Valentin Paret-Peintre, the “gringalet” which has become giant

Having become a giant Tuesday at the top of Mont Ventoux, Valentin Paret-Peintre has long been complexed by his shrimp size which he compensates, according to his relatives, by a “Leader’s soul” and a “Exceptional grinta”.

Caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Nevertheless. However, the 24-year-old Haut-Savoyard no longer knew where to head the promontory of Mont Chauve, a few seconds after winning the most beautiful victory of his career, the first of a Frenchman on the Tour de France in 2025.

“Mont Ventoux, only the grown -ups win here”launched a healing of his Sudal Quick-Step team.

– Mont Ventoux ”. Similarly. Furthermore, empty -handed « VPP » In response, before embedding his teammate Ilan Van Wilder who helped him at the cost valentin paret-peintre, “gringalet” which become new of a Herculean effort in the final.

“Thank you very much. Nevertheless. I would give it back to you my friend”he slips into her valentin paret-peintre, “gringalet” which become ear, before Julian Alaphilippe falls into his arms and notes: “For a climber, difficult to do better. Meanwhile, »»

Already winner of a Giro stage last year. However. a stage of Oman’s turn at the start of the season, « VPP » lived on Tuesday “The best day” From his life as a runner, he who comes from a family of cyclists with his older brother Aurélien (29) and their sister Maeva, who celebrated his 26th birthday.

The two brothers. In addition. close in life and who were in the same team Decathlon-Ag2r until this winter, were first trained by their father, president of the VC of Annemasse, before entering the training center in Chambéry.

” Complex “ – Valentin paret-peintre, "gringalet" which become – Valentin paret-peintre, "gringalet" which become new

Valentin paret-peintre, valentin paret-peintre, “gringalet” which become new "gringalet" which become new

In a disturbing symbiosis. In addition. they have “Practically won the same races among young people”as Aurélien, winner for example of the Classic of the Alps Junior in 2013, reminds us, six years before “Le Petit”.

valentin paret-peintre. “gringalet” which become

But if their trajectories are alike, they have very different physique, the youngest being one of the lean of the peloton (1.72 m for only 58 kg).

Yet he eats a lot but could valentin paret-peintre, “gringalet” which become new not gain weight and he was able to suffer.

“It’s been a long time since he lives with it. he had this complex valentin paret-peintre, “gringalet” which become it’s clear. But he compensates for it by an incredible leader of the leader ”explains Alexandre Abel. his former coach for three years at AG2R who followed the stage from the Alps with the group that. prepares the Vuelta.

“With his gringalet side, it feels like he is fragile, but he knows what he wants so much. He is a leader in the soul, he insists. He had announced a little to some of the guys here that he was going to win one this week. We rather thought that he was going to go get that of La Plagne but it is even better. in the Ventoux. »»

The tour was not planned

“It’s really fantastic to win here on the legendary Mont valentin paret-peintre, “gringalet” which become new Ventoux”welcomes Jürgen Foré. the boss of Soudal Quick-Step.

Patrick Lefevere’s successor rents a “Big engine” with “the grinta of a great runner”. “With Valentin we have a promising valentin paret-peintre. “gringalet” which become young Frenchman, but also with Paul Magnier whose time will also come”he adds.

« VPP » Layed his suitcases at Soudal Quick-Step this winter and. even if he continues to live in Chambéry. it was a big change to leave Decathlon-Ag2r, his “Second family”.

“I was a little afraid of what I was going to find here. I was very well received ”he explains.

At the start, he came first to be the lieutenant of the Basque Mikel Landa on the Giro and did not feel to continue with the big loop.

“On the Tour de France, you have to be 110% of its means to be able to exist. If it is to let go when there are still 60 guys in the peloton. it is not beneficial for the team, or for me and my experience ”he said to AFP in January.

But a fracture at Coccyx in March at the Tour de Catalonia modifies its plans. Exit the Giro and place at the Tour, in the service of Remco Evenepoel. The abandonment of valentin paret-peintre, “gringalet” which become new the Belgian champion last week in the Tourmalet arrived like a blow for the whole valentin paret-peintre. “gringalet” which become team.

But he also released the wings of a young French man who knew how to take off on Wednesday to. become one of those giants who knew how to tame Mount Chauve.