Henri-François — or simply “Henri” — is the first cyclist in his family, but sport has always been in his blood. Growing up, he tried everything: horse racing, swimming, rugby, judo, athletics. But at ten years old he climbed onto a bike, and something clicked. His younger brother soon followed, and cycling became their shared passion. “We discovered it together,” he says. “And after that, it was finished — cycling was the one.”
Ask Henri what he loves about the sport and he doesn’t hesitate. “The speed,” he says. “You go faster than normal life. And you can see so many places — mountains, oceans, the countryside. You ride everywhere.”
A bit of a traditionalist and old-romantic, Henri is someone who likes to go by feel when out on a ride. “I used to never look a lot at my bike computer,” he admits. “When I felt good, I pushed and if I didn’t, then I didn’t push.”
Before turning full focus to the bike, Henri studied to become a chef — a part of his life he still cherishes. Cooking remains one of his favourite hobbies, alongside time spent with friends and learning new things. Curious, sociable, always joking, he brings what he calls “a good atmosphere” to any room. “I like to joke with everyone — friends, family, teammates. I’m a social guy. I love speaking about cycling, but also about everything else.”
His sporting heroes range from Usain Bolt to French rugby legend Sébastien Chabal, and his favourite races reflect his dreamer’s mindset: “Roubaix,” he says instantly. He raced U23 Paris–Roubaix, but the real one — the iconic velodrome finish — remains high on his list of ambitions. “One day, I would love to win Roubaix,” he says simply. “And stages at the Tour de France. It’s the dream of every French rider.”
A rouleur-puncher with a fast finish, Henri sees his strengths on the flat and in short, explosive climbs. Not a pure climber, but a fighter — powerful, committed, eager to learn.
Joining Team Picnic PostNL feels, to him, like the biggest opportunity of his life. “I’m very excited,” he says. “It’s a real chance for me to give my best and to see how far I can go. It’s a beautiful opportunity and I want to give everything for the team.”
Energetic, open, and full of heart, Henri steps into the team ready to learn, work, and chase the dreams that first began when he was a kid discovering speed on two wheels.