© Alltricks
Alltricks introduced its trail team in collaboration with HOKA during the opening of its new store in Paris.
On the occasion of the opening of its new Paris store, just steps from the Arc de Triomphe, we spoke with members of Alltricks about the creation of its youth-focused trail structure. This collaboration with HOKA is part of a broader strategy to develop the brand’s athlete collectives.
Like many players in the industry, Alltricks has chosen to build its own pool of promising young athletes. Around twenty ambassadors make up the brand’s overall roster, including the trail team developed with HOKA. This group of emerging talents is designed to support up-and-coming athletes under the guidance of a renowned mentor, Julien Absalon.
Five athletes were selected from more than 1,500 applications and will receive full support, including equipment, nutrition, electronic gear, and recovery products.
Among them are Baptiste Massot, a former triathlete turned trail specialist, and Titouan Haan, a two-time French youth national team selection in mountain running and a national medalist on the track. Noé Descombe, who finished 7th at the European Off-Road U20 Championships in the vertical race, completes the men’s lineup.
On the women’s side, Alltricks and HOKA have selected Chloé François and Capucine Arbez-Gindre, combining profiles from both trail running and triathlon.
| Strong support and coaching
To support these athletes, Alltricks has built a comprehensive development program, initially planned over two years. Julien Absalon, multiple Olympic champion in MTB, will play a key mentorship role.
“We aim to guide these talents in terms of equipment and logistics. My role is to pass on experience, helping them reach their full potential and progress toward elite level,” he explains. Media training, race approach, equipment choices, nutrition, stress management, as well as training camps and group sessions — all these aspects are central to the program.
The goal is not to impose results, but to provide the tools for athletes to thrive in their discipline, according to the two-time Olympic and five-time world champion. “They are competitors who have made room in their lives for sport. They are all working or studying, but they dedicate a significant part of their time to their goals,” he adds. The initiative is designed as a springboard to the elite level, with the ambition of eventually seeing these athletes secure professional contracts with major brands.
The project was born from the initiative of Julien Absalon and Alban Gleyze, who oversees the brand’s ambassadors. It builds on the ongoing partnership between Alltricks, HOKA, and Julien Absalon, recently extended for a third year.
The first training camp took place in the Luberon, as part of preparations for the upcoming French Trail Championships. The next gathering will be held ahead of the UTMB, with an immersion experience alongside HOKA’s professional trail team.
“They’ll be able to spend three weeks to a month with the pro trail athletes — a chance to see what life at the elite level really looks like,” highlights the former cyclist.
| Supporting them toward the highest level
All athletes compete over similar distances to foster a strong sense of emulation. “We want to build a collective project rather than focus on individuals. This idea of group energy is key for us. It’s a development structure with no pressure for results. And who knows, maybe we’ll discover the next Sylvain Cachard,” says Alban Gleyze.
“Julien is deeply committed to sharing his experience. He brings valuable insight from his career as a professional athlete and team manager in cycling. He understands both data and the importance of enjoyment,” he adds, referring to Julien Absalon.
This mentoring philosophy aligns with the image Alltricks aims to project to its customers. Another shared trait among the athletes is their passion for the mountains. “They’re not just runners — they’re drawn to cycling, ski touring, alpine skiing. Some come from triathlon, others from the French youth mountain running team, before moving to track and now returning to trail. That’s the case for Titouan Haan, a three-time French steeplechase champion who wanted to reconnect with his roots,” explains Alban Gleyze.
Each athlete follows their own race calendar, with two key events required: the French Trail Championships and a summer race to bring the team together. “It’s a strong group with a great dynamic that clicked from the very first training camp,” he concludes.
With this trail team dedicated to emerging talents, Alltricks continues to expand its athlete collectives across different disciplines. The ambition is clear: to support these up-and-coming trail runners on their path to the highest level, and ultimately to the elite ranks. The brand confirms its intention to establish a lasting presence in the trail running world.
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Emma BERT
Journaliste
