After joining a Critical Mass event in São Paulo in 2011, Michele rediscovered the fun of riding bikes. This was followed by daily commuting, long-distance road cycling events called brevets, ultra-distance races, and cycle touring. Cycling is her favorite way to discover new places. On a bike, Michele has been from Jalapão (a remote state park in Brazil) to the Avenue of Volcanos in Ecuador, the northern part of Patagonia in Argentina and Chile, plus different areas of the Mantiqueira Mountains.
Traveling by bike brings Michele so much joy that she is always encouraging people to try it, either by inviting friends to join her, organizing weekend trips for women, doing speaking engagements to talk about her previous trips, or simply giving tips to curious travelers! Michele was formally a journalist in Brazil before deciding to move to Portugal in 2018 for new experiences, including a career change. Before joining DuVine, Michele worked in banking.
Embarking on a year-long cycling odyssey in South America in 2004 marked the genesis of Sébastien’s love affair with cycling. Since that pivotal year, cycling has become a part of his daily life. Whether it’s commuting, guiding bike tours, consulting in the realm of IT for bike tour operators, immersing himself in a gravel bike club, or crafting vacations around two wheels, cycling is not just a pastime—it’s a way of life. Since 2008, he has reveled in the opportunity to lead bike tours, sharing the joy of cycling across the globe.
Beyond the pedals, Sébastien’s second passion unfolds in the world of wine and gastronomy. As the president of a local wine club, he orchestrates a delightful wine festival in his town. He also channels his culinary zeal as a dedicated cook. Rooted in the influence of his mother and his town, Sébastien’s cooking is inspired by the bountiful array of fresh ingredients found in local French gardens.
Pol wears many hats, from Iron Man triathlons, freezing cold surf sessions in northern France, solo bike packing in Africa to becoming an international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion during the off-season. He’s a graphic designer who realized early in his career that he’s a people person who is truly passionate about hospitality and cycling. Pol sees every European destination as a great chance to discover the culture, food, landscape, and local traditions through connecting with authentic locals.
The first time Gürcan rode a bike was at just two years old. Since then, he’s taken every opportunity to ride. At the age of 12, Gürcan had a calling to be a cycling guide and ended up pursuing this passion after graduating from university. Gürcan led cycling tours for 15 years in Switzerland and Germany before joining DuVine in 2021. It’s his mission to use his cycling skills and extensive experience in tourism to offer guests exceptional support while on tour.
An adventurous lifestyle brought Toni to DuVine, who previously guided rock climbing, rafting, and canyoning tours. With a degree in physical education and a passion for cycling and travel, guiding tours in Croatia perfectly complements Toni’s active lifestyle. Join Toni in the pearl of the Adriatic this summer and fall.
Beatrice began cycling as a child through the rolling hills of Tuscany with her grandfather. Feeling the wind on her face as she pedaled gave her a sense of freedom that couldn’t be matched. Riding bikes became a way for her to express herself and she eventually found community by sharing this sentiment with other bike enthusiasts. Beatirice’s love for cycling and travel has brought her to DuVine as a guide in some of Italy’s most stunning regions, from the Dolomites to Puglia!
Cycling has been Alex’s favorite sport since he was a child. The semi-deserted roads of the Cilento National Park, where he grew up and still lives, have fueled this passion over the years, even when life has pushed him to take care of other things. Alex graduated in Economics and then worked in the field for several years. Ten years ago, he returned to his hometown to start his own bean farm.
What he likes most about Duvine is the emphasis on riding in relatively unknown places. Also, the great importance that is given to connecting with the local people in those places. What Alex carries with him is the desire to keep the passion of his childhood alive, to travel the world by bike, and to introduce people from all over the world to the region in which he lives.
François started cycling and skiing with his dad when he was 6-years-old. After 15 years of working as a sales manager for an international group, he moved to Canada for 10 years and was trained as a professional adventure guide in the remote region of Quebec. He then dedicated my time to the sports gear industry in Toronto. His education and knowledge of history and geography coupled with his experience with local cuisine and wine traditions give François the foundation for quintessential French hospitality. His passion for biking and the outdoors offer DuVine guests the most enjoyable experience on tour.
Adam was born in the UK in a town called Witney in Oxfordshire. When he was six years old, Adam’s parents bought a beautiful old farmhouse in Dordogne, France. He loved growing up on the farm because it gave him the space to be adventurous. Some of his fondest childhood memories were spent cycling around the countryside with his dad, who is a keen cyclist and is responsible for sparking Adam’s love for bikes.
For the love of surfing, Adam moved to the west coast of Ireland to brew Belgium-style beer and ended up falling in love with the culture and local people. From Ireland, he traveled to Norway, Australia, and New Zealand where he live for four years, and worked as a joiner building bespoke furniture and eco straw bale homes. In his free time, he invested his energy into mountain biking, skiing, and multi-day bike trips, which were the perfect ways to see the country. Adam’s time in New Zealand led him to make some of his closest friendships and most unforgettable memories.
Salem started his career as a gendarme but has always prioritized the balance of work, travel, and sport. He started as a runner but now enjoys cycling and swimming. Salem lives in the Alps where he loves to ski in the winter, bike in the summer, instruct yoga, and coach sports all year long. A fan of great wine, like Saint Émilion and Châteauneufdupape, he leads a particular quality of life that brings him joy. With a great passion for travel, Salem looks forward to immersing himself in new cultural experiences on tour. Salem is excited to meet new people and experience the joy of traveling alongside his guests.
