Giving the mic to Axel Lebellanger: setting sights on the Coupe du monde de Pâtisserie
Given the chance during the European selections for the Pastry World Cup last January, we met with Axel Lebellanger, ice specialist for the French team. Speaking with Les vergers Boiron, he reflects on his journey, the behind-the-scenes of the competition, and the strong sense of team commitment that drives this extraordinary adventure.
* Photo Credit : Antoine MARCEAU
Can you tell us how it all started for you?
I began my apprenticeship at a hospitality school in the Paris region. Very quickly, I felt the need to explore further. Joining the Compagnons du Devoir was a turning point. Over six years, I traveled across France, worked in different establishments, and discovered new ways of working and new perspectives on the craft. You learn technical skills, of course, but also discipline, high standards… and above all, being open to others. Today, I work as a trainer and independent consultant, and when I look back, I realize that every step brought me closer to what once felt like a slightly crazy dream: taking part in this competition one day.
What has transformed you the most throughout this journey?
Without hesitation: the people I’ve met. They make all the difference. There are chefs, colleagues, and friends who leave an everlasting mark. Some teach you a technique, others pass on a mindset or an energy. I used to be quite reserved, and it was these people, often highly driven and committed, who pushed me out of my comfort zone. They taught me how to take risks and challenge myself. Ultimately, you never grow alone in this profession.
« I remember, for example, Jérémy Massing, who competed in the previous Coupe du Monde de Pâtisserie in the Sugar category. He had the mindset of a real athlete, constantly striving for excellence. Watching him work was a real turning point for me and made me want to raise my own standards. »
In a competition like this, what does team spirit truly represent?
It’s at the very core of everything. You might think it’s all about individual performance, but to state facts, nothing works without the team. Working as a team means getting to know each other deeply, understanding how each member operates, what drives them, and what might hold them back. With the guidance of our coaches, we took some time to discuss our personalities, strengths, and weaknesses in order to work better together. You need to know how to support and motivate each other, but also be honest when things aren’t going well, that’s what builds trust. And in moments of fatigue or doubt, that trust becomes essential.
« Sometimes, in high-pressure situations, a simple glance at a teammate is enough to realize stress is taking over… and to immediately refocus. It’s hard to perceive from the outside, but within the team, it’s a game changer. »
In such an intense journey, how do your coaches and mentors help structure your preparation?
Franck Michel, Étienne Leroy, Jérôme de Oliveira, David Alves, Nicolas Boussin, Yann Brys… Our coaches and mentors play a crucial, almost structural role. They are not just there to correct our technique or fine-tune details. They push us to go further, beyond what we believe to be our limits. From the very first sessions, they challenged us, encouraging us to step back from our work, refine our perspective, and bring meaning to every creation. Their experience in competition is invaluable: they know how to anticipate expectations, prepare us for pressure, and help us stay clear-headed. Beyond the high standards, there is also genuine human support. In more difficult moments, they find the right words to keep us moving forward. They are both pillars and a constant source of growth.
What do you take away from the preparation and the competition today?
It’s an intense experience, almost outside of time. Preparation requires total commitment: hours of training, sacrifices, constant self-questioning. You refine every detail, again and again, until you reach a very high level of precision. Then comes the day of the competition… Then everything escalates. You have to manage stress, handle the unexpected, stay focused despite the pressure. Nothing is left to chance, yet there is always an element of the unknown.
« It’s an intense experience, almost outside of time. Preparation requires total commitment: hours of training, sacrifices, constant self-questioning. You refine every detail, again and again, until you reach a very high level of precision. Then comes the day of the competition… Then everything escalates. You have to manage stress, handle the unexpected, stay focused despite the pressure. Nothing is left to chance, yet there is always an element of the unknown. »
Paradoxically, at the heart of this tension, there are also moments of pure enjoyment. When everything aligns, when the team moves as one, something very powerful happens—almost indescribable.
If you had to share one piece of advice with those who dream of following this path?
I would tell them to dare. Dare to step out of their comfort zone, dare to make mistakes, dare to aim high. This profession is demanding. It requires time, patience, and a real ability to question yourself. But above all, you need to surround yourself with the right people. Because ultimately, you don’t build anything alone. Encounters are decisive: they push us forward. Stay curious, stay open, and never stop learning. The journey can be long and sometimes difficult, but if the passion is there and you commit to it, then anything becomes possible.