Sport.Advisor, efforts will make sens

Can you tell us about your past as a sportsman?

"I have practiced ski mountaineering for many years, especially in the youth categories where I was lucky enough to be in the national team and to win many competitions (vice-world champion and pierra Menta winner in 2010).
But, little by little, my summer preparation led me to competition in road cycling. At the age of 18, I joined a first-tier team for which I was able to run several seasons (1st Category, 1st National Division). I then started prestigious races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège U23, Paris-Tours U23, the Giro du Val d'Aosta, some professional stage races ... Well without wanting to disappoint you I did not win any of these! On the other hand, they are unforgettable memories that have brought me an absolutely irreplaceable field experience.

Your university career?

When I was a sportsman, education was clearly not my priority. But from the moment I stopped competing, my luggage was made for Paris where I validated a Master's degree at INSEP (Sciences Expertises and High-Level Performance). A university exchange then led me to the benches of the fabulous University of Lausanne, where I specialized in the physiology of exercise and altitude. I then validated a second master's degree in Cardiovascular Biology at the Faculty of Biology Medicine of Lyon 1. At this point, my parents saw the end of the tunnel... I've finally entered the world of work.

What jobs did you work in after graduation?

I first coached and advised the French Young Ski Mountaineering team with Mathéo Jacquemoud. Then I was hired as an exercise physiologist for two years in Geneva for the Sport Altitude Medical Center. I was testing for stress and taking care of the physical preparation of mountaineers and endurance athletes mainly.

What are you doing now?

Now I live in London. I work half of my time in a research laboratory at UCL (University College of London). A neuromuscular disease of genetic origin is being worked on, the "Scapulo-Humeral facio dystrophy" or "FSHD" in English. At the moment I am still learning to spell the name correctly. I am also involved in some sports science research projects. The other half of the time I work with Sport Advisor athletes. Whatever the goal, I love to make the connection between theoretical knowledge and the field. There are few things as stimulating as accompanying an athlete in the realization of his project.

Can you introduce us to your university education?

After graduating as a doctor, I quickly turned to sports medicine. I practice this specialty that I have been passionate about for 15 years, in the firm in Geneva and in the field, mainly for outdoor sports. Passionate about mountain, I also obtained my Swiss diploma in mountain medicine and then an international master's degree in mountain medicine. Following this last training, I opened the Centre for Sports and Mountain Medicine in Geneva. I am also a medical trainer at IFREMMONT (Institute for Training and Research in Mountain Medicine), which leads me to teach guides and other mountain professionals around the world.

In 2018 you opened the Altitude Sport Centre, can you introduce us to the centre?

SportAltitude is a simulated altitude training center that was created by Dr. Emmanuel Cauchy and myself. We wanted to provide athletes of all levels with a training method that until then was reserved for elite athletes. The Centre has two equipped rooms and a laboratory for performing performance tests and on an altitude simulator.

Recently you take care of the telemedicine branch of Sport Advisor, how is the remote consultation organized?

I have been using telemedicine for several years. In 2014, the telemedicine company Altidoc was created to offer the opportunity to speak remotely with an expert in sports and mountain medicine. Sport Advisor's consultation is by appointment by phone or video conference. When making an appointment, a questionnaire is sent to obtain elements of the medical history that are then discussed during the consultation. The duration of a consultation is 20 to 30 minutes and, if necessary, further examinations (radiography, ultrasound, etc.) are requested. These examinations are carried out in the patient's country of residence, usually via the family doctor.

Want to learn more about hypoxia workouts?

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Would you like to make a medical appointment with Sandra?

Visit the Cmcressy.ch website

Can you introduce us to your sporting past?

I have been doing regular sports activities since the age of 10. I started with wrestling and then turned to rowing, which I practiced for about ten years at the national level. I was also able to train elite junior and senior rowers who won medals at the Swiss championships for 3 years.
Besides that, I am a fan of all outdoor activities, from cycling, mountain biking to trail, running and mountaineering.
I have always placed a special emphasis on physical preparation in order to be at the top of my game in the various challenges of my life, whether it is an endurance race, a summit, a personal challenge... In short, I love being outside, going on an adventure and I'm the first to say "YES!" to the crazy projects of my friends if it's not me who embarks them in mine!

Your university education?

I did all my studies at the University of Lausanne in Sports Sciences, then Master's in training and performance. I had the opportunity to do a year of internship at SportAltitude in 2019 which allowed me to get a place of work as a physical trainer specializing in training in hypoxia.

What are you doing now?

On the one hand, I work at SportAltitude as a physical trainer (training) and stress physiologist (Test VO2max).
On the other hand, I work closely with Emilio in the planning of distance training.
And for the rest, I'm looking to do other training and experiences like CrossFit, paratrooper, paragliding, diving...

Can you tell us about your past as a sportsman?

At a very young age I started with fencing, which I practiced for more than 15 years at a national level. But as a teenager, I needed to combine this with "outdoors" activities, including mountain biking and running that served as the basis for my physical preparation. It was when I arrived in Grenoble for my first years in STAPS that I completely stopped fencing to devote myself to the mountains. It was at this time that I met Mathéo who played a big role in my alpine initiation!
Since then, I continue to be fully involved in all the practices that the mountain offers us: mountaineering, ski mountaineering, trail, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding more recently, in short than happiness!

