In this episode, we sit down with one of the brightest young talents in professional cycling — Valentin Paret-Peintre. At just 24, he’s already claimed stage victories at the Giro d’Italia, the Tour of Oman, and made history as the fifth Frenchman ever to win atop Mont Ventoux during his maiden Tour de France.Join us for a relaxed and insightful conversation recorded during pre-season camp, as Valentin opens up about life with Soudal Quick-Step, his favorite alpine climbs, his power-to-weight secrets, and how growing up in a cycling-obsessed family shaped his journey.If you're a fan of the high mountains, French alpine gems, and the inner mindset of a pure climber – this one's for you!The interview was recorded as a friendly chat at the beginning of the season, following a product feedback session. – LINKS –Valentin Paret-Peintre Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Climbs:Col de l'Arpettaz (Ugine)Col de la Colombiere (Cluses)Col des Aravis (Flumet)Mont-Salève– CHAPTERS –00:00 – Quickfire intro00:39 – Welcome & Valentin’s rise: Giro stage win to Ventoux glory01:45 – Riding with the Wolfpack: New chapter with Soudal Quick-Step03:13 – Settling in with the team & first impressions from training camp04:35 – Why the Giro d’Italia is his favorite Grand Tour05:39 – Growing up in Haute-Savoie & descending skills06:49 – Favorite local climb: Col de la Colombière08:08 – Riding for joy, peace & scenery — not always for coffee09:40 – Reflections on mountain solitude & wild landscapes10:51 – Hidden gem climbs: Col de l’Arpettaz and others11:49 – What makes a world-class climber: More than just numbers13:27 – Beating personal records at the Giro & Tour de Suisse15:21 – In-the-saddle vs out-of-saddle: His climbing technique16:09 – Bodyweight, gym work & nutrition18:06 – Training efforts: Torque work, over/unders, and VO2 sets20:32 – Training solo vs in groups & life in Chambéry22:11 – Annual New Year's ride around Lac Léman tradition22:58 – Aero obsession: Race suits vs jersey/shorts24:23 – Castelli product insights & racing with innovation25:21 – First impressions of the Sanremo S8 race suit26:16 – Why he joined Soudal Quick-Step & learning from Remco & Landa29:51 – Not ready to lead just yet — embracing a support role31:51 – Eyeing the Tour de France debut in 202533:02 – On racing the Tour as a French rider: Personal dream34:06 – Favorite Tour climb: Col du Galibier and its magic36:08 – Favorite off-season meal? Spaghetti alla bolognese 🍝36:41 – Outro & thanks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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