VALENTIN PARET-PEINTRE | The Heart of a Climber: Favorite Climbs, Training Tips, and the Transition to SQS

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 intro

00:39 – Welcome & Valentin’s rise: Giro stage win to Ventoux glory

01:45 – Riding with the Wolfpack: New chapter with Soudal Quick-Step

03:13 – Settling in with the team & first impressions from training camp

04:35 – Why the Giro d’Italia is his favorite Grand Tour

05:39 – Growing up in Haute-Savoie & descending skills

06:49 – Favorite local climb: Col de la Colombière

08:08 – Riding for joy, peace & scenery — not always for coffee

09:40 – Reflections on mountain solitude & wild landscapes

10:51 – Hidden gem climbs: Col de l’Arpettaz and others

11:49 – What makes a world-class climber: More than just numbers

13:27 – Beating personal records at the Giro & Tour de Suisse

15:21 – In-the-saddle vs out-of-saddle: His climbing technique

16:09 – Bodyweight, gym work & nutrition

18:06 – Training efforts: Torque work, over/unders, and VO2 sets

20:32 – Training solo vs in groups & life in Chambéry

22:11 – Annual New Year's ride around Lac Léman tradition

22:58 – Aero obsession: Race suits vs jersey/shorts

24:23 – Castelli product insights & racing with innovation

25:21 – First impressions of the Sanremo S8 race suit

26:16 – Why he joined Soudal Quick-Step & learning from Remco & Landa

29:51 – Not ready to lead just yet — embracing a support role

31:51 – Eyeing the Tour de France debut in 2025

33:02 – On racing the Tour as a French rider: Personal dream

34:06 – Favorite Tour climb: Col du Galibier and its magic

36:08 – Favorite off-season meal? Spaghetti alla bolognese 🍝

36:41 – Outro & thanks

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