Former professional cyclist, American Joe Dombrowski discovered a passion for trail running on the Côte d'Azur

He traded his road bike for a pair of trail running shoes. At 34, Joe Dombrowski, a former professional cyclist based in Nice, is enjoying a second sporting youth.

"I arrived here at the end of 2012, " he says. "I had just signed with Team Sky, which had its base in Beausoleil. I didn't speak French, I didn't know anything about France... but I loved it straight away." Twelve years later, the Nice region has become his playground, but now far from the asphalt.

"I've always loved training, " he explains. "But I've already given my all when it comes to cycling. Today, what I enjoy is discovering new sports."

Since retiring in 2023, the American has embarked on a veritable exploration: mountain biking, skiing, and especially mountain running. "I love the freedom of trail running: no need for a bike or too much gear. You take your shoes and you can run anywhere, even when traveling."

"I run on feeling"

From the Tinée Valley to the Mercantour ridges, the former Sky rider now explores the trails with the same appetite as when he climbed the passes.

La Bonette, Turini, Isola, and Queyras: he explores all these areas on foot. "When I was a professional cyclist, I didn't have the time or the right to do these activities alongside cycling; it was too risky. Now, I'm making up for lost time."

A great victory in Isola

Above all, he's having fun without worrying too much while he's still undecided about his career change. In just a few months, he's already won several trail races, such as the Isolienne Challenge (15km with an 800m elevation gain) on August 17 in Isola 2000.

"Uphill, it's fine, it's like cycling. But on the flat and downhill, I lose a lot of time compared to the other competitors, especially when it's technical. It's frustrating, but motivating. It makes me want to improve."

An ankle injury while skiing slowed him down for a few months, but he patiently got back into it. "I started by alternating between one minute of running and four minutes of walking. Today, I can do 30-kilometer outings. But you have to manage: I'm still a former cyclist, and the impact of racing can be difficult for the body to absorb."

The American prefers not to run on the road for the moment, for fear of injury, he who until now had always practiced a "supported" sport, less aggressive for the joints (ankle, knee, hip).

New horizons

In Nice, Dombrowski trains with a small group of friends – still active pros like his compatriots Larry Warbasse and Neilson Powless, but also Niçois who are passionate about the mountains.

"When you're a professional cyclist, your circle is limited. Now I'm discovering other people, other sports. And anyway, it's difficult to completely stop sport when you've been a pro (laughs). I don't want the pressure anymore, but I want to stay active. These new sports are enriching."

Far from the pack, the American relishes this newfound freedom. "Trail running has a more open atmosphere, less obsessed with performance. Many runners are there for fun. That suits me well."

The former Giro stage winner is already eyeing new challenges, such as the UTMB Nice Côte d'Azur (September 25-28) and its intermediate formats.

"I don't want to do an Ultra, but a really tough 50 kilometers, why not?" Always a competitor at heart, Joe Dombrowski is now an enthusiast who runs first and foremost for the adventure.