Landing a great job doing something you love is one thing, but landing that job in your dream location is surely the ultimate goal, and it’s one that Michel Lethenet has scored. He first found himself living near the stunning Lake Annecy whilst he was doing his International Trade & Marketing degree, but then various jobs in the bike trade, including working as the tech editor for a French MTB mag, took him off around the rest of France. He always dreamed though of one day being able to return to Lake Annecy, so when the offer of a job at Mavic (who are based in Annecy) turned up he didn’t even have to think twice. So, not only does Michel get to live and work in this perfect location, he also does what must be one of the easiest PR jobs in the industry. I mean, how difficult can it be to promote Mavic products? Perhaps all this is why he always seems to be one of the happiest people we get to meet. Anyway, here’s the endtroducing of someone who seems to have things pretty sewn up…

Who is Michel Lethenet?
Someone who’s been a mountainbike freak for the past 20 years.
Where do you live?
Annecy, France.
What’s your job title?
PR Manager for Mavic.
What do you do?
I take care of European press relations, and I provide content for the Mavic website.
What’s the best part of your job?
Sharing the same passion for the sport with others.
How long have you worked for Mavic?
Just over eight years now.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Dividing 13 tons of paint into 25kg tins every day…it was a summer job and good only in the way that it made me realise what I didn’t want to do for the rest of my life!
Where’s your favourite place?
In a cabin in the mountains, ready to go riding.
Where’s your favourite place to ride?
The Portes du Soleil and Whistler.
When are you happiest?
When I’m on my bike.
What makes you angry?
Stupid people who don’t respect other human beings.
What makes you happy?
When my kids jump into my arms and a long hug from my wife.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Enjoy every moment of life as if it were your last.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given?
Treat yourself well, and do it first!
What are your extravagances?
Going a bit wild at parties.
Who do you admire?
People who are facing a hard time and yet override life’s difficulties.
What’s the most important thing in your life?
Family and friendship.
What would you never throw away?
My old bikes.
What’s your greatest fear?
Becoming paralysed.
What was your luckiest escape?
I think it’d have to be when I was in the army. I somehow managed to end up being in the elite ski troop which involved spending all day in the mountains rather than being stuck in an office.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
Pee.
What’s the last thing you do at night?
Make love.
What would be your dream meal?
Anything Italian.
What things do you always carry with you?
My research for joy and happiness.
Do you have any regrets?
Yeah, but I wish they were easier to get rid of because they’re a useless thing to have. If you could have dinner with three famous people (dead or alive) who would they be? The Dalai Lama, Albert Einstein, and my grandfather.
Who is your favourite rider?
I don’t have one really.
What’s your favourite bike product of all time?
Suspension forks.
What’s your least favourite bike product of all time?
Gel saddle covers.
What’s your favourite motto or saying?
Enjoy life as much as you can.
What saying do you use too much?
I would love to…instead of actually doing it.
What bike are you riding at the moment?
A Cannondale Prophet and Giant Reign.
What was the last magazine you read?
Auto Magazine.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Compay Secundo, Grand National, Live, and Noir Desir.
What one thing would you change about yourself?
My selfish approach.
What are your weaknesses?
Naivety.
What does the future hold for you?
Good times.
What does the future hold for mountain biking?
Responsibility for nature.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who was reliable, friendly and respectful.

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