Simon Kessler

Simon's cycling career began more than 20 years ago, in Johannesburg South Africa, when he started competitive racing at the age of 12. He dominated national youth categories throughout his teen years and represented South Africa internationally in the Junior category. Entering the professional circuit, he raced at the highest level for 6 years during which time he travelled extensively to many international races, competing with many of the world's top professional cyclists.

He lived in Paris for three years during his career and became champion of Ile de France multiple times. Additionally he was two-time South African National road champion, African time trial champion and he represented South Africa at the Commonwealth games in Malaysia.
Putting his professional career aside, Simon moved to the States to devote himself to his family and his successful coaching business – Simon Says Cycling. His vast technical knowledge and training methods coupled with a sincere desire to improve each individual client's athletic ability, led him to some outstanding coaching achievements and a client list that includes professional riders, national champions and an Olympic athlete.

Simon now combines his love for cycling and the Tour de France with his other passions of travel, food and the distinct beauty so often sought after in France!

Jonathan Chiri

Chef Jonathan Chiri began his career in the early 1990’s in California, notably at The San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito and Restaurant Catahoula in Napa Valley. Moving north to Seattle he was given his first opportunity to run a kitchen as Sous-Chef at the renowned vegetarian restaurant Carmelita. Then it was down to the south and a few years spent in New Orleans as part of the opening team at Restaurants Cuvee, Stella and August. From there, he first set foot in Europe and quickly fell in love with its foods and cultures. He began with a stint at the Romantik Hotel Spielweg in the Black Forest of Germany, then short "stages" in Berlin and Barcelona. Next it was on to France and the sunshine of Provençe. Here he spent 4 years at the famed 1 Michelin starred La Mirande in Avignon, eventually becoming Pastry Chef of their gourmet restaurant and the Chef of their cooking school, La Marmiton. Here he developed a harmonious relationship with the hotel and continues to participate in their program of cooking classes.

In 2006, he became Chef de Cuisine of the luxurious Chateau de Massillan in Uchaux, not far from Avignon. During this time he enjoyed the privileges of working closely with various talented chefs of the region and extraordinary winemakers from regions such as Châteauneuf du Pape, Vacqueryas and Côtes du Rhône. Since 2008 he has stepped away from restaurants in order to expand his repertoire. Seeking to combine his multiple passions for cooking, wine, travel and cycling with his extensive knowledge of the French wine and gastronomic regions, he has devoted   himself to his twin businesses, Gourmet Cycling Travel and Domaine & Traditions Wine Importers.