Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Jean-Luc Gentilhomme. Born in 1950 in Reims, I made a career as a technical sales representative in the field of on-board electronics for automobiles, a fascinating job that has greatly enriched me. Retired since 2006, I now devote my free time to my passion for running, both as a practitioner and as a coach, manager and organizer.
Tell us a little about your background!
I prepared for my retirement well before leaving the professional world, by getting involved in volunteering. I followed several training courses as a running/trail coach and obtained diplomas from the French Athletics Federation. Within EFS Reims Athletics, my club, I founded in 2009 The Trail of the Twisted, which I organized for ten years. At the same time, I have held the position of president of the Departmental Running Commission of the Marne Athletics Committee since 2012.
Over the years, I have taken a step back, but I remain active in the field, whether it is to recognize and prepare routes in the wilderness or to mark out and unmark trails during events, always with a deep respect for the environment.
What are your links with the Park?
I represent my club and the Marne Athletics Committee during the meetings of the Park's Nature Sports Activities Committee. My role is to transmit the committee's messages and decisions to the organizers of sporting events. I also participate in the mountain bike circuit restoration projects with my friends from the Mountain Bikers Foundation, because these routes are also used by trail runners. My club and I also organize trail and Nordic walking events for the Park.
What is your favorite place in Montagne de Reims?
Without hesitation, the terrain of the Trail des Tordus! It extends from Mailly-Champagne to Verzy, offering a diversity of landscapes between vineyards, woods and forests, with emblematic sites such as the Moulin and the Phare de Verzenay, as well as the Faux de Verzy.
These paths are perfect for hiking, Nordic walking and trail running. I also enjoy the Sermiers mountain bike trail no. 2, a real treat for trail enthusiasts!
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