true collaboration. I feel listened to and supported, and I think that's essential in a partnership between an individual and a brand.
What are your upcoming projects or goals?
A second film! That's my biggest project for next year, this time co-written and directed with my brother Nathan, who is himself an ultra-trail athlete. I'm delighted to be able to combine family and sporting passion, and I'm eager to present this new short film.
What can we wish you for the future?
To keep creating and making my way through my practice!
Any final words to conclude?
Go with the flow, that pretty much sums up this mindset of moving forward as you wish without worrying about others, doing things for yourself and at your own pace (always with a bag of COOKNRUN dried fruit in your pocket, of course).