So, Annabelle, what’s WATT?

“WATT was actually founded by Fanny Reyer in 2020, but from the start we helped her get the project off the ground. I then took over as president in 2023. The idea came after Fanny had a bad experience in Paris – she was riding her bike and received sexist comments, and she realised there needed to be a community to help shift mindsets. That led to the creation of WATT, which stood for 'Women Are Talented Too' – a community that promotes women's cycling, through gender diversity. It was important to us that inclusion be a core value of the project, because men also need to be involved in the fight against sexism. In the end, the club is humanist: it stands for respect and kindness. Since then, we’ve dropped the ‘Too’ from the name, because we believe we no longer need to justify the idea that women are also talented. But in 2020, when women's cycling was still under-recognised, it felt important to emphasise that.”

What does WATT mean to you today? And how has the club evolved since it began?

“WATT is a passion project between friends that has grown far beyond anything we imagined. We’ve become the second-largest cycling club in Paris, with 200 licenced members and perfect gender parity – unheard of for a club affiliated with the FFC (French Cycling Federation). Nationally, women make up only 11% of licences. At WATT, it’s 50%. We started with 40 members in 2020, and today we have riders on the podium every weekend in cyclocross and road cycling. We also have a team that’s doing really well in sportives, men’s and women’s champions in the Île-de-France region and the 3rd-placed woman in the French national e-cycling championships among us. We’re proud of all this, even if it's not always easy. Being volunteers while holding down jobs and building the club takes a lot of time and energy!”

Founding a club in Paris is no small thing. What’s your perspective on cycling in the capital?

“Cycling in Paris is unique. There are a lot of communities. That’s a strength – it encourages people to start riding, creates friendships, and brings people together. Having dedicated cycling circuits at Vincennes and Longchamp reinforces this community spirit. No matter the time or day, you know you’ll run into familiar faces!”

What were the main needs you saw at the time, especially for women cyclists?

“At the time, I think what women mostly needed was to feel safe and confident on the road. And the different communities (which are generally very welcoming) really helped build that confidence and get them started.”

How are WATT rides organised? What kind of vibe or spirit do you try to encourage within the group?

“The Sunday training rides are reserved for club members, but once a month we organise open rides that are free and accessible to everyone (no need for a club licence). This helps us promote our values, give confidence to people who might be hesitant to ride alone, and hopefully encourage them to join the club. The rides are split into different level groups and led by our volunteer members. It’s really important to us that these rides are always filled with kindness and a sense of community.”

Since you started riding, what changes have you seen in women’s cycling, in Paris and elsewhere?

There are more and more women on the roads, and more taking on challenges like ultra-distance rides, races and hilly sportives. They’re daring, they’re gaining confidence – and they’re crushing it! What I’ve noticed most is a real change in mindset, a much more inclusive atmosphere. The new generation of cyclists is naturally more open-minded and supportive, perhaps?”

Are there any women who inspire you or have shaped your cycling journey?

“All my girlfriends or women I know, even from a distance, who take on crazy challenges and crush it. Gaining confidence in yourself is a real challenge, and seeing others do amazing things is hugely motivating.”

Today, you're an ambassador for Café du Cycliste. What drew you to this collaboration?

“Café has always made an effort to develop a women’s range that’s just as extensive and high-performing as the men’s. Some brands don’t do that, and it’s frustrating to see cool men’s products that don’t exist for women, or only in stereotypical colours.