Endurance Cyclist Fred Lacroix Community Talk

Endurance, Adaptation, and Purpose

International endurance handcyclist Fred Lacroix spoke at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center on February 6. The event featured a talk followed by audience questions, offering insight into long-distance handcycling, endurance racing, and the role sport has played in shaping Lacroix’s life. Light snacks were provided as part of the evening program.

Lacroix described how becoming a wheelchair user marked a complete reset rather than a detour.

“It’s not a turn in your life. It’s a new life to start.”

He explained that independence came through intentional daily choices, identifying a clear decision early in his recovery.

“There were two choices: a couch, a television, beer, potato chips—or to try to move.”

That choice led him first to racing wheelchairs, where he competed in road races and half marathons, and later to handcycling, which allowed him to train longer and focus on endurance.

“Immediately, it was like a spark. I was comfortable, and I could ride for hours.”

During the talk, Lacroix outlined what endurance racing requires—consistent training, goal-setting, and mental focus. He briefly discussed riding Pikes Peak, one of North America’s highest paved roads, explaining that success at altitude depends on long-term acclimation rather than last-minute effort.

“You cannot decide on Friday night while eating a pizza. You have to train a long time to acclimate your body to the lack of oxygen.”

Lacroix also explained how training in Borrego Springs led him to discover the 6–12–24 Hour World Time Trial Championships, a race where athletes compete over six, twelve, or twenty-four hours on a closed course, emphasizing strategy, concentration, and sustained effort. He later competed in the event and earned first place in his age division.

He closed by clarifying why he wanted to speak publicly—not to focus on himself, but on possibility.

“I asked to organize this presentation not to speak about me, but about what we can do—disabled or not. Sport is important for everybody.”

The evening concluded with audience questions covering equipment, safety, training logistics, and race preparation, highlighting the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center’s ongoing role as a place for learning, conversation, and shared experience.