Beschrijving

This biography reveals the life story of a forgotten Belgian icon. Born the daughter of an army officer in Tournai, Hélène is destined for a life as a housewife or a worker in the cotton mills. However, Hélène sees more salvation in a life as a cyclist. Despite her small stature and frail figure, she turns out to be a real cycling talent: multiple world champion track cyclist, winner of six-day races, world endurance record holder, she even outruns male cyclists.

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It turned out to be the start of an adventurous life that made Dutrieu a household name from Paris to New York in the early 20th century. Hélène thus becomes a global role model for all women. Many of the obstacles she had to overcome are still burning hot today.

The moment ‘the first great cycling wave’ is over its peak, Hélène leaves for Paris where she becomes a comedienne and stuntwoman. This brings her both fame, money and mischief. After a serious accident, she becomes engrossed in the first aircraft experiments during her rehabilitation. Hélène becomes the first woman to pilot a plane (although the chauvinistic French give that honour to their Mlle. De Laroche) and travels the world as a plane pioneer. Hélène also causes a stir with her striking appearance and homemade outfit. After all, she flies without wearing a corset, at the time an absolute no-go zone for women.

Her fame makes her the ideal ambassador to persuade the United States not to remain aloof during WWI. She herself is active as a reconnaissance pilot in the protection of Paris. Also during WWII, she is a member of the resistance and is forced to flee to Britain.

More than a portrait of Hélène, this biography is also the story of a lingering ‘battle of the sexes’, a story of courage and perseverance, of falling (literally) and getting up, of big and small dreams and of an unquenchable desire for adventure.

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