Overview

• Tower operators said Fontenoy covered 686 steps to reach the second-floor platform, the highest level accessible by stairs.
• He beat Hugues Richard’s 2002 benchmark of 19:04 by nearly seven minutes, according to the Eiffel Tower’s official accounts.
• Rules required that his feet never touch the ground, and he advanced by compressing the tire with the brakes and hopping rather than pedaling.
• Fontenoy described years of planning and months of targeted training, with prior attempts delayed by COVID-19 restrictions, Olympic works, and tower maintenance.
• Coverage notes an unresolved discrepancy between the 686 steps cited for the record and visitor information that commonly lists 674 steps to the second floor.