Everyone Has A Story
This is the third issue of our Collective series, where we celebrate the individuals who move with us. Today, we meet Camille, based in Switzerland. A two-time doctoral student, former triathlete, and resilient seeker of connection. Camille reminds us that the bike is more than a machine; it is a shared language that transcends borders and cultures.
This is what brings us together. Different starting points. Different limits. Different reasons for riding. Performance defined on your own terms. Movement that adapts to life, changes, and the process of rebuilding trust. A shared space where you do not need to fit a mould to belong. You show up as you are, and that is exactly enough.
What first pulled you into cycling, and what kept you coming back to it?
I first got into cycling through spinning classes with my mom when I was a teenager. It was more than just a workout; it was our way of spending time together during a period that wasn’t always easy at home. Back then, there were no power meters or data, just pure feeling, and I loved that. What kept me coming back evolved over time. At first, it was simply the joy of moving.
Later, when I moved to Switzerland in 2021 and felt quite alone, cycling became something much deeper. It gave me structure, purpose, and connection. Despite cultural differences between Quebec and Switzerland, cycling became a shared language, a way to connect with people beyond words. We understood each other before even really knowing each other.
How has riding shaped your routine, your mindset, or the way you see yourself?
Cycling has profoundly shaped both my routine and my mindset. It brings structure to my days and helps me stay grounded, especially alongside a demanding academic path. More importantly, it has changed the way I see myself. As a woman, I have found it gives me confidence and a sense of belonging. On the bike, I feel aligned with who I am. It’s one of the few moments where I feel fully present, focused, and free.
Is there a moment on the bike that changed something for you?
Yes, last year, I experienced several crashes that really shook me. I injured my wrist and even had a wheel failure. It made me feel vulnerable, less confident, and, honestly, quite scared, especially when descending at high speed. But that experience also changed me in a meaningful way. It made me more aware, more respectful of the risks, and ultimately more resilient. I learned that cycling is not only about performance, but also about learning how to rebuild trust in yourself.
What feels most meaningful when you ride: the effort, the freedom, the people, or something else?
For me, it’s a combination, but if I had to choose, I would say freedom and connection. Freedom, because when I ride, everything else disappears. My mind becomes quiet, and I feel fully present. And connection, to the people I ride with, especially my husband, but also to the broader cycling community. Those shared moments make everything more meaningful.
BALA
NCE
What are you working toward right now, and why does that goal matter to you?
Right now, my goals are simple but meaningful: I want to keep improving year after year and continue pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. I’m currently racing locally in the Fribourg region to better understand the competitive field, and this summer we’re planning challenges like the Tour des Stations. These goals matter to me because they allow me to grow beyond my professional life and explore my potential in new ways.
What part of cycling feels most like you, and why?
The part that feels most like me is the balance between discipline and enjoyment. My background in triathlon and my academic journey, I am currently pursuing my second doctorate, have made me very disciplined. But at the same time, I ride because I genuinely love it. Even within that enjoyment, I naturally push myself and like to explore my limits.
How has the community around cycling influenced your journey?
The cycling community has had a huge impact on my journey. When I first arrived in Switzerland, cycling helped me build a social circle and feel less alone. Today, I ride mostly with my husband and a group of cyclists in Fribourg, and they constantly push me to aim higher. I’ve also started to realize that I can inspire others, I’ve received messages from women saying that seeing me ride motivates them. That means a lot to me and reinforces my desire to keep sharing my journey.
What does a perfect ride look like for you?
A perfect ride is simple: being out in the sun, riding with my husband, sharing the effort. I love those moments where you push yourself to your limits, even if it’s hard in the moment. It’s that mix of effort, connection, and environment that makes it special.
Is there anything else you would like to add that captures your unique perspective?
Cycling is not just about performance for me, it’s about identity, connection, and feeling at home, wherever you are. At the end of the day, it’s about finding your place, both within yourself and within a community. As someone who is not originally from Europe, I needed something that could make me feel at home, no matter where I was. Cycling gave me exactly that, and that’s why it means so much to me.
Finally, I just want to say that I clearly remember discovering LABEL Collective during my first cycling camp in Calpe with my husband. We walked into a bike shop, and I immediately noticed the fabrics, the fit, and the colors, I just knew it was made for me. Wearing something that reflects both strength and femininity truly matters. It allows me to fully express who I am on the bike. A huge thank you to your team, my rides feel even more special now.
Camille’s story reminds us that home isn't always a place on a map. Sometimes, it's the rhythm we find on the road. Her journey proves that while speed is exciting, the real power of cycling lies in the resilience to start again and the quiet confidence of knowing exactly where you belong. She rides to bridge worlds and inspire a new narrative, one where every mile is a step toward becoming whole.
Everyone has a story. If you feel like sharing yours, get in touch.
Shop our collections
Maillots
Maillots