Your college career?

My career began with a STAPS degree in Grenoble and continued with a master's degree in research proposed jointly by the universities of Saint-Etienne and Savoie-Mont-Blanc. During which I did various internships that allowed me to collaborate on research projects, notably with the National Institute of Sport in Australia and the Hypoxia and Physiopathology laboratory in Grenoble.
After my Master's degree I went to the University of Calgary (Canada) to work on exercise-related neuromuscular fatigue. On my return to France, I began my thesis on physiological adaptations associated with repeated sprints at altitude (this between the University of Savoie-Mont-Blanc and the University of Lausanne). It was during a research project conducted at the laboratory that I met Emilio with whom the current was immediately super well.

Thesis on altitude, mountaineering practice, it seems that you are passionate about the mountains?

Indeed it is an environment that I particularly appreciate for a multitude of reasons! It is a playing field almost without limits that, to some extent, has escaped the overprotective society in which we live... In the mountains, there is almost no prohibition, just common sense that gives all its accuracy to the freedom we enjoy!
It is also an environment that allows you to live and feel a multitude of sensations, to ride, to slide, to fly: just as many activities that allow you to enjoy the moment and this grandiose landscape.

What are you doing now?

I finished my thesis and in parallel to my activity at Sport Advisor, my plan is to pass the diploma of mountain guide. I also want to remain involved in research projects within the laboratory. I also have a multitude of ancillary plans including the one to develop my activity as an amateur beekeeper... I love honey!

Can you tell us about your past as a sportsman?

After a youth playing tennis, I was affected at 15 by the cycling virus. I started with five years of mountain biking in competition. But the road bike then caught up with me... I then had the chance to know the atmosphere of the Belgian pelotons and fairs. I still practice, but let's say I've lost the habit of pinning a bib on Sundays.

Your college career?

I studied physical education for four years. I then deepened my knowledge of physical preparation during a year (DES) and then in physiotherapy (Licence).

What jobs did you work in after graduation?

During my studies, I had the opportunity to work in the Belgian Cycling Federation as a technical advisor and physiotherapist. Then I moved to Haute-Savoie where I worked as a physiotherapist and physical trainer. I gradually became passionate about movement, preventing the athlete's injuries and reathletizing. I was also seduced at that time by the methodology of crossfit and its potential for endurance athletes, until I was co-founder and coach of a crossfit center. Today, I am divided between my work as a physiotherapist and physical trainer in the Sport Altitude hypoxia training centre (Geneva).

What's your role at Sport.Advisor?

With Sandra, we are in charge of the telemedicine branch of Sport. Our role is to be able to make a diagnosis when a medical problem arises. Of course, not everything can always be done remotely and testing may be necessary. However, many problems are recurrent in athletes and can be diagnosed remotely. Sports telemedicine often responds to an "urgent" request for a decision to be made and a protocol to be applied in case of tendonitis, for example.

Can you tell us about your past as a sportsman?

I started with alpine skiing and mountain biking in competition, then I did 10 years of ski mountaineering at a high level. My career was relatively short, but dense. I was able to achieve all the goals I had set myself: 4 times world champion, winner of the CEO, twice winner of the Pierra Menta, the Tour du Rutor, the Adamello, multiple champion of France ... I quit my career in 2017. Currently I practice as a Mountain Guide and coach of the French mountaineering ski teams.

Outside of a "competitive" framework, you also hold many records?

Ever since I was a kid, I've loved challenges. At the age of 18 I turned to a first record, the speed of ascent of the Bar des Écrins in 1hour and 57 minutes. There were others afterwards... but my most important thing is Chamonix 👉 Mont Blanc Summit 👉 Chamonix, a timed round trip in 5 hours 05 minutes on skis and 4 hours 57 minutes on foot with Kilian Jornet. In truth, not to mention time or record, I always enjoyed using my physical and technical skills to move quickly in the mountains. Alongside sports, you have chained training and university years...
I completed an S-grade and continued my studies with a bachelor's degree and a MASTER's degree from Joseph Fourier University. Training and preparation are areas that have always fascinated me, including mental preparation and the development of technical/motor skills.

What's your role at Sport.Advisor?

It's great to have a team that includes professionals like Emilio, Sandra and Benjamin. To delegate certain decisions to people who combine scientific knowledge and experience seems to me essential to put all the chances on its side. On the other hand, there comes a time when practice is crucial. We had the idea to team up, Emilio and I, to accompany the mountaineer or the mountaineer skier from A to Z. He can then benefit from mountain medicine with Sandra, take an exercise test and have recommendations with Emilio and discover his technical, physical and mental weaknesses in the field with me. My goal then is to take the athlete to the mountains, to places where he would never have gone alone. It is to accompany him towards his goal, train him and give him lots of little tricks that will allow him to benefit from my experience. Getting off the beaten track and your comfort zone while being supervised and trained is an essential part of hoping to go beyond your goals.