Benjamin Verrier & Aurel Lardy are ones of those Chamonix locals that spend most of their time out in the mountains. Both driven by passion, they naturally become friends. Even though they have different backgrounds, it is from a shared passion that their friendship was born: mountain biking
Benjamin Verrier
After 10 years of racing, I have decided that it was time for a change. My life was dedicated to riding, training and traveling to get to the races, notably on the World Cup circuit. I will always remember those times and the people I have spent time with and the fun we had.
In 2015, my first kid was born and so I have decided to spend more time at home.
Nowadays I work at Zero G, Chamonix’s local bike shop, and I spend my free time riding with my friends and as a MTB guide. I love to ride in groups, it is always a good time and we usually feed off and push each other trying out new lines or going faster.
This gave me the opportunity to rediscover all the riding potential that Chamonix as to offer and to get another perspective on what riding bikes was all about: Fun.
Growing up in Chamonix was a dream for me because the valley has some much to offer. I have naturally always been attracted by the mountains, I have been racing ski for 15 years and I am now focusing more and more on big mountain skiing.
People living in Chamonix are usually big outdoors enthusiast, from pro skiers/snowboards, mountaineers to mountain-bikers. I have always lookup to those guys who dedicated their life for their passion and sports: Benjamin is one of them. I have started riding bikes in 2009, with the sport getting mainstreamed and inspired by all the videos and MTB movie that I have seen. My background in ski naturally translated to my riding style and it gives me this « etiquette » of « Freerider » as I am more focused on sending big jumps and finding steep and gnarly chutes.
Presented by: Zero G Chamonix
Director / Editor / Colours: Corentin De Meirler
Featuring: Benjamin Verrier & Aurel Lardy
Cinematography: Corentin De Meirler
Drone footage courtesy of: Romain Prieur (Medronia)
Audio Post-production Vincent Boulouard
Thanks: Tim Moniot
Watch last year local story Dissident